Preparing Your Teen for Braces

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we understand and respect the feelings teens have about braces. Our team members can relate to the concerns about how braces can affect our appearance, interfere with eating our favorite foods, or restrict the playing of sports or other activities.

One of the best ways to help your teen get used to the idea of braces is to clearly explain the benefits of orthodontic treatment. When teeth are straight, they are easier to clean, which means less risk of developing cavities. Straight teeth also mean the jaw is properly aligned, which minimizes the likelihood of grinding or clenching teeth.

Most teenagers don’t realize that they do have options when it comes to braces. Options include:

Traditional Metal Braces - One of the most common types of braces for teens are metal braces. They hold the teeth together using metal brackets and wires. Our modern metal braces are smaller and less obvious as compared to older braces, but they work the same way.

Clear Ceramic Braces - Clear braces are a popular choice for teens who want to make a less noticeable statement with their commitment to a healthier smile. The natural look of these smooth, sculpted and completely clear ceramic braces are strong and will not stain or discolor. Their comfortable, sculptured design and attractive translucent appearance help provide the self-confidence that comes from wearing braces that look as good as they perform.

Invisalign Teen - Invisalign Teen is the clear way to straighten teeth without metal braces. The aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. You simply switch to a new set of aligners every few weeks to shift your teeth into the desired positions. You can still eat and drink what you want. Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth, and there are no wires, metal, or brackets to cause mouth abrasions.

Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson use the most advanced technologies available to get your teen smiling faster than ever before! The average treatment time at our office is about 18 months but it varies for each patient.

• Braces Are Far Easier to Wear Today Than They Once Were
• Today’s braces are much less noticeable than treatment used decades ago.
• Today’s braces are specially designed to straighten teeth faster.
• Today’s braces move teeth more gently, but just as effectively.
• Today’s braces can be personalized using different color brackets and bands.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we believe that everyone deserves a straight smile. Give your teen a smile to last a lifetime...a smile they can be proud of! Visit our website to schedule your teen’s orthodontic appointment today.

Give Yourself a BraceLift

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

As we grow older, many of us turn to expensive and invasive cosmetic treatments in an effort to retain a youthful appearance.

Despite all of the gimmicks out there, studies show that your smile can do more to make you look younger than anything else! “Just as white, straight teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, worn, or missing teeth is associated with an aged look,” says Edmond Hewlett, DDS, professor of restorative dentistry at UCLA's School of Dentistry.

“Bracelift” treatments can help you look younger and feel more confident about your appearance. Of course, most people want a nice smile with straight, white teeth, but properly aligned teeth can do much more than just improve a smile. By enhancing the alignment and widening the arch of the teeth, orthodontic treatment can create better facial balance and aesthetics, lending the appearance of fuller cheeks and lips, smoother and higher cheek contours, and broader smiles, as well as compensate for the inevitable loss of facial muscle over time.

We all know that healthy teeth are important to maintaining overall health, especially as we age and nutritional needs change. But we sometimes overlook the impact our teeth can have on our mental and emotional well-being. Poor alignment cannot only affect your speech and airway, contributing to breathing problems, but also your self-confidence and poise. A “bracelift” can provide a life-long improvement to your overall appearance and self-confidence at a comparable cost to traditional orthodontic treatment.

3 Easy Steps to Take Years Off Your Appearance

Step 1: Oral Hygiene - The way to take years off your appearance is to practice good oral hygiene. Maintaining good oral health throughout your life doesn’t just preserve the appearance of your smile, but it can preserve your overall health too. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly promotes healthy teeth and gums and keeps your smile looking and feeling clean.

Step 2: Whiten Your Teeth - Teeth naturally darken as we age. One reason is that your teeth absorb color from food and drinks. Even if you take fantastic care of your teeth, they will eventually yellow over time. Micro-fractures, thinning enamel, and built-up stains all make your teeth look duller and older. Ask our team about how you can whiten your teeth with custom whitening trays. Custom whitening trays are the best way to achieve a deep and thorough color change that can take years off your appearance.

