Dr. Roy D. McAnnally

Dentists, orthodontists … what’s the difference?

2011-10-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Roy D. McAnnally started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. McAnnally decided to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So they stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a complete dental expert in Dr. McAnnally to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

5 tips to avoid plaque

2011-10-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

At Dr. Roy McAnnally's office, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth during orthodontic treatment, courtesy of WebMD.

Let’s start with brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, evading a trip to the dentist is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your general dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth while going through orthodontic treatment.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. McAnnally. If you have any questions, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Tackling sports injuries with Dr. McAnnally

2011-10-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

Dr. Roy McAnnally knows how important it is to protect your face while playing sports. The spring and summer months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. Dr. McAnnally and our team also know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. Another 67 percent admitted their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when playing sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer.

That’s why we are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. McAnnally will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. McAnnally is trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call or contact us on Facebook if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

2011-10-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

Happy October! For those who don't know, it’s National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Dr. Roy McAnnally and our team realize that this is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. McAnnally and other dental professionals in Bloomfield Hills, MI.

The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook, or ask Dr. McAnnally during your visit this month!

Dr. McAnnally answers your Invisalign questions

2011-09-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Dr. Roy McAnnally and our team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment at our office.

How exactly does Invisalign work?
Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?
Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?
One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?
We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I shouldn’t eat while in treatment?
You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?
We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?
Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?
As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How do I clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit the office during treatment?
For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. We will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

If you have additional questions about the Invisalign treatment, please give our office a call.

Orthodontic webisodes, from the AAO

2011-09-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

Dr. Roy D. McAnnally and his team would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment here at Dr. McAnnally's office, please give us a call.

Ask Dr. McAnnally: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

2011-09-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

Some people wonder why Bloomfield Hills orthodontist Dr. Roy McAnnally and our team work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly-aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Dr. McAnnally's office can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. McAnnally can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

20 things that can ruin your smile

2011-09-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

At Dr. Roy D. McAnnally's office, we know your smile is important. And we know you want to keep it sparkling and looking its very best. Recently, we came across an article that suggests at least 20 things can ruin that perfect smile you have.

These include:

- Sports drinks
- Bottled water
- Tobacco
- Wine
- Soft drinks
- Citrus and acidic foods

Dr. McAnnally and our team encourage you to read the rest of the article and ask us here on our blog or during your next visit to our convenient Bloomfield Hills office. For more tips or for general questions about your ongoing dental treatment, we invite you to ask Dr. McAnnally during your next visit! We also invite you to ask us on Facebook!

Emergency Care with Dr. McAnnally

2011-09-02T14:59:00.000-07:00

At Dr. Roy D. McAnnally's office, we know orthodontic emergencies are never convenient nor timely. If you are a patient of record, Dr. McAnnally and our team are committed to your dental health and are more than willing to see you after hours or over the weekend. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can’t take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem. If you have a orthodontic emergency after regular office hours, please give us a call. If you are calling us after hours, please follow the emergency prompts to learn how you may be able to solve the problem yourself, or, if you cannot, how to contact Dr. McAnnally and team.

Common issues include:

*Broken Brace
*Broken Wires
*Tie has come off of a Brace
*Loose Expander
*Poking Wire Tie
*Sharpness Felt on the Tongue Side of a Brace
*Loss of a Separator
*Initial Soreness
*Wire Poking

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you visit our office.

Breaking bad habits

2011-08-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

At Roy D. McAnnally, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. McAnnally.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. McAnnally if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact us or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

The Go-To Mom Talks Invisalign

2011-08-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

Our team at Dr. McAnnally's office found a great video that discusses the advantages of Invisalign. In the video, Kimberley Clayton Blaine, "The Go-To Mom," discusses the Invisalign and Invisalign Teen treatment and her personal experience with Invisalign.

To determine if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. McAnnally. Have a great week!

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen Special Offer

2011-08-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

An exciting opportunity has just arrived! Dr. Roy D. McAnnally has partnered with Invisalign and Groupon to offer a once in a lifetime discount on Invisalign and Invisalign Teen treatment.

This amazing deal will only be available Saturday, August 6th through Friday, August 12th. With this Groupon, your Invisalign exam, diagnostic photos & panoramic x-ray are only $39 ($300 value)! Plus, you will receive $1000 off your total Invisalign Full or Invisalign Teen treatment.

If you have ever wanted straight teeth without braces, today is the day to take action! Invisalign clear aligners are so easy to use and so discrete that no one even notices you’re in treatment. Please help us spread the word!

To participate, simply go to www.groupon.com and sign up for the Detroit deal of the day! Then purchase the Invisalign Groupon for our office anytime between August 6th – Aug 12th. The $39 Groupon can even be purchased as a gift for friends or family.

We also want to make sure you know that our office can work to find financing options that fit into any budget. We now offer $0 down and 0% financing options on most treatment plans.

Thank you for your commitment to our practice. We hope you, another family member or friend can benefit from this exciting news!

Dr. McAnnally Presents: Orthodontic Fun Facts

2011-08-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Dr. McAnnally's office thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.
• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).
• The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.
• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.
• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.
• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.
• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.
• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.
• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Smile wider, live longer, from Dr. McAnnally

2011-07-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

Folks with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Dr. McAnnally has known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Dr. McAnnally on a regular basis? If not, give us a call!

Summer fun with Dr. McAnnally

2011-07-15T16:51:00.000-07:00

It’s summer here at Dr. McAnnally's office, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hitting America’s open roads or just having fun in the backyard, Dr. McAnnally and our team want to hear all about it! Leave a comment on our Facebook fan page and tell us about your summer!

We also encourage you to post any photos from your adventures to our Facebook wall!

Happy travels!

How can Invisalign improve my oral health?

2011-07-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Dr. Roy McAnnally than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy Gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. McAnnally the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

The Office of Dr. McAnnally Asks: What are your 4th of July plans?

2011-06-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

This coming Monday, July 4th, is Independence Day and the United States of America will be turning 235 years old! It’s a day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and also a time for every American to pay homage to our soldiers, past and present, who have placed themselves in harm’s way so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.

