Handling Orthodontics Issues at Home

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Even though you are careful, you may occasionally damage your braces or orthodontic appliance. While there are steps you can take to temporarily fix or alleviate discomfort and prevent additional damage, you should always notify our office if you have any issues or concerns. 

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we want our patients to be informed of problems that may occur, and understand how to solve them, at least temporarily, until it is possible to return to our office. And with the tools and supplies listed below, you will be prepared to handle the most common orthodontic issues at home.

• Orthodontic relief wax 
• Dental floss 
• Tweezers 
• Q-tips 
• Salt 
• Interproximal brush 
• Toothpicks 
• Non-prescription pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) 
• Topical Anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel)

Below are some typical orthodontic issues and how you can solve them:

Discomfort - It’s normal to have some initial discomfort during orthodontic treatment as your teeth move. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may alleviate this discomfort.  If the discomfort lasts longer than a few days, be sure to call our office.

Mouth Sores - Some patients are susceptible to episodes of mouth sores. While braces do not cause these sores, they may be exacerbated by an irritation from your braces. Mouth sores are not an emergency, but they can be very uncomfortable. Prompt relief may be achieved by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the ulcerated surface using a cotton swab. 

Irritation - Sometimes braces or wires can be irritating to your mouth, especially when eating. A small amount of orthodontic wax makes an excellent buffer between the metal bracket and your mouth. Simply pinch off a small piece of wax and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the bracket causing irritation. 

Protruding Wire - Occasionally the end of a wire will work itself out of place and can irritate your mouth. Use a Q-tip or clean tweezer and try to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with wax.

There will be normal, day-to-day discomfort associated with wearing braces, if you have any questions about your orthodontic treatment, or if you think you may have a true orthodontic emergency, don’t hesitate to call our Mooresville orthodontic office…We can help!  

Can I Afford Invisalign?

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Orthodontics may seem like a purely aesthetic treatment for a more attractive smile, but that’s not the case. Crooked teeth are harder to keep clean, which puts you at risk of decay and periodontal disease. Also, people who aren’t confident in their smile may feel that they lack a certain quality of life in social and professional situations.

When it comes to orthodontic treatment options, many people have a tough time deciding between getting Invisalign or traditional braces. Ultimately, every patient is different, and the best option comes down to your lifestyle, your preferences, and your orthodontic needs. If you want a treatment option that doesn’t draw attention to the fact that you’re straightening your teeth, Invisalign is the clear choice for you. But can you afford Invisalign treatment?

There are several factors that contribute to the amount you might pay Invisalign. Factors include:

1. The Severity of Your Orthodontic Problem - Invisalign can treat almost the entire spectrum of teeth and jaw misalignments. However, more acute conditions take more time and supplies to correct. Therefore, a severe orthodontic problem might end up with higher overall costs.

2. Insurance - When Invisalign was first introduced, it wasn’t covered by insurance companies, making it a very expensive option for anyone who wanted it. Today, it is covered by a wide variety of companies and plans.

3. Patient Compliance - Invisalign’s efficacy depends almost entirely on whether you actually wear your aligners. The treatment itself recommends that the aligners be worn all day, every day. If you cannot leave your Invisalign trays in because of an activity like playing a sport or playing an instrument, your teeth are not going to move as quickly. This means that your treatment time will take longer than originally planned, which could make your entire treatment more expensive.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, it is our mission to provide you with affordable, high-quality treatment that fits your budget. Our office is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. We accept almost every traditional (Non-PPO, Non-HMO) insurance plan and we are preferred providers for Delta-PPO, Dentemax and United Concordia.

Effective for a wide range of smiles, the Invisalign system has been successful in giving hundreds of thousands of amazing smiles to both teens and adults. While the cost of Invisalign is covered by most insurance companies, if cost is a concern, we can provide you with estimates based on your exact treatment plan.

Not everyone is a candidate for the Invisalign aligner system. Please contact our office to schedule aconsultation with Drs. Quest and Johnson to see if the Invisalign system is right for you.