Step 3: Straighten Your Teeth - Even if you start out with perfectly straight teeth, something called mesial drift will cause them to shift over time. Crowded teeth are an instant giveaway of age and straightening your teeth can often take 10 to 15 years off your appearance. Crowded teeth also increase the risk of tooth decay, premature tooth loss, and gum recession, all of which guarantee looking older.

Beautifully straight, symmetrical glowing white teeth cannot only make you look younger, but they can dramatically improve your confidence.

If you have any questions about how we can help give you a healthier, younger looking smile, give our orthodontic office call to schedule an appointment with Quest Johnson Orthodontics today.

And remember…One of the best ways to appear more youthful is to smile more!

 

Dental Wax Facts

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal, and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! Discomfort and soreness is normal especially after receiving orthodontic treatment of any kind. Overall, you may feel uncomfortable the first few days with braces. That is where dental wax comes in.

What is Dental Wax? Dental wax is a soft, harmless gum protector for children and adults with braces that can be used in a pinch to cover brackets and protruding wires with a smooth surface. Dental wax is important for discomfort relief when a bracket breaks or a wire breaks and pokes out. Dental wax is used as a temporary relief.

Is it Safe? Dental wax is made from natural waxes and is perfectly safe. Some dental wax products are made from beeswax or carnauba wax, while others are made from paraffin. If you accidentally swallow a little bit of wax, maybe while speaking, applying the wax, or eating food, don’t worry, it is safe.

How Does it Work? The special properties of dental wax make it perfect for protecting your gums from the metal edges of braces. The wax is solid at room temperature but can be softened and shaped by the warmth of your hands. Smoothed onto braces, it sticks to them and creates a buffer between the brackets and the gums. Dental wax remains smooth while in the mouth, and harmlessly flakes away or peels off as it breaks down.

How to Put Wax on Your Braces:

Step 1: Be sure you have dental wax; you can ask us for recommendations on which we feel is best.

Step 2: Wash your hands.

Step 3: Brush your teeth, where you want to apply the dental wax

Step 4: Pinch off a piece of wax about the size of a small pea

Step 5: Squeeze until it softens and roll it into a ball, then flatten the ball slightly

Step 6: Dry the area with a cotton ball, Kleenex, or similar. Gently push the wax onto the problem area of the braces

Dental wax is available to help you ease the discomfort while wearing braces. While dental wax is on your braces, you can do normal things, such as eating and drinking water. Follow your ordinary healthy routines when it comes to your teeth, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and using a mouthwash, to keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay while wearing braces.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we provide all the information and recommendations necessary to patients for making the best decisions. Our staff is always available to answer questions and help you understand every aspect of your orthodontic treatment. If you are unsure about anything, let us know at your next appointment or give us a call with a question, one of our staff members will give you the tools and knowledge to help you understand everything during your treatment.

 

Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. By that age, a child will have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and the orthodontist will be able to recognize orthodontic problems…even in their earliest stages.

The first time your child is seen at our office, they will get to meet Dr. Quest, Dr. Johnson and a few of our team members. After your arrival, you and your child will be escorted to an area where Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson conduct their initial exam.

This visit is the time for the doctors to listen to concerns that you and your child may have, and to answer questions such as whether treatment is needed, when treatment should begin, and the type of treatment that is recommended. If no problem is found, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson may suggest periodic visits so that your child’s growth and development can be monitored and ensure that permanent teeth are coming in at the right time and in the right sequence.

What happens if an orthodontic problem is found during this visit?

Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson will talk with you about when it will be best for your child to begin treatment, and the type of treatment that is recommended. For some children, early intervention may be in their best interests. Different people have different kinds of problems, so other children may get the greatest benefit from treatment by waiting until most or all of their permanent teeth are in. Everything depends upon the individual and what is best for them. For some patients, the doctors will be able to achieve treatment results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Once we have decided on a treatment plan, our treatment coordinator will itemize the costs associated with your child’s particular treatment and you can proceed with a payment plan. You can be confident that our dedicated and experienced team will guide you and your child through every step of the process. We are dedicated to giving your child a beautiful, straight smile that will last for a lifetime.