Dr. McAnnally and team will be celebrating this Monday and we would like to know, what are your plans for the 4th of July? Will you be out in the sun? Have you stocked up on fireworks? Are you going to grill up your favorite summer foods? Are you staying in town or heading somewhere else? If you have a 4th of July tradition, we would love to hear about it.

Whatever you plan to do, Dr. McAnnally's office hopes you have a fun and safe holiday! Feel free to upload your 4th of July photos to our Facebook page and let us know how your Independence Day turned out this year.

Stay Cool with a Braces-Friendly Summer Treat!

2011-06-25T12:22:00.001-07:00

Summer is here! Kids and adults alike will now be spending more time outside being active and enjoying the hotter temperatures. And what’s better on a hot summer day than a delicious treat that will cool you down after doing something active in the summer sun? Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have just the thing, Watermelon Sorbet! You can find the complete recipe below:
Watermelon Sorbet
Ingredients
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 to 3 cups watermelon, diced, no seeds or rind
Directions
In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and lime juice on medium high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill this “syrup” at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, place the watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender and liquefy them. Add the chilled syrup to the watermelon puree and blend. Freeze sorbet in an ice-cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately.

Happy Summer from Dr. McAnnally & Team

Orthodontic Emergency Care with Dr. Roy McAnnally

2011-06-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment with Dr. Roy McAnnally.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with Dr. Roy McAnnally.

The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:

Poking Wire: Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.

Loose Bracket or Band: If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.

Loose Wire: Using a tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.

Loose Appliance: If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.

Headgear Does Not Fit: Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, headgear becomes more comfortable the more it's worn, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.

General Soreness: When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash.

Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.

Remember, after alleviating your discomfort, it is still very important that you call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.

June is National Smile Month!

2011-06-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

According to the American Dental Association, a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, which is why it's important for our team at Dr. Roy McAnnally's office to support National Smile Month this June.

Show off your pearly whites by posting your favorite smile photos on the wall of our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing what you share!

The benefits of straight teeth, from Dr. McAnnally

2011-06-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

Some people wonder why we work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to decay – and because they are easier to keep clean. Plaque can lead to cavities and can increase the risk of gum disease.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. McAnnally can help you decide whether you could benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Dr. McAnnally and team, wishing you a relaxing and memorable Memorial Day weekend

2011-05-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend is a time when Americans everywhere stop and remember all those men and women who bravely gave their lives for our country.

Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer 2011, and for many folks in Michigan, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the office or in the classroom means sweet, sweet relief. At the practice of Roy D. McAnnally, we also know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s a season of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hitting the great open roads or hanging out in your backyard this weekend, we want to know about it!

Have a nice and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

Dr. McAnnally supports National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

2011-05-17T14:04:00.001-07:00

Did you know the month of May is designated National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Ronald Reagan encouraged Americans to incorporate more physical activity into their lives, and the reminder is even more significant in this day and age, as kids everywhere are distracted more and more by television, social networking and video games. Kids living an active lifestyle can improve their health, productivity and overall well-being, and best of all? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these public health guidelines for your convenience. The guidelines call for children and teens to exercise for at least one hour each day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).

At Dr. McAnnally's office, we always encourage our patients to stay fit by exercising or participating in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection when playing sports. To learn more about how often your child should exercise, we recommend you check out this series of helpful articles about kids and exercise, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.org.

What, exactly, are wisdom teeth?

2011-05-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Wisdom teeth are a type of molar that is found in the very back of your mouth and are the last molars to develop. There are four wisdom teeth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. These teeth usually appear in late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. The removal of wisdom teeth has become so commonplace that it is almost a rite of passage for young adults.

Dr. McAnnally will tell you that when a tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and yes, even gum disease.

In addition to visiting our website with any questions you may have about wisdom teeth, our friends at WebMD have developed a helpful explanation about wisdom teeth and how they impact your health. Also, feel free to give us a call with any questions you have or ask us on Facebook!

May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month

2011-05-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

At Dr. Roy McAnnally's office, we know image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having braces may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. Well, May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and during this time, parents are encouraged to act as positive role models, help stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among teenagers.

One of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a free consultation! After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in for a consultation with Dr. McAnnally?

We proudly provide traditional braces, the Damon System and Invisalign Teen for today’s image-conscious teens.

We invite you to give us a call to schedule a free consultation or ask us on Facebook!

Flossing with braces, from Dr. Roy McAnnally

2011-04-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

Dr. Roy McAnnally will tell you that keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and could possibly reduce your treatment time.

Here is a very concise video explaining the proper way to floss your teeth with braces. Give Dr. Roy McAnnally a call if you have more questions about flossing. Enjoy!

Taking steps to reduce our environmental impact

2011-04-20T16:47:00.000-07:00

We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Earth Day is this Friday, April 22nd, and we thought this would a great time to discuss the things that Dr. McAnnally and our office does to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Did you know that we offer patients account access 24 hours a day, seven days a week? Our office has convenient and secure online services with Sesame 24-7™. Patients can receive appointment reminders through email or text messages. Since this information is submitted electronically, we eliminate the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials.

Dr. McAnnally and our team would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or you can also visit our Facebook page and post something on our wall.

Happy Earth Day!

Five tips to avoid plaque, from Dr. McAnnally

2011-04-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

Dr. Roy McAnnally and our team know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth, much less hearing the word 'plaque.' Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Let’s start with not brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is not flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth and braces clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Please let us know if you need any tips for flossing with braces!

Dr. McAnnally recommends that you visit your dentist every 6 months (or as recommended) for regular checkups. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. If you visit your dentist at least twice a year (in addition to visiting Dr. McAnnally) you will have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth.

Finally, before you pick that candy up, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and will help ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions, please give us a call or schedule an appointment!

Play it safe this spring, from Dr. Roy McAnnally

2011-04-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

With spring here, many children, teens and adults in Bloomfield Hills, MI will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Dr. Roy McAnnally and our dedicated team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Dr. Roy McAnnally. Stay safe and have fun!

