The Choice is Clear

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Contrary to popular belief…traditional metal braces are not the only choice when it comes to orthodontic treatment.  

Let’s face it…adults worry about the stigma of traditional metal braces and it’s this stigma that may deter many adults from seeking orthodontic treatment. Well, worry no more. Clear braces are discreet and comfortable and clear braces move your teeth just like the traditional metal braces. 

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we are proud to provide our adult patients the option of Clarity Ceramic Braces. Ceramic braces are a popular choice for adults 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 is gorgeous and they will not stain or discolor. 

While there are other transparent orthodontic devices available, they can’t necessarily correct moderate to severe orthodontic conditions with the effectiveness of bracket-and-wire braces systems. For patients requiring more intensive treatments, but still desiring an increased level of visual discretion, Clarity Ceramic Braces are a great option. 

You deserve the confidence that comes with having a beautiful smile and with Clarity Ceramic Brackets you'll have a lot to smile about, even before your braces are removed. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, give Quest Johnson Orthodontics a call. Drs.William Quest and Diane Johnson have been respected providers of orthodontic care in Mooresville, IN for over 20 years. Their top priority is to help you achieve the smile you deserve - a healthy, beautiful one!

National Nutrition Month: Smoothie Recipes

Here are at Quest Johnson Orthodontics, office-approved smoothie recipes that taste great and help you get the nutrients you need. We want to show you that eating healthy, delicious food is still possible after you’ve started your braces journey. Yes, there are certain points in your treatment process when your mouth might be more sensitive than usual, but that doesn't mean you don't get to enjoy a delicious meal or snack. Smoothies are the perfect solution for when chewing just doesn’t sound all that fun!

You can prep and freeze these 3 super quick and easy smoothie recipes. Choose your own base of yogurt, juice, milk, tea, or water and some ice to blend these ingredients up into something spectacular for your taste buds!

SWEET SUNRISE

• 1C Raspberries
• 1 Orange
• 1/2 Banana
• 1C Mango

KIWI REFRESH

• 1 Kiwi
• 1& 1/2C Watermelon
• 1 &1/2C Grapes

GREEN MONSTER

• 1 Grapefruit
• 1 Banana
• 1C Pineapple
• 1C Spinach

5 Reasons Why Summer is the Perfect Time to get Braces.

1.) There is more time to learn how to care for braces.
2.) Dealing with the soreness of new braces is more manageable at home.
3.) It's helpful to be home when adjusting to eating with new braces.
4.) It's easier to schedule appointments with more flexibility.
5.) It's helpful to adjust to braces before school starts.

Summer will be over before you know it! Call to schedule your appointment today. New Patient consultations are always complementary.

First Day in Braces

The adhesive used to attach the braces to your teeth cures rapidly, but takes several hours to completely cure. You can eat any time after leaving our office, however, we ask that you remember the list of foods that may be harmful to your braces. Until you become accustomed to eating with your new braces, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of all soft foods.

Initially, the braces feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and tooth alignment improves, this sensation will cease to 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. If your supply of wax runs out, call our office for more. The wax may also be purchased at a local drug store.

You will probably notice some discomfort beginning a few hours after your braces are placed. Some teeth, usually the front teeth, may be tender and sensitive to pressure. Occasionally, patients report that they experience no discomfort, but most patients have some soreness beginning during the first few hours and dissipating within a day or two. Exactly when the discomfort ceases is impossible to predict and differs with each patient. Non-prescription pain remedies are recommended for discomfort. For maximum effectiveness, it may be best to take such medications before the discomfort begins.

Just Got Braces? Avoid these Holiday Treats

The Holidays are here and that means snow, endless sweets and of course no school for kids. The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate with family and also a time where we can slip up on certain foods to avoid, especially if we have braces. From sugar, to cookies to gingerbread houses, there is no end in the sweet treats. Here are three foods to avoid this holiday season.

