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.

 

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!

 

Victory Series Low Profile Braces

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Metal braces have been around for over 100 years now and they are the most common type of braces we use in our practice. In the past, metal braces were very bulky and noticeable. However, advancements in technology have produced metal braces that are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive…nothing like what they were 100 years ago.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we are proud to use the Victory Series by 3M. The Victory Series is an orthodontic appliance system that is composed of brackets, buccal tubes, bands, and a bonding base. Made from a space-age metal alloy, they are ultra-light and super slim. The brackets and tubes come with a pre-applied, light-sensitive adhesive that enables patients to have controlled, efficient bonding with less waste, trouble, and time. The brackets are also color-coded to help Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson quickly and effectively treat each tooth individually. In addition, because the bonding pads curve to match the shape of the tooth, they can provide more exact, efficient results. They work by applying the braces to the teeth and connecting them with a wire. The wire is tied to the braces using elastic ties, which come in an array of colors to choose from. To move the teeth, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson will adjust the wire at your appointments every 4-8 weeks.

Victory Series Low Profile brackets are not only known for the beautiful smiles they create but, for their smooth, comfortable design. Other brackets have sharp edges that can irritate your lips and gums. Victory Series brackets are made of an extremely smooth and polished high-grade stainless steel that is gentle and small so you may even forget they are even there.

Advances in innovation and technology have made the 3M Victory Series braces:

• Smaller
• Faster
• More Comfortable
• More Effective
• Most Affordable

No matter if you are a pre-teen or a teenager, metal braces are still the most common type because they are robust and highly effective. The Victory Series™ Low Profile brackets are a sure winner on the patient satisfaction front. Unlike other conventional and miniature brackets, they incorporate a low-profile approach that enhances both aesthetics and patient comfort.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we believe you deserve the most advanced treatment available. That’s why we use some of the most advanced orthodontic brackets on the market. Our 3M Victory Series metal braces are small but mighty and help us achieve remarkable results.

 

Affordable Orthodontic Care

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

If you recently learned that orthodontic treatment is in your or your child’s future, remain calm and rest assured that Quest Johnson Orthodontics will help you each step of the way.

Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson are aware that people have finite budgets. Juggling expenses is a fact of life. Our office is accustomed to working with families and individuals to make care afford-able and budget-friendly.

First thing first…make an appointment with our Mooresville, Indiana office.  New patient exams are always complimentary.  During this initial exam, we will provide a complete clinical diagnosis regarding the nature of your orthodontic problem, a written summary of our findings, and a detailed plan that outlines your treatment, goals, and estimated fees. Our team will discuss the cost of your treatment and your payment plan options so you can make the best choice for you, and your smile.

It may be a pleasant surprise to learn how truly affordable orthodontic care is today. Monthly payments can be about the cost of a mobile phone plan, but the benefits last a lot longer. At the end of the day, orthodontic care is a lifetime investment in your or your child’s health and appearance, and payment plans make care quite manageable. 

Do you have insurance to help pay for treatment? 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. We can even help you strategize how to maximize your benefits so you can minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

How can you afford braces without insurance? When it comes to paying for braces, you have options.

Choose a low-cost option. At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we offer affordable braces. Meaning, we have braces that require fewer office visits and braces that are made with more cost effective materials. These more affordable options will help reduce the cost of your treatment overall.   

Ask for a payment plan. We offer payment plans for patients without insurance and can provide flexible payment options that cost less than conventional credit financing. You can choose between plans with little to no interest and payable by up to two years. These types of plans help tremendously when investing in affordable braces for you or your child.

Use your Flexible Spending Account. Even if your dental plan does not cover orthodontics, your employer might offer a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). The money you put into this account is not taxed, which means your dollars will go further. Contribute the maximum amount and use these funds to pay for expenses not covered by insurance, including braces.

Though orthodontics can come with a higher price tag, you do have many options to help you pay for your or your child’s orthodontic care. Start by having a conversation with Quest Johnson Orthodontics then begin your journey toward an improved smile.