The importance of a great smile, from Dr. McAnnally

2011-03-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

You can entrust your family's smiles to Dr. McAnnally because he is a trained, licensed specialist. A healthy, beautiful smile is a work of art. It is the work of an orthodontist.

And speaking of smiling, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Your smile says so much about you without saying a word. If you would like to schedule a FREE, no-obligation orthodontic examination, please give us a call!

You're Never Too Old to Treat Yourself to a New Smile!

2011-03-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

Did you know one in every five orthodontic patients is an adult? We’re living longer and technology is improving, making orthodontic treatment an appealing and safe option for patients of all ages. As the trend toward treatment later in life grows, we’re seeing braces on parents as well as children – and even adult celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Gwen Stefani and Nicholas Cage have shown off their braces. It’s never too late to look and feel your best with Dr. McAnnally!

Can Braces Work for Adults?

People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment with Dr. McAnnally. The physical process for moving teeth is the same, young or old, which means it’s never too late to address issues such as an overbite or underbite, crooked or crowded teeth, or jaw disorders.

How Do I Get Started?

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, we’ll make a consultation appointment with you. During this meeting we will perform a general assessment of your oral health, discuss options for treatment, and answer any questions you may have. We will also discuss matters of cost and insurance. The next step is an orthodontic records appointment in which we take x-rays, photos, and an impression of your teeth. This information drives your unique treatment plan.

What Are the Benefits?

Straightening your teeth can improve your smile, your self-esteem, and your dental health. Technologically advanced new treatments make it easier to identify the option that best fits your lifestyle. Modern techniques and materials have made braces and aligners more effective, comfortable and unobtrusive than ever.

If you think you might benefit from orthodontic treatment, give us a call, so we may set up a consultation to determine what type of treatment best meets your needs.

What Will YOUR Smile Look Like After Orthodontic Treatment?

2011-03-18T14:41:00.001-07:00

It is sometimes hard to believe the transformation your smile undergoes during orthodontic treatment. Dr. McAnnally loves to see our patients’ smiles light up when they see their new smile in the mirror for the first time. For those of you who haven’t yet started or finished your orthodontic treatment with Dr. McAnnally, have you ever wondered what your new smile might look like after treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO for short, has recently launched a new tool called “Virtual Smiles”, which shows what your smile might look like after orthodontic treatment. Using the tool will also earn you a free orthodontic consultation coupon, which can be redeemed at our office by yourself, a family member or friend.

Check out the Virtual Smiles tool, and call us to get started on improving your smile today!

Foods to Avoid During Your Orthodontic Treatment

2011-03-11T15:41:00.000-08:00

There are a variety of foods Dr. Roy McAnnally suggests you to avoid while you're wearing braces. Some foods can occasionally damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or even break the brackets on your braces. If you’re wearing braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch tend to cause plaque, cavities and even tooth decay.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods you should avoid include:

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Also, chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give Dr. McAnnally a call or ask our staff during your next visit.

The benefit of braces, from Dr. McAnnally

2011-03-03T18:02:00.001-08:00

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. McAnnally will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Is your child nearing their seventh birthday?

2011-02-26T15:34:00.000-08:00

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. McAnnally for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. McAnnally to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at Dr. McAnnally's office to schedule an appointment.

Looking for a delicious braces-friendly winter dessert? We’ve got a great recipe!

2011-02-17T15:46:00.000-08:00

You have braces, and you’re probably wondering what to eat. You can’t have gum, popcorn or other delicious but braces-unfriendly foods. But fear not! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have a delicious recipe that will satisfy both your sugar craving and hunger when the weather gets cold.

Apple Bombolini

Ingredients:

Rustic dough
• 9 ounces cake flour (about 3 cups)
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch sea salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into large pieces
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoon cold water

Apple sauce filling
• 4 Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 vanilla bean, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

Diced apples
• 4 Granny Smith apples
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• ½ lemon, juiced

Directions:

For the dough: In a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, add the dry ingredients and mix for 5 seconds to blend. Add the butter and vanilla and mix until the butter is about the size of peas. Add the cold water and blend until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a roughly shaped ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

Applesauce filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Put the apples with the rest of the ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat, and cook until the apples are very soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool, and refrigerate.

Diced apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into large slices. Toss with the sugar, vanilla and lemon juice and set aside.

Assemble the bomboloni: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll out to1/4-inch thick round. Cut into 6-inch rounds. Place about 1/4 cup of the Apple Sauce Filling onto the center of each round. Top with a few pieces of the Diced Apples. Pull the sides up towards the center to form a bundle, pinching the dough together towards top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour before baking

Bake the bombolonis: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Remove the bombolonis from the refrigerator and place them on a greased or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Makes 5 servings.

Dr. Roy D. McAnnally, helping tackle sports injuries

2011-02-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when participating in organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why our team at Dr. Roy D. McAnnally is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. McAnnally will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field this spring. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. McAnnally is trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment here.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

2011-02-03T16:51:00.000-08:00

Each February for the past 61 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. New options for braces such as Invisalign, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.

If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Dr. McAnnally is available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited us lately? Give us a call and schedule an appointment!

Prioritize your oral health with regular checkups!

2011-01-26T10:13:00.000-08:00

Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Dr. McAnnally's office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the greater Bloomfield, MI area!

Dr. McAnnally gives back to our Bloomfield Hills community

2011-01-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

Dr. Roy McAnnally and our team believe that is important to support the higher education of individuals within our Bloomfield Hills community. Dr. McAnnally values education, and has received a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, among other degrees from the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas. As an orthodontic practice, we have offered both Everett Institute and New York University students the opportunity to job shadow at our office. Dr. McAnnally has allowed these dental and orthodontic students to observe some of our processes for lab work, sterilizing, and assisting. We have been very impressed with the work ethic of the students that have observed Dr. McAnnally and our team.

For more information about Dr. McAnnally, and orthodontic treatment options at our practice, please give us a call!

Don’t leave money on the table!

2011-01-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

Dr. Roy McAnnally and team would like to give those patients with flex dollars, health savings accounts, or insurance benefits a friendly beginning of the year reminder that it's high time to schedule your orthodontic visits so you optimize your 2011 benefit.