1. Candy Canes: 
These beautiful perfect treats are one to avoid this season if you have braces. The hard candy could damage your braces and the stickiness of the peppermint candy can get stuck in between your orthodontic appliances.

2. Popcorn:
If you string popcorn around your tree, you know this how involves eating the popcorn as well. Popcorn is a great treat, however you may want to stay away from it this year. Popcorn is notorious for getting stuck in between teeth and your braces.

3. Caramel Sweets
Who doesn’t love the sweet caramel treats this time of year. From caramel apple to caramel drizzled on your popcorn to your Starbucks drink, seems like caramel is everywhere this time of year. Be sure to stay away from this sticky treat, because it can be damaging to your teeth and braces.

Spotlight on This Months Check-In 4 Charity: Smile for a Lifetime

Just like that the warm summer months are winding down and September is here! For all of us at Quest Johnson Orthodontics, this also means a new charity of the month! With your help we will be supporting Smile for a Lifetime.

ABOUT THE CHARITY
The Smile for a Lifetime Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization that provides orthodontics to individuals, ages 11-18, who may not have the opportunity to acquire assistance any other way. Launched in 2008, Smile for a Lifetime aims to reach individuals with financial challenges, special situations, and orthodontic needs. The Foundation sponsors the orthodontic care of hundreds of patients each year through local chapters. To date, they have donated services totaling more than $35 million dollars.

JOIN US IN SUPPORTING SMILE FOR A LIFETIME
Quest Johnson Orthodontics takes part in the Check-In 4 Charity program. Whenever you check-in at our office on Facebook, a donation will be generated for the charity of the month. Be sure to check-in at your next appointment and together we can give back to this amazing charity during the month of September.

Healthy Habits For Our Patients

Seeking orthodontic treatment is a great way to make sure your oral health is in good shape. However, there are other factors that affect the status of healthy teeth. Brushing, flossing and eating habits are just as important.

When treating your teeth Quest Johnson Orthodontics staff wants to be sure they are working with healthy teeth; developing healthy habits starts at a young age.

Did you know that the baby teeth that appear in the first 3 years of a child's life have been there since birth, in the baby’s jaw-bones? Those baby teeth are key for chewing, speaking, and appearance. They also hold space in the jaws for upcoming adult teeth. Even though they fall out, baby teeth are important and you need to take good care of them.

For healthier teeth, good breath and fewer cavities kids need to remember to brush their teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. Adopting these healthy brushing habits can help save children from a lifetime of tooth pain.

Helpful Brushing Tips

•     Brush with a fluoride toothpaste.
•     Place the toothbrush at an angle against the gums.
•     Make sure to move the toothbrush back and forth, gently, in short strokes.
•     Brush the tongue to remove germs and freshen breath.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics we care about the overall oral health of all of our patients. If you have any questions about your oral health, please contact our office today.

Achieve A Straight Smile Without Metal Braces

Is your teen bummed out about the thought of having braces? Invisalign Teen aligners give adolescents a whole new way to wear braces for a clearly amazing smile!

Scenarios in high school like, the team game on Friday nights, homecoming dances, and yearbook pictures can leave many teens stressed about their smile Don't let your teenager stress; during Invisalign Teen treatment teens can achieve a straight smile without metal braces and without detection! 

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

• Clear 
• Removable 
• Super comfortable 
• Customized 

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, which means you can go ahead and eat all the things you love without worrying about breaking a bracket or losing a rubber band.

Invisalign aligners are really comfortable and very durable. They fit in with any of your extracurricular activities. So whether you're swimming the 50-meter race, throwing the football out on the field, or playing the clarinet with the school band, you don't have to worry about your braces getting in the way! Give Quest Johnson Orthodontics a call to schedule a consultation just in time for the new school year.

Please Don't Do This Yourself

Quest Johnson Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontists have a prompt announcement for consumers about “DIY” orthodontic treatment. It is with great urgency that we emphasize to you all to be cautious about the trending “DIY” orthodontic treatment because straightening your teeth on your own can lead to lifelong dental problems.

