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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

Orthodontic Treatment Options

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

A variety of orthodontic options exist today for people looking into getting braces. From traditional metal braces to Invisalign aligners, it can be a challenge to decide which choice is the best. At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we know about all of the treatment options on the market, and which is the best option for your specific orthodontic problem.

Silver Braces - These are the most common type of braces. Silver braces are made of sleek surgical steel and titanium and are comfortable to wear. Silver braces are bonded to the teeth and connected with a metal archwire. The wire is brought into place with tiny elastic bands. They give Drs. Quest and Johnson the control they need to move the teeth in small increments at a time. Silver braces require periodic tightening every 4-8 weeks. The steady pressure will gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw over time. Silver braces can correct a wide variety of issues, including jaw problems, crooked teeth, and bite misalignments. Silver braces are a proven method for getting a lifelong, healthy bite.

Ceramic Braces - These tooth-colored braces are less visible than silver braces. They are comprised of the ceramic brackets, which are typically more rounded than metal brackets, metal archwires colored to blend in with your natural smile, and elastic bands to help pull your teeth into correct alignment over time. Ceramic Braces are similar to Silver braces in their application, duration of treatment, and removal but offer a more discreet appearance to patients who want to avoid noticeable silver braces. Ceramic braces are used to correct the same dental issues as metal braces and invisible aligners. Ceramic braces are designed to blend seamlessly into your smile. The metal archwire may be colored to complement your teeth (though not all of the wires can be tooth-colored), and the elastic bands are typically clear.

Clear Aligners - Unlike silver and ceramic braces, clear aligners, like Invisalign, use clear trays to help you achieve a straight smile. Because the aligner trays are clear, they are practically invisible to those around you. The clear aligner trays are removable, which means that when you need to take them out, you can. It also means that you can continue to take care of your teeth normally, and continue to eat the wonderful foods you love.  Each set of aligner trays are designed to fit your mouth and your teeth comfortably. Clear aligners have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

Which Orthodontic Treatment Option is Best for You? 

Drs. Quest and Johnson use of the full range of orthodontic appliances to get you a great outcome in the shortest possible amount of time. Based on their specialty education in orthodontics and clinical experience, they will recommend the treatment option they believe is the best fit for you and your lifestyle.

Book an initial consultation with Quest Johnson Orthodontics to talk about your options regarding orthodontic treatment. We look forward to speaking with you!

 

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.

Summertime Smiles

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

 

Contrary to the popular belief there is no wrong time to get your child or teen started with orthodontics, your decision should depend on many personal factors, including scheduling and finances. However, there is one time of year that is proven to be better than the rest for starting the orthodontic journey…summertime!

Why is summertime the best time for getting braces?

1. Time to Adjust - Orthodontics has come a long way in recent years, but the process still involves moving teeth and that can be quite uncomfortable, especially at first. It’s no secret that getting braces can be pretty daunting to the self-esteem of a teenager. Giving them a few months to get used to their braces without being surrounded by their peers at school can make a huge difference in their confidence overall. Similarly, summer helps teens learn important things about wearing and caring for their new braces.

2. Time to Break in the Braces – At Quest Johnson Orthodontics our orthodontic technologies minimize most of the physical discomfort of getting braces, but young gums and growing teeth can still feel a bit tender shortly after the initial placement. Braces can make talking and eating difficult. Braces can also initially disrupt sports or extra-curricular activities. Summertime gives kids the time necessary to relearn how to do some of those tasks. Plus, being at home will make it easier for teens to deal with initial discomfort and establish good hygiene routines.

3. Easier to Make an Appointment - We hate to have kids miss any days of school, so summer is an ideal time to get the initial, lengthy orthodontic appointments out of the way. Not to mention…during the school year, our office can get overwhelmed with appointments, making it difficult to start treatment.

4. Easier to Focus on Oral Hygiene - Braces require you to completely change how you brush your teeth as it is harder to keep your teeth clean with braces. Food becomes caught in the brackets and between your teeth. During the summer, your teen will have more time in the morning and evening to get into the routine of thoroughly brushing their teeth. They will also have more freedom to brush and clean their teeth and braces throughout the day, something they may not be able to do while they are in school.

Getting braces with us is easy. If you think your child may need orthodontic care, give our Mooresville orthodontic office a call. If you have any questions or concerns about our practice or any orthodontic procedures, our friendly team will be happy to assist you any way we can.

Protect Your Enamel

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Braces provide patients with a spectacular tool for straightening smiles and correcting jaw problems that impact self-confidence and overall oral wellness. Your wires and brackets are fundamental to the treatment process, but they also can make it difficult to remove food particles that get stuck under and between your brackets and wires. Unfortunately, if this food is left to fester, the acidic content of the food can eat away at your tooth’s vital tooth enamel.

If you have braces, your smile can be prone to enamel erosion. Enamel erosion occurs when acid attacks the teeth and wears down the enamel. This can make your teeth vulnerable to tooth fractures and cavities. Pay special attention to cleaning your teeth every day. Permanent damage to tooth enamel can occur if the teeth and brackets are not kept clean.

To prevent enamel erosion, Drs. Quest and Johnson encourage you to:

Avoid Acidic Foods and Beverages: Consuming acidic products can expose your smile to the acid that harms the teeth. So, it’s best to avoid consuming acidic foods and drinks as much as possible.

