Achieving a Confident Smile with Clear Braces

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

For many years, traditional metal braces were the go-to solution for correcting dental misalignments. While effective, metal braces came with their own set of drawbacks, such as aesthetic concerns. Enter clear braces…a modern orthodontic innovation that combines the effectiveness of traditional braces with the aesthetic appeal of invisible brackets.

Clear braces, also known as ceramic braces, are a revolutionary advancement in orthodontic treatment. Like traditional metal braces, clear braces are designed to correct misaligned teeth, crowded teeth, spacing and bite issues. However, what sets them apart is their discreet appearance. Instead of using metal brackets and wires, clear braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets and thin, translucent wires. This nearly invisible design makes them an appealing option for individuals who want to maintain a more natural appearance while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Benefits of Clear Braces

Aesthetics: One of the most significant advantages of clear braces is their discreet appearance. The brackets blend seamlessly with the natural color of your teeth, making them far less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

Comfort: Clear braces are designed with patient comfort in mind. The brackets are made from smooth, biocompatible materials that minimize irritation and discomfort. Additionally, the wires are finer and more flexible, reducing the friction that can cause sore spots in the mouth.

Effective Alignment: While clear braces may have a more subtle appearance, they are just as effective as traditional braces when it comes to correcting orthodontic issues. The advanced materials and technology used in clear braces allow for precise and controlled tooth movement, ensuring a successful outcome.

Versatility: Clear braces can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic problems, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.

Predictable Results: Clear braces are designed using advanced computer modeling and imaging technology, which allows Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson to accurately predict and plan your treatment. This not only ensures optimal results but also reduces the treatment time compared to older orthodontic methods.

Reduced Disruptions: Unlike removable aligners, clear braces are fixed in place, eliminating the need to remember to wear and remove them. This reduces the risk of interruptions in your treatment progress and ensures consistent tooth movement.

Clear braces offer a modern and discreet approach to orthodontic treatment, allowing you to achieve a confident smile without compromising your appearance. With their aesthetic appeal, comfort, and effectiveness, clear braces are becoming an increasingly popular choice among individuals of all ages seeking a straighter and more aligned smile. If you're considering clear braces as a treatment option, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Quest Johnson Orthodontics. During this initial appointment, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson will assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine whether clear braces are the right choice for you.

Embrace the journey to a confident smile and let the power of clear braces transform your life and your smile.

 

Give Yourself a BraceLift

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

As we grow older, many of us turn to expensive and invasive cosmetic treatments in an effort to retain a youthful appearance.

Despite all of the gimmicks out there, studies show that your smile can do more to make you look younger than anything else! “Just as white, straight teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, worn, or missing teeth is associated with an aged look,” says Edmond Hewlett, DDS, professor of restorative dentistry at UCLA's School of Dentistry.

“Bracelift” treatments can help you look younger and feel more confident about your appearance. Of course, most people want a nice smile with straight, white teeth, but properly aligned teeth can do much more than just improve a smile. By enhancing the alignment and widening the arch of the teeth, orthodontic treatment can create better facial balance and aesthetics, lending the appearance of fuller cheeks and lips, smoother and higher cheek contours, and broader smiles, as well as compensate for the inevitable loss of facial muscle over time.

We all know that healthy teeth are important to maintaining overall health, especially as we age and nutritional needs change. But we sometimes overlook the impact our teeth can have on our mental and emotional well-being. Poor alignment cannot only affect your speech and airway, contributing to breathing problems, but also your self-confidence and poise. A “bracelift” can provide a life-long improvement to your overall appearance and self-confidence at a comparable cost to traditional orthodontic treatment.

3 Easy Steps to Take Years Off Your Appearance

Step 1: Oral Hygiene - The way to take years off your appearance is to practice good oral hygiene. Maintaining good oral health throughout your life doesn’t just preserve the appearance of your smile, but it can preserve your overall health too. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly promotes healthy teeth and gums and keeps your smile looking and feeling clean.

Step 2: Whiten Your Teeth - Teeth naturally darken as we age. One reason is that your teeth absorb color from food and drinks. Even if you take fantastic care of your teeth, they will eventually yellow over time. Micro-fractures, thinning enamel, and built-up stains all make your teeth look duller and older. Ask our team about how you can whiten your teeth with custom whitening trays. Custom whitening trays are the best way to achieve a deep and thorough color change that can take years off your appearance.

Step 3: Straighten Your Teeth - Even if you start out with perfectly straight teeth, something called mesial drift will cause them to shift over time. Crowded teeth are an instant giveaway of age and straightening your teeth can often take 10 to 15 years off your appearance. Crowded teeth also increase the risk of tooth decay, premature tooth loss, and gum recession, all of which guarantee looking older.

Beautifully straight, symmetrical glowing white teeth cannot only make you look younger, but they can dramatically improve your confidence.

If you have any questions about how we can help give you a healthier, younger looking smile, give our orthodontic office call to schedule an appointment with Quest Johnson Orthodontics today.

And remember…One of the best ways to appear more youthful is to smile more!