Give us a call today to get in for your complimentary, no-obligation dentofacial and orthodontic clinical examinations! Dr. McAnnally specializes in Invisalign, The Damon System, management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and sleep apnea.

Happy New Year!

-Your friends at the practice of Dr. McAnnally

Connect with the Braces Brigade!

2010-12-27T16:45:00.000-08:00

At the practice of Dr. Roy D. McAnnally, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take of their oral health and appliances.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast share the experiences with braces and discuss their path to attaining straight, beautiful and healthy smiles.

Our team at encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your orthodontic treatment with Dr. McAnnally!

This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

2010-12-22T13:19:00.000-08:00

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at the office of Dr. Roy McAnnally believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy Holidays, from your friends at the office of Dr. Roy McAnnally

Write a review for Dr. Roy McAnnally!

2010-12-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

From your very first visit to Dr. Roy McAnnally our doctors and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Have you had a great experience at our office?

Share your story with the world!

Just select the “Write a Review” button to write a review on our Google Place Page. We look forward to receiving your feedback!

Thank you,

-Dr. McAnnally and team

What are patients saying about Dr. Roy McAnnally?

2010-12-08T15:06:00.000-08:00

Dr. McAnnally and team, serving Bloomfield Hills, deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment. We make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"Dr. McAnnally and his staff are out of this world! Dr. McAnnally and his staff are always all smiles and so friendly! Most of the time I am lead to be seated before I can even finish checking in at the front desk. Dr. McAnnally's assistant orthodontists all are SO nice and friendly."

"My Invisalign experience was wonderful, painless and only took one year! I had already known of Dr. McAnnally's good reputation and found the office to be very accommodating, professional, and courteous."

"Hey Dr. McAnnally! Why do you recommend retainers?"

2010-12-02T10:21:00.000-08:00

If you recently completed treatment at the practice of Dr. Roy McAnnally, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. McAnnally will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. McAnnally is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

Here are some things to remember when you receive your retainers:
* Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Wearing your retainers at night ensures that your pearly whites won’t relapse.
* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.
* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.
* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.
* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).

We hope this helps! You can always contact our team if you have any questions!

A Season to Give Thanks

2010-11-24T11:14:00.001-08:00

Dr. McAnnally and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great Thanksgiving food.

We are very thankful for all of our patients and their families. We'd like to know, what are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Invisalign is your clear alternative to braces [Video]

2010-11-20T12:10:00.000-08:00

Dr. Roy McAnnally, your Michigan Invisalign provider, specializes in teen and adult orthodontic treatment. The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our convenient Bloomfield Hills office. For more information about Invisalign, watch this short patient video.

Don't hesitate to give Dr. McAnnally a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation at our office.

What do you enjoy most about Bloomfield Hills in the fall?

2010-11-12T15:05:00.001-08:00

It’s fall here for us at the office of Dr. Roy McAnnally, a time when the leaves change colors, the air becomes crisp, and families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within our Bloomfield Hills community. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Thanks to technology, you can relax with Michigan orthodontist Dr. McAnnally

2010-11-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

It used to be that people were terrified to see the orthodontist. And Dr. McAnnally understands that some patients are still nervous. But fear not! The days of fear and loathing when driving to an orthodontist appointment are gone! And it’s all due to technology. That’s right, technology has allowed orthodontists everywhere to zero in on patient care and comfort.

For example, braces are much more comfortable and the treatment time has been reduced. With Invisalign, no one even has to know that you are wearing braces! In addition, the advances in the orthodontic field have permitted digital photos and X-rays of your mouth, patient charting and improved communications between doctor and patient.

If you have any questions about how Dr. McAnnally uses state-of-the-art technology, give us a call and ask!

Ask Dr. McAnnally: Who can benefit from braces?

2010-10-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

Braces aren’t are no longer just for pre-adolescents and Dr. McAnnally will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Visit our website to learn how you can set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

A few patient reviews for Dr. McAnnally and team

2010-10-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Dr. McAnnally, serving Bloomfield Hills, MI and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients had to say about Dr. McAnnally and team when they were asked, "What do you like best about your orthodontist?"

"I was very impressed with Dr. McAnnally. He took the time to explain the pros and cons of my son's teeth for now and in the future. I made an excellent choice when choosing a facility." ~Brandon

"I have never experienced better service with any other healthcare professional." ~Thamer

"His timelyness and his skill. He is a true artist and every smile ends up being a work of art." ~Annette

Halloween Safety Tips, from Dr. McAnnally

2010-10-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. McAnnally would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give Dr. McAnnally and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

A braces-friendly recipe, in celebration of National Orthodontic Health Month!

2010-10-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Dr. Roy McAnnally and our team know how tempting this time of the year can be for your sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we know that it can sometimes be hard to find hard candy alternatives.

However, there is good news! Today, we would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman. This Spider Bites recipe is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this is a cookie that won’t bite back!

Spider Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 1 Tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa
• 1 Tsp. salt
• ½ Tsp. baking powder
• 1 package black rope licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces**
• 1 small tube of white (or color of choice) frosting
• Toothpicks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add eggs into the mixture and blend. Slowly mix in flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder using low-medium speed. Drop tablespoon helpings of mixture onto ungreased cookie sheets and roll each helping into a ball.

Bake 9 minutes at 375 degrees. The batch should produce around three dozen cookies.

Let cookies cool for about 10 minutes. Then using a toothpick, create four small holes in either side of the cookie. Still using the toothpick, push one end of a piece of the cut licorice into each hole, creating the “legs” of the spider. Once all eight pieces are in place, create eyes or decorate at will using the white frosting. Then eat and enjoy!

**Licorice can sometimes stick to braces; parents should monitor

Ask Dr. McAnnally: What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

2010-09-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Dr. McAnnally than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.
Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. McAnnally the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Kids getting braces at a younger age

2010-09-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

You may have once heard that braces were considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. McAnnally to assess what the best age for treatment is.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

Dr. Roy D. McAnnally, supporting Moms for Mouth Guards

2010-09-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

Hey, Moms! Have you signed the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge?