Keep Your Teeth Clean: This includes regular brushing, an interdental brush, floss (and floss threaders) and possibly a water flosser to help you use the force of water to rid your mouth of stuck debris.

Use Fluoride: Fluoride can strengthen your tooth enamel and help you avoid enamel erosion. Use a fluoride toothpaste with every brushing and fluoride mouthwash at night before bed every evening.

When it comes to taking care of your teeth with braces, one of the best things you can do is pay attention to what you are putting in your mouth. Thinking about what is coming in contact with your pearly whites can protect your teeth from erosion and decay.

Certain foods and beverages are more acidic than others. During orthodontic treatment, focus on eating foods that are both good for your body and your teeth.

Less tooth-friendly foods and drinks include: apples, cherries, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, pineapples, raspberries, tomatoes, pickles, soft drinks, and fruit drinks.

More tooth-friendly foods and drinks include: bananas, mangoes, melons, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, milk, water, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, crackers, and pasta.

If you like to learn more about how you prevent enamel erosion while wearing braces, our friendly staff at Quest Johnson Orthodontics is available to train you in methods for keeping your teeth clean and strong.

Two-Phase Orthodontics

Quest Johnson Orthodnotics

Orthodontists today can successfully correct most problems regardless of the patient’s age. But that does not mean that the orthodontic treatment starting age does not matter. In fact, it may play a significant role in the total time and expenses required for the completion of the orthodontic treatment.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that involves facial and jaw changes along with straightening teeth.  This process allows Drs. Quest and Johnson to create a healthy functional smile with results that remain stable after treatment.

Two-phase orthodontics starts with interceptive orthodontic care. This is a process where Drs. Quest and Johnson intercept an oral problem before it gets out of hand. Typically, treatment starts with younger children in order to shift teeth, manipulate growth, create space for unerupted teeth, and break habits before it is too late. If a child's bite problems require intervention, Drs. Quest and Johnson can use a variety of appliances to change the rate, direction or amount of jaw growth in order to avoid more invasive approaches in the future. The best age for this interceptive treatment is between 7 and 10 years old. Once a majority of the adult teeth have erupted, the second phase of treatment can begin.

If you are interested in learning more about Two-Phase Orthodontics, contact our Mooresville orthodontic office. We love answering questions and providing a solid foundation of information to those who are interested in treatment for their children or themselves.

 

Adjusting to Your New Braces

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

You may or may not be excited about having braces, but regardless, we know you will totally be thrilled with the result of your new smile.  As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little overwhelming at times, so we are here to help with a few tips on adjusting to your new braces.

Tip #1:  Give Yourself Time - Your braces may not be what you expected, but after a while, when your teeth start shifting you will notice how incredible your tooth alignment and smile look. Initially, your braces may feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and tooth alignment improves, this sensation won’t be a concern. Although the brackets have been rounded and smoothed, until the cheek tissues have toughened, you may find it helpful to use a small piece of orthodontic wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation.

Tip #2: Be Confident - Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be embarrassed to smile with your braces. Depending on the type of braces you are treated with, people may not even know you're wearing braces. Be proud and know that your smile will look amazing very soon!

Tip #3:  Know What To Do - Be sure you know what to do if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave after an adjustment appointment:

Using your finger and tongue, check to see that the wire ends do not extend into areas which might poke or abrade the cheek or tongue.

Make sure you understand what you are to do until your next appointment. This could include wearing elastics as instructed, adjusting an expander or following specific hygiene and diet instructions.

Make sure you have an adequate supply of dental wax, special cleaning aids, elastic bands, or other related materials you may need between appointments.

Always schedule your next appointment before leaving our office. Postponing appointments is a common contributor to extended treatment time.

If a problem arises after your appointment, don't be afraid to call us; chances are it's a simple fix. For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give us a call at our Mooresville office.

Every Relationship Takes Work

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

...and the relationship between you and your braces is no different. 

You and your braces will become besties over the upcoming months.  There will be some bad days, but there will be lots of good days too. 

To prevent any ill feelings between you and your braces the team at Quest Johnson Orthodontics recommends...

Smoothing things over. When you first get your braces, sore spots may develop on your cheeks. To protect your cheeks, place wax on the bracket or wire. Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day is also very soothing to your gum and cheek tissues. Don’t worry…the soreness from your braces won’t last long, so try your best not to get mad at your braces.  

Avoiding sticky or hard foods. You don’t want to do anything that could cause your bestie harm. And even though it may seem like the best foods are the foods that are sticky and/or hard…sticky or hard foods can break a bracket or wire. 

Chewing with your back teeth. Taking a large bite of food with your front teeth can leave your braces vulnerable to damage. Cut large foods into smaller pieces and use your back teeth to chew.

Flossing. We know that it can be a pain to floss around your braces…your braces may even fight you on it.  But flossing is the best way to prevent gum disease and other oral health problems. If you find flossing with braces difficult, don’t give up on it. There are tools that can help. Ask us about Floss Threaders. Floss Threaders definitely make flossing with braces much easier. Or use a Water Flosser; we have seen excellent results when these are used daily.  

You and your braces will go through a lot together. When all is said and done, you’ll smile at yourself in the mirror one day, remembering your braces fondly and you'll know that the relationship was totally worth all of the hard work.