 

Why Braces

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

There are many reasons to get braces. One of the most important things is to improve your oral health. Your oral health directly contributes to your overall health. If your mouth isn’t feeling good, chances are that your entire body won’t feel good either. When your teeth are crooked, overlapped, or otherwise misaligned, you place an uneven amount of pressure when you bite down. That leads to pain, and it can cause your teeth to wear down, chip and even break. Not only that, but poorly aligned teeth are also harder to clean properly which can lead to decay and gum disease.

Braces will straighten your teeth, fix bite issues, and improve the overall appearance of your smile. Best of all, dental braces give you results that can last a lifetime.

It’s no secret that dental issues can cause you pain in your everyday life. When you develop issues such as TMJ, you can start to experience painful headaches and jaw pain. Braces are great for correcting issues such as these. Through aligning your mouth and teeth, you can prevent that pain from appearing. Braces are also a great way to prevent these issues from developing in the first place.

Have you ever heard of diastema? Diastema is the term used for the spaces that occur between your teeth. Braces work to shift your teeth so that they move into a straighter position. This in turn will eliminate any gaps that are present. If gaps are a concern for you, this is a great reason to get braces.

Crowded teeth cause a lot of mouth issues as well. It’s also very difficult to clean the areas where crowding occurs. This leads to tartar build-up that can cause tooth decay and heart problems later in life. By correcting crowding with braces, the teeth will become easier to clean and healthier. Clean teeth mean a happy mouth and a healthy body.

Did you know that misaligned teeth can affect your breathing? Misaligned teeth can cause you to start breathing from your mouth. This can develop into other problems such as sleep apnea or snoring. Correcting misalignment with braces can give the tongue more room to relax properly. This in turn allows for proper breathing through the nose.

Smiling is contagious. Nothing feels better than having a beautiful smile that you’re proud of. It’s a proven fact that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem. At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we believe that no matter what the reason for seeking orthodontic treatment, everyone deserves a smile they can be proud of.

 

7 Ways Your Smile Can Change As You Grow Older

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Just as with most things in our bodies, your smile does change with age. From the teeth shifting to the enamel wearing down, the appearance and function of your teeth and bite evolve as you get older. The good news is, there are ways to minimize these age-related changes and keep your smile looking its best throughout your life.

Why does your smile change as you age? Some changes are due to natural biological processes, including bone remodeling and the tendency of the teeth to shift towards each other. Other reasons your smile changes with age may include:

Bottom Teeth Crowding - As you age, your jawbone loses density and shrinks. The mismatched size of the jawbone with teeth can lead to crowding of the bottom front teeth and this crowding can worsen with age. Crowding can also occur because other issues such as mouth breathing, gum disease, and even facial trauma.

Overlapping Teeth - As you get older and the jawbone changes, many people experience what’s known as physiologic mesial drift. It’s a slow, natural shifting of the teeth towards the front of your dental arch. As the teeth move towards the midline, they can overlap. It can be worsened by missing teeth, gum disease, bruxism, and decay.

Front teeth Gap - Space between two front teeth is referred to as a diastema, can be caused by gum disease, the tongue pushing between the front teeth when swallowing, or a discrepancy in jaw size that was never treated.

Collapsing Teeth - If you have gaps in your teeth, missing teeth that weren’t replaced or severe wear of the enamel, the teeth around the spaces can collapse inwardly. This is because the teeth try to fill in the empty spaces. As the teeth tilt or shift into the gaps, it will impact the appearance of your smile, as well as your bite. Missing teeth may also change your face shape.

