Preparing for Orthodontic Treatment

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Embarking on the journey to a straighter and healthier smile through orthodontic treatment is an exciting endeavor. Whether you're about to get braces or aligners, proper preparation can make the process smoother and more comfortable.

Before diving into orthodontic treatment, take the time to understand the process and what to expect. Research different types of braces or aligners, familiarize yourself with common orthodontic terminologies, and explore potential challenges. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions and alleviate any apprehensions you may have.

Prior to starting orthodontic treatment, it's crucial to address any existing dental issues. Schedule a comprehensive dental check-up to address cavities, gum disease, or any other concerns. A clean and healthy oral foundation will contribute to a more successful and efficient orthodontic journey.

When you are ready to start your orthodontic journey, schedule a consultation with Quest Johnson Orthodontics. This initial visit involves a thorough examination of your teeth, jaw, and bite, allowing Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson to recommend the most suitable treatment plan for your specific needs. This is also an opportunity to discuss any concerns, ask questions, and establish a comfortable rapport with the Quest Johnson Orthodontic team.

Depending on the type of orthodontic treatment, you might need specific oral care products. If you're getting braces, invest in a quality soft-bristle toothbrush, orthodontic wax, and dental floss or interdental brushes for thorough cleanings. Orthodontic treatment often comes with dietary restrictions to protect your braces or aligners. Stock your pantry with orthodontic-friendly foods such as soft fruits, yogurt, pasta, and mashed potatoes. Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods that can damage braces or interfere with aligners.

Establish a consistent oral care routine to maintain good hygiene throughout your orthodontic journey. Brush your teeth after every meal, floss or use interdental brushes to clean between braces wires, and rinse with an orthodontic-friendly mouthwash. A dedicated oral care routine will help prevent issues like cavities and gum inflammation.

It's common to experience some discomfort or soreness during the initial days of orthodontic treatment. Prepare by having over-the-counter pain relievers on hand, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and follow any care instructions provided by our orthodontic team.

Lastly, approach your orthodontic treatment with a positive mindset. Understand that the journey to a beautiful smile takes time, and the temporary inconveniences are steppingstones toward a lasting transformation. Embrace the changes, stay committed to your orthodontic care plan, and celebrate the small victories along the way. By taking these steps, you set the foundation for a successful and transformative experience that will ultimately lead to the radiant smile you've always desired.

 

 

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.

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.

Scheduling Orthodontic Appointments

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

For many of us, making doctor appointments is a troubling task. Easily forgotten and always hard to fit into our busy weeks, especially with schedules that seem to change frequently.

If you’re trying to schedule your initial appointment with Quest Johnson Orthodontics but aren’t sure about the specifics, such as how to request an appointment or what exactly you need to be seen for, don’t worry…these are common concerns that many of our patients share. At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we want to make every step as simple as can be.

Whether you need to schedule an appointment for braces, a retainer, or other orthodontic issues, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson will investigate abnormalities that you or your dentist may have noticed to give a better vision for the future of your teeth. Visiting our office should be done anytime you have a concern or issue with the placement of your teeth, jaw, or general alignment within your mouth. Keeping your teeth healthy, straight, strong, and beautiful is a joint effort between you and Drs. Quest and Johnson, so it’s important to be sure you’re on the right track moving forward with your oral health.

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to your or your child’s orthodontic treatment.

Our team believes each smile is unique and feel that it is very important to listen to your concerns, your specific needs, and your preferences. This is just part of what makes us one of the best orthodontic offices in the Mooresville, Indiana area. Quest Johnson Orthodontics has been a respected provider of orthodontic care in our community for over 20 years and is looking forward to educating you on your best options for creating your new smile.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, you have a few options for requesting your appointment. Below are the ways you can do this:

1. Call Our Office. Give us a call and discuss how to set up an appointment with our Dr. Quest or Dr. Johnson. Calling our Mooresville office is one of the easiest ways to get your appointment finalized, and is the easy way to find a great time that works with your schedule.

2. Request Online. Requesting an orthodontic appointment online via our website is another easy way to fit an appointment into your schedule. Simply fill out the form on our request page and one of our team members will contact you to finalize and confirm your appointment.

3. Stop By. If you’re in the Mooresville, Indiana area, stop in and set up your appointment in person. You can get a feel for the office when you're inside, and it makes it very easy to ask any questions you may have about the appointment that you’re requesting to schedule.

Always remember…you are never too old for orthodontic treatment as long as you have healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson are experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. They possess the skills and experience needed to give you your best smile.

Drs. Quest, Johnson, and the Quest Johnson Orthodontic Team have a mission to not only give you a more beautiful smile but to also provide an extremely pleasant experience in our family-friendly environment. Come visit us today. 

 

Your First Orthodontic Visit

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we are proud to offer affordable orthodontic treatment options with exceptional results to patients of all ages.

Your initial consultation is one of the most important appointments you’ll have at our office. Your first visit to our office is a time for us to get to know you and determine your main concerns. We will ease your fears by giving you as much information as needed to help you feel comfortable. Each member of our team is friendly and accessible, and we encourage our patients and parents to ask questions. We believe that patients will feel more comfortable if they know what to expect and are well informed of a procedure before it occurs. We try to avoid any unexpected surprises and let each patient know everything we are going to do, before we do it.

When you arrive at our Mooresville office, you’ll be welcomed and introduced to our treatment coordinator.  After we give you a quick tour of the office, we’ll look at your medical and dental histories and take a few digital photographs of your teeth, along with a panoramic X-ray if your dentist did not have a current one to send us. These photographs and X-ray are used to identify and discuss any orthodontic problems that are present.

After the photographs are taken, Drs. Quest and Johnson will perform a careful examination.  They will evaluate many things relating to your face, your smile, the fit of your teeth, and the amount of room for all of your teeth. This thorough exam helps Drs. Quest and Johnson determine what type of treatment would benefit you most. They will provide a complete clinical diagnosis, a written summary of the findings and a detailed plan that outlines your treatment, goals, and estimated fees.

Following your exam, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson may recommend treatment. If treatment is needed, this could start right away, or they may suggest that you return for periodic checkups. The timing of orthodontic treatment will depend on the developmental stage of the teeth and jaws along with the severity of the problem.

Whether you’ll be beginning treatment now or later, this first orthodontic visit is the best time to ask any questions you have about the orthodontic process. Our treatment coordinator will go over the treatment choices available to you and help you understand what to expect during the different stages of your orthodontic care.

You only get one smile! Trust it to qualified orthodontic experts like Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson. If you haven’t already scheduled an initial consultation with us, call our office today and take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted!