EASY, FAST, BRACES-FRIENDLY RECIPE

WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup good quality white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate 
• 1/2 cup plus 1/3 chilled heavy whipping cream divided
• Fresh berries for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

• Place white chocolate chips and 1/3 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is completely smooth. Transfer to a medium sized bowl. Allow to sit at room temperature until the mixture has cooled and thickened slightly, stirring occasionally, about 20-30 minutes (the mixture should not be warm at all).
• In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat 1/2 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. The mixture should be completely smooth and creamy. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Serve with fresh berries.

Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 

Are Braces Causing My Bad Breath?

We understand bad breath can be uncomfortable to talk about but unfortunately it happens to most people. The important thing to do if you’re experiencing bad breath (or know someone who is) is to determine the root of the problem. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by poor oral hygiene, personal habits such as smoking or eating certain foods, or medical problems. The most common factor for bad breath in patients at Quest Johnson Orthodontics is almost certainly caused by poor oral hygiene.

After getting braces, new patients may develop bad breath from not cleaning their teeth correctly. Brushing your teeth is simply not enough, especially when you wear braces. Bacteria feeds on food particles left in your mouth, and this bacterium creates odor. It’s important to remember to brush, floss, and use mouthwash as tiny bits of food can get stuck in brackets or between teeth which can contribute to bad breath.

Because braces contain so many small spaces to trap food, the habits that worked great for cleaning your teeth before braces may no longer be enough. It's important to brush immediately after every meal or snack or to at least vigorously rinse your teeth with water or mouthwash if you absolutely can't brush. Bad breath-causing odors and bacteria can also cling to removable orthodontics (like a retainer or clear aligners), so be sure to remove them before eating, even if you're only eating a small amount.

For more information on bad breath with braces visit our website or give us a call at our Mooresville or Elwood office.

Questions to Ask At Your First Visit

As you consider orthodontic care, it is likely that a few questions may naturally arise. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you might have. Our orthodontic team is here to help. Here are just a few examples of questions you may want to ask at your first visit.

• Is there an estimated length of time that I will likely require braces? 
• How much should I expect to pay for my treatment? What are the payment options? 
• Does getting braces hurt? Is there anything I can do to prevent or minimize pain? 
• Is it likely that I will be wearing extra appliances in addition to braces to correct my overbite or other problems? 
• Are there specific foods I will need to avoid when I get braces? 
• Will braces prevent me from playing my favorite sport or musical instrument? 
• How can I keep my teeth clean with braces? 
• How often will I be expected to come in for checkups and other appointments? 

Once your appointment is over, you don’t have to feel like your options are exhausted. If questions arise after the appointment, don’t be afraid to ask. Our team at Quest Johnson Orthodontics will be here to help throughout the entire process.

Orthodontics For Children & Adults

Our orthodontic office is not your regular dental facility as we specialize in treatments that you cannot have done at your regular dentist. We help patients with teeth that are misaligned, have eating difficulties, and also treat patients for cosmetic reasons. Almost all age groups need to visit an orthodontist for one reason or another.

Below Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson have listed the most common reasons each age group might have to visit an orthodontist.

Children
A lot of pediatricians refer children to orthodontists for a variety of reasons. The first and foremost reason is crooked teeth, leading to 'bad bites' or difficulty in chewing. However the age by which referred to an orthodontist is considered is usually after 7 years as the jaw is still developing and teeth are setting in accordingly.

Another reason is crooked or overlapping teeth, which can cause the child to be bullied in school, and thus lead to a lot of distress. This is when we start to consider what interventions should be taken and at what age.

Adults
Adults up to the age of 60 and sometimes even up to 70 years are treated by orthodontists. Here the presenting complaint may either be chronic misaligned teeth since childhood, or smaller issues like recurring mouth ulcers or gum diseases among others.

The most popular reason for most adults is cosmetic as many people wish for their teeth to be straightened, and the growing gaps to be lessened. Other reasons adults seek orthodontists is due to overbiting due to crowded teeth resulting in oral injuries, gingivitis and miscellaneous issues presented at times of adulthood.

Do you want to know more about getting started at the orthodontist? Make sure you visit us at Quest Johnson Orthodontics as we have good reviews about our treatments and friendly staff.