Here at Dr. McAnnally's office, we care about your pearly whites, and we want to help keep you protected from sports injuries that can be damaging to your beautiful smile. As a way of ensuring that children are using proper facial protection equipment, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontics have introduced the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Dr. Roy McAnnally will tell you that mouth guards are vital to protecting your teeth from sports related injuries while participating in sports, such as football, soccer, baseball, hockey and basketball, just to name a few. The Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge is a way for moms nationwide to make a commitment to protecting their children’s smile from facial injuries.

We’ve discussed the importance of using facial protection in the past. Today, we thought we’d invite moms to take action by visiting the Moms for Mouth Guards website and taking the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Have a safe week everyone!

Smile, and you might just live longer!

2010-09-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

Folks with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Dr. McAnnally has known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Dr. Roy D. McAnnally on a regular basis? If not, give us a call!

Why do you choose Dr. McAnnally and team?

2010-08-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

From your very first visit to Dr. Roy D. McAnnally our doctor and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by the work of Dr. McAnnally? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review here. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,

-Dr. McAnnally and team

Thanks to Invisalign® with Dr. McAnnally, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

2010-08-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Dr. McAnnally's office can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Dr. McAnnally is a perennial member of Align Technology’s Century Club, an honorary membership bestowed annually upon the 100 largest Invisalign providers in the world. Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Ask Dr. McAnnally: What’s so bad about nail biting?

2010-08-10T16:27:00.000-07:00

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Dr. Roy McAnnally found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affects your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:

• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?

Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Dr. McAnnally or visit this article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit.

Good luck!

Your friends at Dr. Roy McAnnally

Are you thinking about a better smile? Dr. McAnnally can help!

2010-08-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

Have you been thinking about orthodontic treatment with Dr. McAnnally? Today, our team at Dr. Roy D. McAnnally wanted to share this great video with you about our orthodontic practice and some of our core values and treatment options. Give us a call today to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Roy D. McAnnally!

Have a great week,

-Dr. Roy D. McAnnally

Thanks to Invisalign®, moms and dads can have a great smile without wearing braces!

2010-07-27T15:42:00.000-07:00

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, our team at Dr. Roy McAnnally DDS can help! Dr. McAnnally is specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign. In fact, Dr. McAnnally is a perennial member of Align Technology’s Century Club, an honorary membership bestowed annually upon the 100 largest Invisalign providers in the world.

Invisalign treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Please give us a call at 248-647-0696 to set up a FREE, no-obligation consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

What makes braces so cool?

2010-07-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

Today, braces are seen as “cool” and in many cases, “fun.” These were among the findings presented in a 2010 nationwide survey of mothers whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as Invisalign and the Damon System, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities sporting braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s kids.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their child’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Has your child visited the office of Dr. Roy McAnnally for a FREE, no-obligation examination? If not, please give us a call at 248-282-7298 and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Enjoy your weekend!

Tell us: what's on your summer reading list?

2010-07-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

With summer here, some of us at Dr. Roy McAnnally's office have been thinking increasingly about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development - and it's fun!

What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff (and Dr. McAnnally would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian here in Bloomfield Hiils for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading!

Share your Fourth of July plans with us!

2010-06-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

This upcoming Sunday - which happens to be Independence Day - Dr. Roy McAnnally and our staff will celebrate our nation's 234th birthday. For most folks, the Fourth of July is a chance to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary of the signing of America's Declaration of Independence. It's also a time for people to pay homage to all our soldiers, past, present and future - who lost their lives in battle - and the brave servicemen (and women) who continue to place themselves in danger every day so that we may enjoy our freedoms.

Today, we thought we'd ask: what are your Fourth of July weekend plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? Picnic? Hitting the great American open roads with family? Having fun in the sun?

If you're planning on using fireworks, Dr. McAnnally and team want to stress that you be extra careful! We want you to exercise caution if you'll be out swimming, playing sports or lighting fireworks.

Whatever you might be doing over Independence Day weekend, our entire staff hope you have a great week and a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend! We encourage you to give us a call at 248-647-0696 for more summer safety tips.

How does Invisalign work? [Video]

2010-06-25T14:16:00.000-07:00

"How does Invisalign treatment really work?" you may have asked yourself recently. To find out how Invisalign treatment at the office of Dr. Roy McAnnally manages to straighten teeth without using braces at all? The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our convenient Bloomfield Hills office. Dr. McAnnally is your Michigan provider, proudly offering Invisalign for teens and adults. We also have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call at 248-647-0696 to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Dr. McAnnally is a perennial member of Align Technology’s Century Club, an honorary membership bestowed annually upon the 100 largest Invisalign providers in the world.

Happy Friday and have a GREAT weekend all!

What are happy patients saying about Dr. McAnnally and our staff?

2010-06-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

Our entire team at the office of Roy D. McAnnally, serving Bloomfield Hills and surrounding communities, just LOVE getting patient testimonials! We've received a bunch lately and thought we'd share a few of them! Enjoy your weekend everybody!

"They treat you with care, they don't have you waiting for a long time and they are very organized. They also are very friendly and will have conversations with you to allow you to warm up to them." ~ Kendall O.

"Dr. McAnnally is very qualified and has a wonderful reputation for his superior work." ~ Phasefanie O.

"The entire staff - including Dr. McAnnally - are awesome." ~ Garbrielle K.

"What I like best about my orthodontist is when I ask a question, they answer in a way that I can understand." ~ Isaac R.

"Dr. McAnnally is very nice and always makes me feel comfortable when I go in for my appointments. He always explains the procedures that he will be doing and answers any questions that I may have." ~ Carolyn H.

Oh no! Cavities!

2010-06-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

At the office of Dr. Roy McAnnally, we know that no patient of ours wants to hear the word "cavity" when they visit our office or their dentist. But what exactly is a cavity and how do people get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities during your treatment with Dr. McAnnally:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (try to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning/check-up

We hope this helps! Give us a call for more info about your oral health or your treatment with Dr. McAnnally!

