A Strategic Approach to Beautiful Smiles

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is not a one-size-fits-all journey. For certain cases, especially in children with developing dentition, a specialized approach known as Two-Phase Orthodontics emerges as a strategic and effective method. This treatment protocol recognizes the importance of addressing orthodontic concerns in two distinct phases, optimizing outcomes for a lifetime of confident smiles.

The first phase of Two-Phase Orthodontics typically begins around the ages of 7 to 9 when a child still has a mix of primary (baby) and permanent teeth. Early intervention aims to address specific orthodontic issuessuch as crowding, crossbites, or skeletal discrepancies that, if left untreated, could lead to more severe problems as the child grows.

Goals of Phase One

• Facilitate Proper Jaw Growth: Phase One focuses on guiding the growth of the jaw and creating an environment conducive to the proper eruption of permanent teeth.
• Create Space: By addressing crowding issues early on, Phase One can create sufficient space for permanent teeth to emerge in their proper positions.
• Correct Bite Issues: Early intervention can also help correct bite problems, such as overbites or underbites, preventing them from becoming more severe over time.
• Customized Treatment Plans: Each child's orthodontic needs are unique, and Two-Phase Orthodontics emphasizes personalized treatment plans. Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson carefully assess a child's dental and facial development to create a tailored approach that addresses specific concerns during each phase.

Following the completion of Phase One, there is usually a period of observation during which the child's remaining permanent teeth continue to emerge. This allows Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson to monitor the progress of natural growth and development.

Phase Two typically begins around adolescence, between the ages of 11 and 13, when most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted. This phase focuses on fine-tuning the bite, tooth alignment, and addressing any remaining issues to achieve a harmonious and stable smile.

During the second phase, comprehensive braces or aligners are often employed to guide each tooth into its optimal position. These appliances are highly effective in fine-tuning the alignment of teeth and ensuring a well-functioning bite.

Following the completion of Phase Two, retainers are commonly prescribed to maintain the achieved results. Retainers help prevent teeth from shifting back to their previous positions and ensure the longevity of the orthodontic treatment.

By addressing orthodontic issues in their early stages, Two-Phase Orthodontics takes a proactive approach to prevent more complex problems from developing later in life.

Two-Phase Orthodontics represents a forward-thinking and strategic approach to orthodontic care. By addressing specific concerns during the critical phases of dental development, this method optimizes the chances of achieving a healthy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing smile that lasts a lifetime. If you're considering orthodontic treatment for your child, exploring the benefits of Two-Phase Orthodontics with Quest Johnson Orthodontics could set the stage for a confident and well-aligned future smile.

 

Invisalign First: A Revolutionary Approach to Pediatric Orthodontics

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

In the realm of orthodontics, innovations are continually reshaping the landscape of traditional braces. One such groundbreaking development is Invisalign First. Say goodbye to the days of clunky metal braces and welcome the discreet, comfortable, and effective solution that is Invisalign First.

Invisalign First is a specially crafted orthodontic treatment aimed at children who have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. Tailored for young patients, typically between the ages of 6 and 10, Invisalign First addresses a range of orthodontic issues, from crowded teeth to bite alignment problems.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign First utilizes a series of clear, custom-made aligners. These aligners are virtually invisible, making them an attractive option for children who may be self-conscious about the appearance of traditional braces.

Unlike traditional braces that are fixed onto the teeth, Invisalign aligners can be easily removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. This feature promotes better oral hygiene practices and reduces the likelihood of cavities and gum problems associated with fixed braces.

Invisalign aligners are made from smooth, comfortable plastic, minimizing the irritation and soreness often experienced with traditional braces. This ensures a more pleasant orthodontic experience for young patients.

Invisalign First represents a significant leap forward in pediatric orthodontics, offering a modern, effective, and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. As parents prioritize their children's oral health and well-being, Invisalign First stands out as a compelling option, combining innovation with the specific needs of young patients.

If you would like to learn more about how Invisalign First can help your child achieve the smile of their dreams, give Quest Johnson Orthodontics a call to schedule an initial Consultation today.

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.

 

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!

 

Why You Need Orthodontic Care

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Oral health is a window into your overall health. Orthodontic treatment helps ensure proper function of teeth and creates healthy smiles. A good bite makes it easier for you to chew and speak. Teeth that are misaligned are harder to clean and can cause abnormal wearing of tooth enamel which can lead to extensive and expensive dental procedures. Orthodontic treatment can yield life-enhancing results: better function (biting, chewing, speaking).

In the simplest terms, orthodontics refers to “straightening” your teeth. While this may not sound important, it actually has a significant impact on your oral health and appearance. People who have crowded or crooked teeth often develop issues with their gums and jawbones which can lead to pain and discomfort. If the teeth are crooked, they can begin to grow in funny ways. This can lead to more issues down the line such as chipped or worn tooth enamel. Gum recession and fractures around the roots of your teeth where it attaches into your jawbone can also occur. You may even discover worse problems with decay from food being trapped between uneven surfaces.

The bottom line is that orthodontic care is not something you should avoid. If you recognize any of the signs or concerns below in your child or yourself, it might be time to schedule a consultation with Quest Johnson Orthodontics.

• Difficulty chewing or biting 
• Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits 
• Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth 
• Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude, or are recessed 
• Speech difficulty 
• Protruding teeth 
• Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all 
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry 
• Grinding or clenching of teeth 
• Inability to comfortably close lips

Even if the only thing that bothers you about your smile or bite is a little bit of crookedness in a few teeth, it’s still worth getting them straightened out as soon as possible.

Few people are lucky enough to have perfect teeth, but orthodontic treatment can make a dramatic difference to you or your child. Contact Quest Johnson Orthodontics today to schedule an initial exam.

 

Early Intervention

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Timing is everything…especially when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment. “Early” treatment, also called “interceptive” treatment, means treatment that is performed while some baby teeth are still present.

Early intervention can make a dramatic impact on establishing the proper occlusal foundation. 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. By age 7 your child has enough permanent teeth for Drs. Quest and Johnson to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws.

Early intervention is one of the most rewarding treatment options that we offer to our patients. An early exam allows us to determine how and when a child's jaw and/or dental problems should be corrected for optimal results. There are generally three outcomes of an early exam:

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 your child’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time if left untreated. The major advantage of early treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic, and comfortable results that will remain stable throughout your child’s life. In some cases, early treatment prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

Early Treatment may be recommended if your child has any of the following orthodontic issues:

• Underbite

• Crossbite

• Crowded Teeth

• Excessively Spaced Teeth

• Extra or Missing Teeth

• Thumb or Finger Sucking that is Affecting the Teeth or Jaw Growth

Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms. Drs. Quest and Johnson may prescribe a fixed or removable appliance used to move teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold teeth in place in order to bring about desirable changes. 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 today. No referral needed! Our office provides an initial consultation at no cost and with no obligation.

When you choose Quest Johnson Orthodontics for your child’s orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that you have selected specialists in orthodontists. Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson are experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics and they possess the skills and experience needed to give your child their best smile. Visit our website to learn more.