Do-It-Yourself videos and websites are popular among today’s culture, and while so many great ideas come from several of these outlets, there are some things that you just shouldn’t do yourself! Straightening your teeth or attempting to move your teeth as a “DIY” project is definitely one of the things you should not be doing. Moving and straightening teeth is a medical procedure that needs to be supervised by an orthodontist. It’s important for you all to be wary of any videos or websites that advise you to use objects such as rubber bands, dental floss, or anything else in order to get straight teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, “Moving teeth without a thorough examination of the overall health of the teeth and gums could result in the permanent loss of teeth, which may result in expensive and lifelong dental problems.”

If you have any further questions regarding “DIY” orthodontics, or are curious about straightening your teeth, please contact us at our Mooresville or Elwood office. Click here to visit our website for additional information.

Meet The Charity Of The Month

August is here! For many, this means the end of summer vacation and back to school, but for Quest Johnson Orthodontics, this means a new charity of the month. This month, with your help, we will be supporting Doctors Without Borders.

ABOUT THE CHARITY
Doctors Without Borders is an international humanitarian organization founded in 1971. This charity is known to respond to emergencies around the world, saving and impacting lives daily. The funds allow the organization to impact those in need of help; they go where patients are. They generally work in conflict zones after natural disasters, epidemics, long-term care settings, and more. Funding is a crucial part of this charity as the crew works on so many projects worldwide, we want to help.

JOIN US IN SUPPORTING DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
Quest Johnson Orthodontics is a Check-in 4 Charity Member. That means, whenever you check-in at our office on Facebook, a donation will be generated for the charity of the month. Check-in at your next appointment and together we can join forces to give back to this amazing charity during the month of August.

Early Evaluation For A Healthy Smile

Orthodontics deals with the correction of teeth and jaws that are not in the right position. Quest Johnson Orthodontics has been a versatile help in creating a straight and healthy smile to patients who are affected with crooked teeth and other oral problems such as: 

• Overbite: In which the front teeth lie so much far forward, protruding quite the lower teeth.

• Underbite: In which the lower teeth lie too far forward, sticking out more than the upper teeth.

• Crossbite: In which there is a wide opening between the upper teeth and the lower teeth in front.

• Crowding: This is when there are too many teeth growing on a dental ridge more that it can accommodate

These problems are easily solved with orthodontics through the use of aligners, traditional braces, and various appliances to mention a few. It is factual that orthodontics effectively manages oral problems when discovered early, especially when the patient is a child and yet to develop a permanent tooth. A recommendation from the American Association of Orthodontists, the ideal age for a child’s first orthodontic exam is age seven when the orthodontist is fortunate enough to monitor closely the eruption of their permanent teeth and follow the growth of the jaws through its critical years of development. It is obvious that early evaluation enables us to catch the problem while it is at its metamorphosing stage, rather than after the patient has already developed, thus making it much more effectively managed with imminent invasive treatment needed in the future avoided.

When orthodontic problems are left undiagnosed and untreated, many of these issues can result in severe and permanent oral health problems. These may include abnormal wear of the tooth surface or enamel, inefficient chewing, and even excessive stress on gum tissues and supporting bones which can lead to gum recession or bone loss. Early treatment of these problems not only protects the teeth but can be more cost effective to fix the problems before they cause damages

Early treatment phase is provided from ages 7 and older when the treatment is majorly aimed at eliminating bite problems which can damage the teeth or gum tissues, treating down the road less invasive thus minimizing tooth extraction or jaw surgery.

Orthodontics patients of Quest Johnson Orthodontics are advised to see Dr. Quest or Dr. Johnson early so that they can attain the best oral health and have a nice straight, healthy smile with a strategized treatment plan.

For more questions and information, you can contact Quest Johnson Orthodontics today.

Back to School With Braces Tips

Caring for braces especially for students in school can be quiet hectic due to the restrictive devotions to maintain the braces and for this reason, Quest Johnson Orthodontics has decided to put up an article which will make caring for orthodontic braces easy in school. As a student who just had an orthodontic treatment, you should be rest assured that it is the best that can happen to give you the perfect smile again but the care for your teeth and gums help make it very effective. Take a look at your new braces, you can notice a lot of nooks and crannies that can trap food and plaque and that means a great risk of tooth decay is imminent if not properly cared for, therefore you need to pay special attention to cleaning your teeth. This might look hectic but right here the team of Quest Johnson Orthodontics has few great tips to keep your braces in top condition.

1. WATCH YOUR DIET
As an orthodontic patient with braces, it is very important for you to select your diet with caution. We know that there are several foods in school which tastes great but don't look great in your braces. Certain foods can either break a bracket or some foods are sugary and can have negative effects on the natural ability to brush behind the bracket. Be sure to make decisions on foods based on what is healthy, tasty, and won't harm your brackets.

Food to avoid: As an orthodontic patient we would advise that you desist from:

• Sticky or gooey foods 
• Hard foods 
• Sugary foods 
• Acidic drinks 

2. WEAR A MOUTHGUARD
With braces on your teeth, you might be wondering if you should desist from sports or retire from being the captain of your favorite sports team, but the truth is orthodontics does not affect your ability to play sports. You can keep on with your braces and sports if and only if you have your mouth guard on. Mouth guards are safety measures that can mean the difference between just a bruised, fat lips and thousands spent in orthodontics repair work. While you are in any kind of physical activity (including gym classes), it is advisable that you wear a mouth guard which can protect your teeth and braces from flying sports balls, swinging elbows or an accidental fall or hit.

3. BRUSH AND FLOSS REGULARLY
Braces can easily trap food, and this trapped food can lead to other inimical dental problems. Because of this, it is very important to brush your teeth after every meal and to floss at least once a day.

4. DON'T CHEW ON PENCILS
Pencils, pen, and rulers are all hard objects and most times when you get bored, anxious or plainly destructive you are tempted to chew on them in class. Obviously, this can be destructive in the moment and can be grossly inimical over time. It is important that you don't practice these habits while wearing braces.

We know that maintaining braces in school is can be tough. That is why we ensure to give you the best plans of action to help you out.

For more questions and inquiries that you may have, we are always at your service. You can always contact Quest Johnson Orthodontics.

Learn About Wisdom Teeth & Braces

Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that usually come in anywhere from 17 to 25 years old. Coincidentally, this age bracket is a popular time for orthodontic work, and many people are in braces or will soon have them taken off. It can be disconcerting in this time period to see completely new teeth emerging.

Wisdom teeth are a leftover trait from when humans had larger jaws and chewed hearty leaves. Wisdom teeth tend to overcrowd already corrected molars or emerge only half way. In fact, wisdom teeth statistically have the highest chance of growing in sideways, an issue known as an impacted wisdom tooth, which can affect the nearby teeth. However, wisdom teeth cannot cause front teeth to become crooked. From the back of the mouth, the pressure they exert on the other molars is not strong enough to reach the front.

This has led people to believe that wisdom teeth can ruin their current or previous dental work. There are a number of other factors that have led to this. Around 20 years old, the jaw performs its last growth spurt, which can leave teeth crooked. This is also the age when many former braces wearers begin to neglect their retainers at night.

Many people have their wisdom teeth emerge as healthy, effective back molars. In this case, the tooth has grown in straight and is not affecting the person’s bite and any dental work will be unaffected. There is nothing stopping a person with healthy wisdom teeth from getting braces either.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics we offer orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages. Whether you’re looking for braces, Invisalign or other orthodontic options, we can help you get the smile you want. Contact Quest Johnson Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation. We can answer any questions you may have, including how wisdom teeth affect your treatment.

July Charity of the Month

Each month, Quest Johnson Orthodontics gives back to different charities with our Check-in 4 Charity membership. We believe strongly in supporting meaningful causes in our community and worldwide to help raise awareness and work together with our patients to donate funds monthly. This month, we are excited to announce our efforts are going to benefit July’s featured charity, the SPCA International.

Learn More About the SPCA International
Quest Johnson Orthodontics is excited to encourage patients to check-in at our office this month to support the SPCA International. This charity has a mission to improve the lives of animals around the world and advance the safety and well-being of animals. With generous donations the SPCA International works to save animals from cruelty and neglect. Won’t you check-in to help us support this cause?

Need Help Checking-In?
If you have any questions about checking-in on Facebook at Quest Johnson Orthodontics, please ask us at your next orthodontic appointment. Also, don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook, and follow @questjohnsonorthodontics on Instagram.

Invisalign Compared To Clarity Ceramic Braces

Clarity ceramic braces and Invisalign are two treatments with the same mission, to make orthodontic treatment more difficult to detect than traditional metal braces. Many patients of Quest Johnson Orthodontics seek our help to straighten their smiles, but want to make a less noticeable statement while they commit to a healthier, straighter smile. Both Clarity ceramic braces and Invisalign treatments can provide this solution for many patients.

While the two treatments have the same mission, there are stark differences between them.

Invisalign can be removed: Like traditional braces, ceramic braces can make brushing and flossing teeth more difficult, as well as eating. Invisalign can be easily removed for both of these necessities, keeping your mouth healthy throughout the entire treatment process.

Removable aligners do have their perks, however this does result in one downside of Invisalign, and it takes discipline. You must remove the aligner trays when you are eating or drinking. Other than that, as well as brushing and flossing, the aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours per day.

Invisalign is more transparent: One of the most favorite things about Invisalign is its virtual transparency. Most people don’t notice someone is wearing Invisalign until they are told.

While ceramic braces blend into the patient’s teeth, the brackets are more noticeable than Invisalign’s transparent retainer.

Adjustment time is different: For Invisalign, trays must be changed every two weeks, compared to four weeks for adjustments with ceramic braces.

Ceramic braces can treat more extensive cases: Invisalign has been developed to treat a wide variety of cases, provided they aren’t extremely severe.

Here are the common cases that Invisalign can treat:

• Crowded (crooked) teeth 
• Gapped teeth 
• Overbite, underbite and open bite 

The only difference between metal and ceramic braces is the material used for the bonding brackets. Therefore, ceramic braces can treat many of the same cases, including more severe cases that Invisalign cannot handle. 

Here are some additional issues that ceramic braces can treat:

• Crossbites 
• Malocclusions 
• Very crooked teeth 
• Various other flaws of teeth and the jaw 

Straightening your teeth to improve your oral health and smile is a big step for many patients at Quest Johnson Orthodontics. If you need help deciding whether Clarity Advanced Braces or Invisalign makes more sense for you or your child, consult Dr. Quest or Dr. Johnson at our Mooresville or Elwood locations. Give us a call to schedule a complimentary exam today, or click here to schedule online.

Healthy DIY Summer Treat

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics we believe nutrition and a healthy smile go hand in hand. From snacking and eating on the go, to making sure kids have access to healthy snacks at home, Quest Johnson Orthodontics wants to help you keep your snack choices healthy this summer with braces-friendly healthy summer snack recipes.

By avoiding sticky sweets and sugary beverages, we will provide you with snack choices that are fit for orthodontic patients and promote overall wellness and health! All summer long, check here for healthy new summer snack recipes!