Post-Orthodontic Teeth Shifting - Our bodies change our whole life, and our teeth change, too. If you had orthodontic treatment in the past, but forgot to wear your retainer, the teeth will naturally begin shifting back towards their old positions.

Wrong Bite - Misalignment of the teeth or jaw, known as malocclusion, doesn’t sort itself out. In many cases, if issues like crowding, spacing or an excessive overbite, underbite, open bite or crossbite aren’t treated, they will get worse as you get older. After years of living with a bad bite, you may also be dealing with the consequences of misalignment, such as tooth decay, gum disease, excessive wear of the enamel. These issues will create further changes to your smile.

Changes in the Length or Shape of Teeth - All of the biting and chewing you do causes the enamel to slowly wear down. Teeth grinding and clenching, known as bruxism, can speed up the process. This impacts your smile by making your teeth look shorter. Teeth can also change shape with age as they wear down. Gum recession does the opposite by exposing more tooth surface and making teeth look longer. It can also leave visible black spaces between the teeth as pockets form.

While these changes may be completely normal, that doesn’t mean you just have to live with them. Whether you’re eight or 80, the biological process of orthodontic treatment is the same. Age does not keep teeth from moving. Check out our website to learn more about the options we have for adult orthodontics and then give our Mooresville, Indiana office a call to schedule your initial exam.

 

Wear You Retainer

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Some patients are surprised to find out that orthodontic treatment does not end the moment when their braces come off. Wearing your retainer as directed keeps your smile in its new position for life.

Your retainer is designed to safeguard your newly aligned smile. Without wearing your retainer regularly, you risk your teeth drifting out of position and reversing all your hard work.

Here’s how retainers help in your orthodontic treatment:

1. They Stabilize Your Bite - Once your braces are removed, the soft tissue and bone around your teeth need time to adapt to the changes made in tooth positioning. They slowly stabilize in their new arrangement, and once that occurs, the likelihood of relapse or having the teeth shift out of their positions is minimal.

2. They Prevent Treatment Reversal - The teeth will start moving back to their old position in the months following the removal of braces. A retainer can prevent the reversal.

3. They Align Your Jaw Bones With Your Gums - When your teeth are being aligned to a new position, the gums and bones surrounding the teeth will take longer to follow suit. Retainers help in accelerating alignment and stabilizing your bite.

The long-term success of your orthodontic treatment depends upon your ability to diligently wear your retainer. If you experience any issues with your retainers or if you would like to discuss retainer options with us, give our office a call.

 

Straight Teeth Matter

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

The benefit of straight teeth is not only for esthetics.

Straight teeth are easier to clean. When teeth are rotated and overlapped, more nooks and crannies exist where plaque bacteria can build up. Even with proper brushing and flossing, some areas may be difficult to clean and will have a higher risk of forming a cavity. Straighter teeth allow for easier cleaning and lower cavity risk.

Because misaligned teeth are more difficult to keep clean, the build-up of plaque bacteria can cause gum inflammation that may potentially lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. Also, gum recession can occur in areas with crowding due to difficulty with brushing.

Even if your teeth appear straight, there can be a problem with your bite. Added wear of teeth, chipping of teeth, and teeth grinding are quite common problems when an improper bite is present. Jawbone and joint problems can also develop, leading to breakdown of the bones that support your teeth as well as TMJ pain, headaches, and migraines.

When teeth are crooked or the bite is off, it can change the shape of the face. Teeth with extreme overbite can make the lower jaw and chin look small, and underbite can make the chin look overly pronounced.

The benefits of straight teeth and jaw alignment are important to your overall well-being. If you are interested in straightening your teeth or have any questions about your options, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment. At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, our team can develop a plan to ensure your teeth are not only straight, but a healthy bite is achieved as well.

 

Preparing for Braces

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

It is completely normal to feel a bit apprehensive when you first consider going to an orthodontist. Whether your dentist has advised you to seek care from Quest Johnson Orthodontics, or you have decided to do so on your own, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your initial exam with Dr. Quest, Dr. Johnson and their team.