Sleep disorders and treatment options in Michigan - Dr. Roy McAnnally

2010-06-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

Dr. McAnnally knows sleep disorders are fairly common, with around 50- to 70 million Americans being affected by some type chronic sleep disorder, with some of these unfortunately progressing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep among many other health problems. Snoring is one of the most easily identified symptoms, and as it worsens it can lead to full airway blockage while you sleep, which can severely disrupt your sleep patterns.

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that, if left untreated, can lead to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart failure and stroke. It may also take a toll on your overall energy level, as sleep apnea causes an ongoing state of fatigue.

There are several different approaches to sleep apnea treatment we'd like you to know about, including:

• Surgery to the jaws or airway tissue to open the airway. This is typically only used in the most severe cases.
• Continuous airway pressure therapy which involves a mask and machine (CPAP machine) to keep your throat muscles and tissue open while sleeping
• Oral appliance therapy, a less intrusive method involving a customized oral device that positions your jaw in a favorable position to keep your airway open while you sleep.

If you suspect that you may suffer from a sleep disorder or sleep apnea, give us a call at 248-282-7298. We hope you have a fantastic rest of the week!

Dr. McAnnally and team, wishing you a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend

2010-05-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend is almost here, and for many of our patients, getting out of town or relaxing for three days after months and months of school or work spells sweet relief. At the office of Dr. Roy McAnnally, we know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s unofficially the start of summer 2010 and time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories with parents or friends.

What about you?

Whether you're headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or hitting Michigan's open roads this weekend, Dr. McAnnally and team would love to hear all about it!

Dr. McAnnally shares a few Invisalign® tips

2010-05-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

Many people know that Invisalign is a fantastic solution to traditional braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, however, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively.

Regular (and exceptional) oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. McAnnally wants you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at the office of Dr. McAnnally, give us a call! Dr. McAnnally is a perennial member of Align Technology’s Century Club, an honorary membership bestowed annually upon the 100 largest Invisalign providers in the world.

May 10th is National Clean Up Your Room Day!

2010-05-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

For parents, today - National Clean Up Your Room Day - is a day of opposition. As kids pile up the amount of stuff in their room over the course of a year (or, sometimes, years), parents all around Bloomfield Hills are happy to see this day finally arrive (many even circle it on their calendars).

Today is a great day to grab those plastic bags and Febreze and clean those messy rooms! Our staff at the office of Dr. Roy McAnnally came across an interesting article on parents working together with their teens to maintain a clean living environment and think you'll enjoy it as well!

Happy Monday and happy cleaning!

Fun facts with Dr. McAnnally!

2010-05-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

Dr. McAnnally and our staff know our patients love fun facts. Hey, who doesn't? The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at the office of Dr. Roy McAnnally thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

10 kids' health issues to watch in 2010

2010-04-30T15:42:00.000-07:00

Would you believe it, it's almost May! This is a great time for Dr. McAnnally and staff to remind our parents about the various kids' health issues and how you can avoid them. In late 2009, KidsHealth.org published its annual list of “10 Kids’ Health Issues to Watch” this year and what they mean to you.

They include:

• Earliest Signs of Autism Identified in Babies

• Obesity and Kids: What Parents Should Understand

• Many Kids Missing Out on CHIP Benefits

• H1N1 Flu Pandemic Affecting Kids the Hardest

• Texting & Driving: Just Say No

• The Importance of Vitamin D

• The Toll of Constant Social Networking

• The Impact on Concussions

• Pregnancy, STDs Increasing Among U.S. Teens

and...

• Smoking: Good News and Bad News

Dr. McAnnally and our staff encourage you to read the entire article in its entirety! Have a fun and great weekend!

This Earth Day, are you making a difference? From Dr. Roy McAnnally

2010-04-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Whether lending a helping hand to plant trees or grasses or getting out to volunteer in Bloomfield Hills, today is your opportunity to get started in making your impact year-round. Did you make a difference today? Tell us, were you involved in any Earth Day-related projects? How long have you participated in helping our planet?

Earth Day, designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment, marks its 40th anniversary today. Our staff at the office of Dr. Roy McAnnally support Earth Day, which was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970 and is observed every April 22nd on virtually every country on Earth.

If you’d like to join the millions of people who are making small but important changes to help sustain our fragile ecosystem, try these helpful environmental tips, courtesy of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA.

April is National Facial Protection Month, from Dr. Roy McAnnally

2010-04-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

With spring here, many children, teens and adults in Bloomfield Hills will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Dr. McAnnally and our dedicated team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field.

According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year. Simply enough, that's unacceptable.

We hope the video helps. Dr. McAnnally will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our office. Stay safe and have fun!

Ask Dr. McAnnally: What can I expect during my consultation?

2010-04-09T14:43:00.000-07:00

When you first come in for your consultation, Dr. Roy McAnnally will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you.

Your orthodontic evaluation will consist of an oral and facial examination to assess your oral health. Dr. McAnnally will have you take intraoral and facial photographs, as well as panoramic and cephalometric x-rays to help determine the proper orthodontic treatment method. Then, an impression of your teeth and bite will be taken to construct a model of your mouth.

At your second appointment, Dr. McAnnally will discuss your options with you. Our team feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that Dr. McAnnally can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment at the office of Roy D. McAnnally.

If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, our staff ask that both you and your son or daughter attend the initial consultation. We feel it is important that both you and your child completely understand Dr. McAnnally’s recommendations before we proceed with treatment.

Give us a call at 248-647-0696 and schedule a consultation! Dr. McAnnally and our staff look forward to hearing from you!

Dr. McAnnally discusses the importance of retainers

2010-03-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

If you recently completed treatment at the office of Dr. McAnnally, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Roy McAnnally will provide—or has provided you—with retainers.

After braces are removed, Dr. McAnnally knows teeth have the ability to shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. McAnnally is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with Dr. McAnnally, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Tell Dr. McAnnally what’s on your mind!

2010-03-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

At this point, you, our great patients and readers, probably know how this works, right? Each week, our creative team at the office of Dr. Roy McAnnally blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques Dr. McAnnally offers.