Grapefruit & Pink Lemonade Pops

Ingredients:

• Grapefruit Juice 
• Pink Lemonade (or Fruit Punch) 
• Fresh Grapefruit

How-To:

1. Slice fresh grapefruit into thin slices and place a slice or two into each popsicle mold.

2. Mix together equal parts of pink lemonade (or fruit punch) with grapefruit juice.

3. Pour the juice mixture into the popsicle molds, over the grapefruit slices.

4. Add popsicle sticks and freeze until hardened; typically takes 3-4 hours. Enjoy!

Braces Aren't Just For Cosmetic Purposes

Did you know orthodontic treatment is not just for cosmetic purposes?

Having a good bite not only makes it easier to eat and speak but will enhance your dental and overall health as well. Straight teeth aren’t just pretty, they’re healthy too. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean reducing the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

With locations in Mooresville and Elwood, our practices’ top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care. We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry, such as Clarity Ceramic Braces and Invisalign, along with the latest in computer technology to ensure that you receive the most effective care possible. Give us a call at our convenient locations to schedule your complimentary consultation today!

SAVE FACE! Get The Word Out

It’s still National Facial Protection Month so we’re spreading the word to our patients to remind everyone to protect faces this spring. As many children and adults gear up to start a new sports season, it’s important to keep faces and heads protected from injuries that can potentially be deadly. 

Did you know spring is one of the busiest times in emergency rooms for mouth and facial injuries? Several of these injuries happen in the spring because they are sports-related accidents that can be easily prevented with the use of sports safety equipment. By utilizing equipment like helmets and mouth guards, children and adults can avoid serious facial injuries.

Just by wearing a mouth guard or helmet, patients can reduce the risk of concussions, knocking out teeth, or breaking jaw bones. Most coaches recommend a mouth guard or helmet, but unfortunately, several athletes stay away from these two very important pieces of equipment because they don’t comprehend the importance of wearing them.

Facial injuries aren’t just painful for patients, they’re also costly. Repairs for injuries can cost up to thousands of dollars, which we understand many people don’t have. As so many of these injuries can be easily prevented, we can’t stress enough the importance of simply wearing a mouth guard or helmet during organized sports and activities. Lastly, this is a good rule of thumb to abide by all year long, and not just in the springtime. If you have any questions regarding facial protection, please contact Quest Johnson Orthodontics at our Mooresville office or our Elwood office.

EASY, FAST, BRACES-FRIENDLY RECIPE

WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup good quality white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate 
• 1/2 cup plus 1/3 chilled heavy whipping cream divided
• Fresh berries for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

• Place white chocolate chips and 1/3 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is completely smooth. Transfer to a medium sized bowl. Allow to sit at room temperature until the mixture has cooled and thickened slightly, stirring occasionally, about 20-30 minutes (the mixture should not be warm at all).
• In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat 1/2 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. The mixture should be completely smooth and creamy. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Serve with fresh berries.

Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 

Are Braces Causing My Bad Breath?

We understand bad breath can be uncomfortable to talk about but unfortunately it happens to most people. The important thing to do if you’re experiencing bad breath (or know someone who is) is to determine the root of the problem. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by poor oral hygiene, personal habits such as smoking or eating certain foods, or medical problems. The most common factor for bad breath in patients at Quest Johnson Orthodontics is almost certainly caused by poor oral hygiene.

After getting braces, new patients may develop bad breath from not cleaning their teeth correctly. Brushing your teeth is simply not enough, especially when you wear braces. Bacteria feeds on food particles left in your mouth, and this bacterium creates odor. It’s important to remember to brush, floss, and use mouthwash as tiny bits of food can get stuck in brackets or between teeth which can contribute to bad breath.

Because braces contain so many small spaces to trap food, the habits that worked great for cleaning your teeth before braces may no longer be enough. It's important to brush immediately after every meal or snack or to at least vigorously rinse your teeth with water or mouthwash if you absolutely can't brush. Bad breath-causing odors and bacteria can also cling to removable orthodontics (like a retainer or clear aligners), so be sure to remove them before eating, even if you're only eating a small amount.

For more information on bad breath with braces visit our website or give us a call at our Mooresville or Elwood office.