Before your initial orthodontic appointment, we will do our part to educate you on the process of getting braces. But it is always good if you can do some research of your own to ease any lingering fears.

Things to Know

1. Your initial appointment is about 60 minutes. This appointment allows us time to gather some information and obtain photographs, indicated X-rays, and a clinical examination. When you call to schedule this appointment, you will be asked to provide some personal information, along with any orthodontic insurance coverage you have so that we can verify your benefits and provide you with the most accurate estimate. If treatment is indicated, an approximate estimate of the time and fees involved will be provided.

2. You will not need to do anything out of the ordinary to prepare for the day your braces will be placed. The only thing we ask is that you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before your appointment.

3. Braces are applied using a special adhesive that cures rapidly initially but takes 24-hours to completely cure. At the end of your braces appointment, a team member will explain how to brush and floss, review what foods to avoid, and what to do if you experience any difficulties with your braces. You will want to check your braces daily for anything loose or bent. If a bracket or band comes loose or you break a wire, please call our office so we can arrange an appointment to repair it.

4. You can expect some discomfort for the first few days after having your braces placed. This is temporary and can be relieved by rinsing with warm salt water or by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

5. After your braces have been placed, you can expect to come back for adjustment appointments about every 8 weeks. Adjustment appointments typically take about 15-45 minutes based on the involvement of the adjustment.

If you are interested in braces for children, teens, or adults, start by visiting our website and familiarizing yourself with the different types of braces we offer…then give us a call to schedule your initial exam.

Orthodontic Myths

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Choosing to get orthodontic care is a big decision for anyone. At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we understand and respect your reasons for wanting to improve the way you look and feel. Our practice will work with you every step of the way to make sure your orthodontic treatment is an amazing experience. Our office utilizes the latest technology while offering a variety of safe and gentle treatment options to give you the customized, individual care you deserve.

We are often asked a lot of great questions on orthodontic care and treatment. We have also seen a lot of false information on orthodontic treatment. Some are rumors and others are myths that are believed to be true. Here are a few orthodontic myths and the truth.

Myth: “My dentist can give me Invisalign.”

Truth: At the foundational level, both an orthodontist and a dentist are health care professionals that work on teeth. Both health care professionals help patients achieve good oral health and both are dental school graduates. However, orthodontists must successfully complete an additional two to three-year residency program of advanced dental education in orthodontics. Orthodontists specialize in the alignment of teeth and services include treating crowded teeth, overbites and under bites. Only an orthodontist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign.

Myth: “Braces and orthodontic treatment are only for children.”

Truth: Braces are not just for kids… orthodontics can be rewarding to adults as well. Our teeth provide the support structure for the soft tissue of the lower face, including lips and cheeks. By repositioning the teeth and jaw, skin can appear tighter, and lips can appear fuller.

Myth: “I can’t play sports anymore because I have braces.”

Truth: Having braces, does not mean you have to stop living your life. Whether you just received braces or are near the end of your treatment, braces should not be a barrier to doing the things you love. As long as you wear a mouth guard, braces should not stop you from playing your favorite sport. If you are unsure which type of mouth guard to use or need more information on mouth guards, ask our staff.

Myth: “My teeth will remain straight forever.”

Truth: The truth is…even after your braces have been removed your orthodontic treatment is not over. If you want your teeth to remain straight forever, a retainer will be the most important tool for you to use. Your teeth will start to drift back to the original position if you do not wear your retainer as prescribed by Dr. Johnson and Dr. Quest. Just like you need to keep exercising and eating right to maintain your body; you cannot just diet and exercise once.

Myth: “I don’t need to see my regular dentist while in orthodontic treatment.”

Truth: Even during orthodontic treatment, it is important that you continue to visit your general dentist and continue your regularly scheduled appointments. Wearing braces can make you more prone to plaque and tartar around your teeth, which is why you should stick with your regular dental check-ups.