This week, however, our team thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. McAnnally for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

The Damon™ System advantage with Dr. McAnnally

2010-03-15T12:26:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Dr. Roy McAnnally returned from the Damon Forum in Arizona, where Dwight Damon (the inventor of the Damon Bracket System), has released the NEW Damon Clear Bracket. Dr. McAnnally and our dedicated team are pleased to offer our patients The Damon® System. Damon braces allow your teeth to move more comfortably and easily than traditional braces. Thanks to these innovative new braces, achieving your perfect smile will be faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

You're probably thinking, "All right, Dr. McAnnally. Give me the specifics on how Damon braces are an advantage."

Time-Saving

Damon's innovative technology of self-ligating braces saves you time in orthodontic treatment. The Damon system allows for fewer trips to our offices, as well as faster movement of your teeth than with traditional braces. The light forces applied by Damon braces are "biologically compatible" meaning that they work with your body for gentler and quicker tooth movement.

Comfortable

Damon System braces have a unique slide mechanism that allows Dr. McAnnally to use far lighter forces to move teeth to their correct positions. That makes your treatment not only shorter, but it is also far more comfortable.

Because of its unique sliding door, the Damon bracket allows us to use high-tech, light-force wires to achieve tooth movement. This means less pressure on your teeth for more comfortable treatment. Not every orthodontist uses Damon self-ligating braces. The reason Dr. McAnnally does is simple: it means your experience in uncovering your radiant new smile will be more comfortable and convenient than ever.

To learn more about the Damon System, or to schedule a consultation wiith Dr. McAnnally, please give us a call.

Ask Dr. McAnnally: Am I too old for braces?

2010-03-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

There's a fascinating new statistic out there, according to a recent article: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago! In fact, did you know one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21?

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. While orthodontic treatment is often associated with teens, adults in treatment with Dr. Roy McAnnally can achieve amazing results for adult patients. With treatments such as Invisalign®, you can have your teeth straightened less noticeably. Orthodontic treatment at the office of Roy D. McAnnally can be successful at any age, and Dr. McAnnally knows adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. McAnnally and our entire team would love to have you visit for a consultation. Give us a call to set one up! Have a great weekend!

Ten tips to make your braces sparkle, from Dr. McAnnally

2010-03-05T13:34:00.000-08:00

Dr. McAnnally knows keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Dr. McAnnally at the annual Damon Forum in Scottsdale, AZ!

2010-02-24T08:19:00.000-08:00

Dr. Roy D. McAnnally just returned from the Damon Forum in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is an annual conference where all doctors who use the Damon System get together and talk about the latest advancements in the exciting field of orthodontia.

This year, Dwight Damon (the inventor of the Damon Bracket System), has released the NEW Damon Clear Bracket. This is truly one of the biggest advancements in orthodontic technology.

Call us today to find out how you can receive the smile you have always wanted

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™

2010-02-19T16:48:00.000-08:00

Dr. McAnnally knows image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! The team thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

For many teens, Invisalign Teen offers a trouble-free, clear alternative to traditional braces; and not only that, but it offers them the chance to have straight teeth without losing self-confidence!

So how does Invisalign Teen work? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

Access your account—any day, any time—at Roy D. McAnnally

2010-02-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at the office of Roy D. McAnnally enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—on our web site. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just see what some of our patients are saying about this innovative service:

"Appointment reminders. Balance information." ~ Ian S.

"It is very clear to navigate and has given me a clear presentation of how much I have paid over the years for services with my family orthodontic service." ~ Thamer B.

"Allowed me to watch my Invisalign treatment in the comfort of my home." ~ Annette L.

"This office blows all of my other offices away. The technology usage is head and shoulders above any experience I've had with any doctors office." ~ David S.

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions!

Tackling sports injuries with Dr. McAnnally

2010-02-03T15:48:00.000-08:00

Dr. McAnnally known sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when participating in organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why the office of Dr. McAnnally is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards.

Did you know mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available? Over-the-counter versions may cost as little as $5, although custom-fit mouth guards offer greater protection. Dr. McAnnally can recommend the best mouth guard for you. In addition, the AAO has four quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at the office of Dr. McAnnally.

What are patients saying about Roy D. McAnnally?

2010-01-26T06:59:00.000-08:00

The office of Roy D. McAnnally, serving Bloomfield Hills and surrounding communities, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. McAnnally and team! If you've got a review you'd like to share with us, please visit our Google Local page!

"He's extremely current in the latest developments in his field. He's also a very kind gentleman." ~ Julia C.

"He took time to explain everything and how he could make my smile better. I didn't feel like I was being pushed as I had in the past with other orthodontist." ~ Josie D.

"Your office is very personal, knowledgeable and accommodating." ~ Paige K.

"The entire staff—including Dr. McAnnally—are awesome." ~ Gabrielle K.

Dr. McAnnally and team want to know: What are you up to in January?

2010-01-22T08:01:00.000-08:00

BRRRR! It may still be chilly outside (36 degrees today!), but can you believe we’re only a couple of months away from spring? Dr. McAnnally and our team want to know: What are you doing in January? What have you accomplished this year? Are you keeping up with your New Year’s Resolution? Any big mid-winter break plans? Anything exciting going on in your life?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or call our office and ask how! Have a great rest of the week!

Ask Dr. McAnnally: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

2010-01-13T08:38:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, Dr. McAnnally says. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next Dr. McAnnally uses special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. McAnnally is a perennial member of Align Technology’s Century Club, an honorary membership bestowed annually upon the 100 largest Invisalign providers in the world. He is the #1 Invisalign provider in the Midwest including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, western Pennsylvania and his home state of Michigan. He currently ranks among the top ten most experienced Invisalign providers in the world.

If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 248-647-0696.

Dr. McAnnally wants to know: What puts you at ease at our office?

2010-01-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

Dr. McAnnally understands not everyone is thrilled to see their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about our office that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment or our friendly staff?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

A few helpful webisodes about orthodontics, from Dr. Roy McAnnally

2009-12-30T13:59:00.001-08:00

Dr. McAnnally and his team would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO.

