What are Clear Aligners?

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Advancements in orthodontics have given our patients more options for achieving the smile they have always wanted! At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we offer the latest in orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners, like Invisalign! Clear aligners allow Drs. Quest and Johnson to achieve the same results as traditional braces but without any brackets or wires. If you are thinking about improving your smile but can’t picture yourself in braces…clear aligners might be the perfect option for you.

What are Clear Aligners? Clear aligners use cutting-edge software and technology to shift misaligned teeth with a series of customized trays. Clear aligners are a removable orthodontic appliance. Clear aligners are made of a thermoplastic material and custom-designed to fit over your teeth. Although they look very different from braces, clear aligners use the same gentle pressure to gradually move your teeth into the perfect position.

Clear aligners offer more flexibility than traditional braces. Unlike braces, no part of the aligner is attached to the actual surface of the tooth. Because the aligners can be removed, they make it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean throughout the treatment process. Clear aligners are taken out before you begin your normal dental hygiene routine, allowing you to brush and floss the same way you always have. Did we mention that since the aligners are removable…there are no restrictions on what you can eat!

Are Clear Aligners Expensive? As clear aligners have become more popular over the years, they have also become more affordable. Clear aligners tend to cost about as much as traditional braces; however, the cost of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we’re committed to providing affordable, high-quality treatment that fits your budget. Our staff will discuss the cost of your treatment and your payment plan options so you can make the best choice for you, and your smile. Our office is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. As a service to our patients, we will bill insurance companies for services. If you have any questions, our courteous staff is always available to answer them. We accept almost every traditional (Non-PPO, Non-HMO) insurance plan. We are preferred providers for Delta-PPO, Dentemax and United Concordia. For your convenience, we also accept payment by Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

How Long does Clear Aligner Treatment Take? Each patient’s orthodontic problem is unique, and each patient responds to treatment differently, so there is no universal answer for how long your clear aligner treatment will take. In general, the total treatment time for clear aligners can be anywhere from 9-15 months.

There’s a lot to love about clear aligners, but they aren’t always a good fit for every patient. If you’d like to learn more about how clear aligners can transform your smile, give Quest Johnson Orthodontics a call today and schedule a complimentary consultation. Drs. Quest and Johnson will assess your smile to determine if clear aligners are a good fit for you. 

Summertime Smiles

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

 

Contrary to the popular belief there is no wrong time to get your child or teen started with orthodontics, your decision should depend on many personal factors, including scheduling and finances. However, there is one time of year that is proven to be better than the rest for starting the orthodontic journey…summertime!

Why is summertime the best time for getting braces?

1. Time to Adjust - Orthodontics has come a long way in recent years, but the process still involves moving teeth and that can be quite uncomfortable, especially at first. It’s no secret that getting braces can be pretty daunting to the self-esteem of a teenager. Giving them a few months to get used to their braces without being surrounded by their peers at school can make a huge difference in their confidence overall. Similarly, summer helps teens learn important things about wearing and caring for their new braces.

2. Time to Break in the Braces – At Quest Johnson Orthodontics our orthodontic technologies minimize most of the physical discomfort of getting braces, but young gums and growing teeth can still feel a bit tender shortly after the initial placement. Braces can make talking and eating difficult. Braces can also initially disrupt sports or extra-curricular activities. Summertime gives kids the time necessary to relearn how to do some of those tasks. Plus, being at home will make it easier for teens to deal with initial discomfort and establish good hygiene routines.

3. Easier to Make an Appointment - We hate to have kids miss any days of school, so summer is an ideal time to get the initial, lengthy orthodontic appointments out of the way. Not to mention…during the school year, our office can get overwhelmed with appointments, making it difficult to start treatment.

4. Easier to Focus on Oral Hygiene - Braces require you to completely change how you brush your teeth as it is harder to keep your teeth clean with braces. Food becomes caught in the brackets and between your teeth. During the summer, your teen will have more time in the morning and evening to get into the routine of thoroughly brushing their teeth. They will also have more freedom to brush and clean their teeth and braces throughout the day, something they may not be able to do while they are in school.

Getting braces with us is easy. If you think your child may need orthodontic care, give our Mooresville orthodontic office a call. If you have any questions or concerns about our practice or any orthodontic procedures, our friendly team will be happy to assist you any way we can.