A new smile means a new life change. At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we understand that a big decision like this is not easy. We will ensure that we answer all questions and make you feel comfortable. If you have any addition questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask us before coming to your first visit.

 

 

Invisalign Teen

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

You might have already been anticipating that your child may need braces. One option you may not have considered is Invisalign Teen.

Invisalign Teen is an innovative orthodontic treatment option that uses clear aligners to straighten your teen’s smile. Much like traditional braces with metal brackets and wires, clear plastic aligners apply pressure to teeth and help them shift into alignment.

The aligners are comfortable and durable, and they fit in with any extracurricular activity. Whether throwing the winning touchdown or playing the clarinet, your teen does not have to worry about braces getting in the way. And…unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, which means your teen can eat all the things they love without worrying about breaking a bracket bending a wire. Invisalign Teen also makes it easy to keep up with dental care. Since the aligner trays are removable, brushing and flossing is a breeze.

Often, parents have questions about the effectiveness of Invisalign vs. braces. Years ago, Invisalign Teen was reserved for simple orthodontic issues. However, these days, we can achieve outstanding results for mild, moderate, and complex cases with Invisalign Teen. Additionally, the new and improved SmartTrack material the aligners are made from, allows for improved control and predictability and we are also able to use tooth-colored attachments to facilitate complicated movements. Invisalign Teen aligners are designed specifically for teenagers’ mouths and have features like eruption tabs to accommodate erupting molars.

Invisalign Teen aligners are a perfect fit for every lifestyle because the aligners are:

• Clear
•  Removable
•  Comfortable
•  Customized

Invisalign Teen is a patient-centered treatment, which means that the success of treatment is dependent on the active participation of the patient. Ideally, Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day with no exceptions. Failure to wear the trays the required number of hours daily could result in an extended treatment period.

The average length of Invisalign Teen treatment is between 12 and 18 months. However, this period depends on tooth misalignment severity, with severe alignment problems taking longer.

The technology stands out as a clear alternative to traditional braces. If your teen is conscious of their appearance and stressed at the thought of wearing metal braces, Invisalign Teen may be the perfect solution.

Give Quest Johnson Orthodontics a call to schedule an Invisalign consultation for your teen today!

 

Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

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! Invisalign clear aligners allow Dr. Quest and Dr.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…Invisalign clear aligners might be the perfect option for you.

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners? Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment option that straightens teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that cover your teeth and gently push them into the proper position over time. Because they are clear and can be taken on and off, they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners Made of? Invisalign clear aligners are made from BPA-free plastic, and they are more comfortable than traditional metal braces. These customized clear aligners are used to straighten your teeth and give you the beautiful smile you have always wanted.

How Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Work? When you receive your aligners, you will place the clear trays over your teeth. You will wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks and then switch to the next set of aligners. You will wear your aligners all day, every day, except when you eat, floss, and brush your teeth. Because Invisalign clear aligners are removable, you will be able to briefly remove them any time you need to throughout the day. Every ten weeks or so, you will have an appointment in our office to check your aligners and the progress of your treatment. These checkups also help Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson determine if any adjustments need to be made to the aligners or to your treatment plan.

How Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Feel? One of the best reasons to invest in Invisalign clear aligners is how comfortable they are to wear. You can expect to feel some mild discomfort as your teeth move, however, the pressure you feel will gradually fade over the course of a few days.

Are Invisalign Clear Aligners Expensive? As Invisalign aligners have become more popular over the years, they have also become more affordable. Invisalign 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.

How Long does Invisalign 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 Invisalign clear aligners can be less than a year.

What Happens After Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Is Completed? After any orthodontic treatment, whether it’s Invisalign clear aligners or traditional braces, we recommend that you wear a retainer. A retainer is designed to keep your teeth in alignment. Without it, your teeth can gradually move back to their former position. If your teeth start to shift, you may need to temporarily wear your Invisalign clear aligners again to reposition them.