There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment in our office, please give us a call.

When should you call Dr. McAnnally?

2009-12-23T14:10:00.000-08:00

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. McAnnally and team. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call as soon as possible!

Happy holidays!

Dr. McAnnally and team want to know: What do you love about the holidays?

2009-12-16T16:22:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is upon us, and as Dr. McAnnally and his team reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask: What’s your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--From Dr. McAnnally and team

Patient reviews for Dr. McAnnally

2009-12-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

Dr. McAnnally and his team deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment. They make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what their patients have to say!

"The office atmosphere was nice and comfortable. I felt very at ease with the experience so far. Very well run and great people to work with." ~ David S.

"I was very impressed with Dr. McAnnally. He took the time to explain the pros and cons of my son's teeth for now and in the future. I made an excellent choice when choosing a facility." ~ Brandon B.

"Dr. McAnnally is very qualified and has a wonderful reputation for his superior work." ~ Phasefanie O.

"His timeliness and his skill. He is a true artist and every smile ends up being a work of art." ~ Annette L.

How long will your treatment last? Dr. McAnnally Explains

2009-12-01T11:43:00.000-08:00

Treatment time ranges widely from less than 6 months to more than six years, Dr. McAnnally says. Interceptive or early treatment procedures may take as few as six months. Complex skeletal malocclusions or "bad bites" associated with skeletal imbalances and poor facial growth patterns may benefit from multiphase treatments beginning in the mixed dentition at an early age and continuing to maturity. A good guiding principal is "Do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done without regard to time." Many of the best treatment outcomes begin in the mixed dentition and extend to maturity.

Treatment extended over long periods of time need not be continuous. Rest periods need to be interspersed during which minimal or no appliances are being worn. Periodic observations during rest periods commonly occur near the end of the mixed dentition from ages10 to 11 1/2 while the last of the primary teeth are lost and exchanged for permanent teeth.

Treatment time also varies with the severity of the patient's problems, the biological response to treatment, and the patient's compliance during treatment. Factors affecting treatment time include the patient's skeletal, dental, and emotional maturation and the development of the dental arches, jaws and face. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from original estimates. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or appliances, maintenance of good oral hygiene, and periodic appointments at the doctor's recommended intervals are important factors in achieving the most effective and efficient treatment outcome.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

A great braces-friendly fall recipe! From Dr. McAnnally

2009-11-23T16:17:00.000-08:00

Fall is here, and sometimes Dr. McAnnally and team just feel like a hot delicious meal is in order. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) fall dish that is sure to delight. Remember, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Pasta Pomodorini
Ingredients:
•¾ pound spaghetti or spaghetti
•¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
•¼ cup sliced garlic
•½ teaspoon finely minced Calabrian chilies, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
•1 pint small cherry tomatoes, stems removed, crushed between your thumb and forefinger
•Sea salt, preferably gray salt
•½ cup fresh basil leaves, each torn into 2 or 3 pieces
•Wedge of Parmesan cheese

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta. While the pasta cooks, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook until the slivers are golden brown and crisp, then add the chilies and cook for about 30 seconds. Raise the heat to high and add the tomatoes. Simmer briskly to soften the tomatoes and thicken the juices, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. When the pasta is al dente, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the warm pot off the heat. Add the sauce and the basil and mix well. Add some of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and grate Parmesan over the top to taste. Drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Enjoy this great fall dish and have a great week!
--From Dr. McAnnally and staff

Dr. McAnnally and team want to know: What are you up to in November?

2009-11-17T08:08:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before you go celebrating, Dr. McAnnally and team want to know: What are you doing this month? Anything exciting happening in your life? If so, we'd love to hear all about it!

You can share your stories with us here, on our social networks or by giving us a call! Have a great rest of the week!

Preparing for Cold and Flu Season, from Dr. McAnnally

2009-11-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

Traditionally cold and flu season starts in Fall, but this year it seems to have started much earlier and with the number of patients canceling appointments because of flu and H1N1 symptoms our office is taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of germs.

To promote a healthy clean environment, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Stay healthy!

--Dr. McAnnally and team

Parsley and Other Ways To Brighten Your Smile, From Dr. McAnnally

2009-11-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

At our office, we typically see lots of patients concerned about their bad breath. So we want to educate you about what you can do to really keep your chompers clean and breath minty fresh!

Naturally, good oral hygiene is the first step. With proper brushing and regular dental checkups you can keep bad breath (halitosis) in check.

Certain foods, medications, smoking, sinus issues, or even gum disease cause most bad breath. If the stink lingers for longer than 24 hours, you should give us a call! It might be something more serious, like dehydration, zinc deficiency, diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure, or even certain kinds of cancers!

In the meantime, here are some home remedies to keep you smiling bright from Dr. McAnnally and team.

--Spice Up Your Life
Snack on some cloves, fennel, or anise after each particularly odorous snack.
--Don’t forget the tongue
Lots of people brush their teeth regularly, but leave the tongue alone. One of the main causes of bad breath is food and plaque residue on the surface of your tongue. So give it a nice gentle brush-over too!
--Watch your drinking habits
The worst options are coffee, wine, whiskey, and beer.
--Frequent brushing
Carry a toothbrush with you so brushing after each meal is convenient and refreshing! Trust us, you’ll love the way it makes you feel. If you can’t brush, still swish around a couple sips of water to remove any lingering food.
--Make your own Gargle
Gargling with a home mixture of sage, calendula, and myrrh gum extracts four times a day should ward off that bad breath potential.
--Parsley’s there for a reason
Finish your parsley after you finish your dinner and you’ll find a refreshing breath enhancer. Hate the texture? Throw a couple sprigs in a blender to sip after each meal.
--Sugarless Gum
Always a good idea to carry some mints or sugarless gum for that quick spruce up before you meet the boss.
--Don’t cut that cheese
The stronger the cheese, the stinkier your breath can become. Think about blue cheese and Roquefort? They really get the party started in your mouth and it’s hard to make them leave!

Hope this helps! Please contact us if you have any questions.

--Dr. McAnnally and staff