There is a lot to love about Invisalign clear aligners, but Invisalign clear aligners are not always a good fit for every patient. If you would like to learn more about how Invisalign clear aligners can transform your smile, give Quest Johnson Orthodontics a call today and schedule a complimentary consultation. Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson will assess your smile to determine if Invisalign clear aligners are a good fit for you.

 

 

How Can You Speed Up Orthodontic Treatment?

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

One of the most asked questions when patients get their braces on is… “How long will treatment last?” While there is no quick fix, there are ways to speed up your orthodontic treatment. The following tips will help you get the most from your orthodontic treatment in as little time as possible.

Follow Dr. Quest’s and Dr. Johnson’s Instructions - If you want the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment, it is especially important that you follow the instructions we give you when it comes to caring for your teeth and braces. By following Dr. Quest’s and Dr. Johnson’s guidelines, you will get a cohesive and effective course of treatment. If you disregard our instructions, you may lengthen your treatment time, incur additional costs, and jeopardize your results.

Keep Your Regularly Scheduled Appointments - While braces are vital to teeth straightening, they will only work effectively if you have them adjusted as needed. Regular visits to our office are important to ensure that your teeth are responding well to treatment. With every appointment, your teeth are shifting into a better position. By checking your progress and replacing your wires, we keep you on track for getting your braces off ASAP. If you miss appointments here and there that can mean that your teeth won’t move into the right position. This, in turn, means that you’ll likely have to wear braces longer than you had planned to get the desired results.

Watch What You Eat - Teeth move best in a healthy environment and in individuals who maintain excellent overall health. There isn’t a hard, crunchy, or sticky food that is worth the setback it can cause in your treatment. Not only can a loose bracket or wire really hurt your mouth, but it also means your braces will take longer to do their job.

Protect Your Teeth - Protecting your teeth and orthodontic appliances is essential to completing your treatment in a timely manner. Be sure to brush and floss regularly. Also, clean any brackets and wires carefully and well. We recommend brushing your teeth three times a day and flossing at least once a day. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Clean, healthy teeth and gums allow the teeth to move much faster than if the gums are swollen and inflamed. If you or your child play any sports, be sure to use a mouthguard. Mouthguards shield your teeth as they move into their new positions and help protect the straightening process itself.

When undergoing orthodontic treatment, the most important thing you can do is to choose an orthodontist who is highly trained and who has experience in treating cases of all types. The skill level of your orthodontist is the number one factor in determining how long your treatment will last. No matter what products and technologies are introduced, if your orthodontist does not have the knowledge and skill required to offer scientifically backed treatment options, your treatment may not be as effective.

Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson are board-certified orthodontists committed to providing exceptional treatment, based on scientifically backed theories and methods. They use 3D computer technology to craft customized treatment plans for each patient. Paired with their scientifically backed approach, Quest Johnson Orthodontics patients often see shorter treatment times, without added expenses.

If you are looking for a new smile, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson have years of experience providing the finest treatment available anywhere. Call Quest Johnson Orthodontics today.

 

Eating With Orthodontic Appliances

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Certain dietary habits are known to cause breakage of orthodontic appliances, as well as increase the risk of dental disease. Dr. Quest’s and Dr. Johnson’s aim is to achieve treatment goals with as few disturbances as possible due to appliance breakage, and to minimize the side effects of poor diet choices.

When taking care of braces or an orthodontic appliance, softer foods are recommended…especially after an appointment when your mouth may be sore. Generally, if you have to question whether you can eat something with your appliance, it is better to avoid it altogether. Additionally, do not chew on non-food items such as pens, pencils, or fingernails.

Remember: Teeth move best in a healthy environment and in individuals who maintain excellent overall health. Make sure you choose a well-balanced diet.

Braces are attached to your teeth with a special orthodontic glue or cement that will withstand the normal forces of eating. However, brackets can be dislodged, and wires can be bent or broken after eating certain foods.

Foods and drinks that may cause cavities should be restricted while you are wearing braces or other orthodontic appliances. Sticky foods are to be avoided because of the increased risk of dental decay and appliance breakage. Between-meal snacks should be confined to foods that lack refined sugar and should be followed by brushing or vigorous rinsing.  

Sticky foods can get wrapped around your appliances and cause them to break or come loose. Hard foods can break your braces and damage your appliances.  

High-sugar and high-acidity drinks, when mixed with saliva, create a sticky film that coats the teeth and is difficult to remove completely, even with brushing.  

Some foods are fine to enjoy, if they are cut into smaller pieces which won’t damage your braces or appliance.

While you will have to avoid certain foods if you have orthodontic appliances, there are still plenty of healthy and delicious food options available to you. 

Some of the best foods to eat if you have orthodontic appliances are:

• Yogurt
• Bananas, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and other fruits without pits
• Light crackers or cookies
• Cheese
• Mashed potatoes
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Ravioli, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, and other noodle dishes

Excellent oral hygiene with an orthodontic appliance, whether braces or Invisalign clear aligners, is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. The right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss will make it easier to perform proper orthodontic care.

For most situations, common sense will tell you the specific foods to avoid. If you are unsure, please ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members to make sure that a food in question is safe to eat.

 

Early Orthodontic Treatment

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Many parents understand the importance of orthodontic treatment for teens to ensure they do not have any cosmetic or oral health concerns due to the alignment of their smile when they grow older, but early orthodontic treatment for your child can also be important.

Early orthodontic treatment, also called phase I treatment, is designed to help young children who still have some or all their primary teeth, which may prevent improper growth and alignment of permanent teeth. The primary goal of early orthodontic treatment is to address skeletal issues with the jaw and alignment before or soon after permanent teeth emerge.

Early orthodontic treatment is a good idea if a parent or general dentist notices an issue with the child’s jaw or teeth alignment. 

Several concerns that they might check for include:

• Malocclusion
• Bite complications
• Narrow jaw
• Protruding teeth

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child’s first check-up with an orthodontist be performed when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7. However, it is important to note that not every child requires early orthodontic treatment, but an early visit can provide the orthodontist and the parent with a better idea of what treatment may be needed at a later age and what can be done during phase I to reduce the need for treatment later. Children who do not have any noticeable concerns with the alignment of their jaw or teeth should wait until phase II orthodontics for treatment. The best way to determine if a child can benefit from early orthodontic treatment is to consider visiting our office for a consultation, during which we can order dental X-rays and conduct an oral examination to see how the permanent teeth and the jaws are developing.

There are generally three outcomes of an initial check-up:

1. No treatment is expected to be necessary.
2. Treatment may be needed in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow.
3. There is a problem that lends itself to early treatment.

While there are many orthodontic problems that orthodontists agree are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early treatment can be in a patient’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time if left untreated.

Interceptive orthodontics solve problems while your child’s gums and jawbones are super pliable. These problems include some of the following:

• Early loss of space by preserving baby teeth and subsequent space stealing by other erupting teeth
• Underbites – when the lower front teeth are ahead of the upper front teeth
• Crossbites – when the jaw shifts to one side
• Very crowded teeth
• Facial asymmetry
• Extra or missing teeth
• Severely protruding teeth
• Teeth that meet abnormally, or don’t meet at all
• Thumb-, finger-, or pacifier- sucking that is affecting the teeth or jaw growth

Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms. Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson may prescribe a fixed or removable appliance to move teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold teeth in place in order to bring about desirable changes. Your child’s phase 1 treatment typically lasts only 10 to 15 months, plus an intervening period of retainer wear before the start of Phase 2 treatment when the remaining permanent teeth have erupted. Depending on the case, the extent and length of Phase 2 can be lessened after early orthodontics.

Regardless of how treatment goals are reached, the bottom line is that some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.

To give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile, visit Quest Johnson Orthodontics. No referral needed!