 

Why Braces

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

There are many reasons to get braces. One of the most important things is to improve your oral health. Your oral health directly contributes to your overall health. If your mouth isn’t feeling good, chances are that your entire body won’t feel good either. When your teeth are crooked, overlapped, or otherwise misaligned, you place an uneven amount of pressure when you bite down. That leads to pain, and it can cause your teeth to wear down, chip and even break. Not only that, but poorly aligned teeth are also harder to clean properly which can lead to decay and gum disease.

Braces will straighten your teeth, fix bite issues, and improve the overall appearance of your smile. Best of all, dental braces give you results that can last a lifetime.

It’s no secret that dental issues can cause you pain in your everyday life. When you develop issues such as TMJ, you can start to experience painful headaches and jaw pain. Braces are great for correcting issues such as these. Through aligning your mouth and teeth, you can prevent that pain from appearing. Braces are also a great way to prevent these issues from developing in the first place.

Have you ever heard of diastema? Diastema is the term used for the spaces that occur between your teeth. Braces work to shift your teeth so that they move into a straighter position. This in turn will eliminate any gaps that are present. If gaps are a concern for you, this is a great reason to get braces.

Crowded teeth cause a lot of mouth issues as well. It’s also very difficult to clean the areas where crowding occurs. This leads to tartar build-up that can cause tooth decay and heart problems later in life. By correcting crowding with braces, the teeth will become easier to clean and healthier. Clean teeth mean a happy mouth and a healthy body.

Did you know that misaligned teeth can affect your breathing? Misaligned teeth can cause you to start breathing from your mouth. This can develop into other problems such as sleep apnea or snoring. Correcting misalignment with braces can give the tongue more room to relax properly. This in turn allows for proper breathing through the nose.

Smiling is contagious. Nothing feels better than having a beautiful smile that you’re proud of. It’s a proven fact that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem. At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we believe that no matter what the reason for seeking orthodontic treatment, everyone deserves a smile they can be proud of.

 

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!

 

5 Common Bite Problems

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Our smiles are uniquely ours. However so is our bite. In orthodontics, “bite” refers to the way the upper and lower teeth come together. A bad bite, called a “malocclusion”, happens when teeth meet improperly, or they don’t meet at all.

When a person's teeth or jaws do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct the problem. If left untreated, these orthodontic problems can cause speech difficulty, premature wear of the teeth and protective enamel, and increase the chance of injury to the teeth and jaw joints.

5 Common Orthodontic Problems

1. Crowding - Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums. This can be a result of big teeth or inadequate space in the jaw or both. This may result in teeth that overlap, are rotated, or take on a crooked/staggered appearance. Crowding is the most common reason for braces. Not only is crowding unattractive, but it has also been linked to periodontal problems and dental decay because it is harder to clean overlapping surfaces.

Possible consequences if crowding is not corrected: Hard toclean; possible cavities, especially in between the teeth; gum disease.

2. Spacing - Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth, or they may only be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue. Spacing is another popular reason for braces. The opposite of crowding, spacing is most commonly caused by excessive jaw room for the size of the erupting teeth.

Possible consequences if spacing is not corrected: Food gets stuck in open areas. Possible cavities, gum disease.

3. Crossbite - A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. This orthodontic problem can be caused by misalignment of teeth or a misalignment of the bone and can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth. Your jaw may shift to one side if not corrected and wear down your tooth enamel.

Possible consequences if a crossbite is not corrected: The jaw shifts to one side; lopsided jaw growth; wearing down of outer layer of the tooth called “enamel”.

4. Underbite - An underbite happens when the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw. An underbite impacts tooth wear and adds a stress on your jaw joints. Through orthodontic treatment, these bites can be corrected and help keep you healthy, beyond an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Possible consequences if an underbite is not corrected: Face has “bulldog” appearance; tooth wear; stress on jaw joints.

5. Protrusion – A protrusion occurs when the front teeth stick out (“buck” teeth). Teeth may appear protrusive because the upper jaw is too far forward, the lower jaw is too far back, the teeth grew in at an angle, or a combination of these conditions. Sometimes people who have protrusive front teeth also have a deep bite.

Possible consequences if a protrusion is not corrected: Upper teeth are prone to accidental breaking; hard to comfortably close the mouth and lips, leading to dried out oral tissues followed by tooth decay. Speech problems.

The fact is…untreated problems tend to get worse with time. If you suspect that you or a loved one has one of the five common bite problems, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson can help. Make an appointment with Quest Johnson Orthodontics today. You do not need to wait until your dentist refers you.

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!

2 Common Bites in Orthodontics

Our smiles are uniquely ours. However so is our bite. “In orthodontics, “bite” refers to the way the upper and lower teeth come together. A bad bite, called a “malocclusion,” happens when teeth meet improperly, or they don’t meet at all,” according to the American Association of Orthodontist.

There are various bites that affect how we speak, eat and our overall mouth. Two common bites, orthodontic treatment can fix is a crossbite and underbite.

A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. Can be caused by misalignment of teeth or a misalignment of the bone; can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth. Your jaw may shift to one side if not corrected and wears down on your tooth enamel.

An underbite happens when the lower jaw sits in front of the upper jaw. An underbite impacts tooth wear and adds a stress on your jaw joints. Through orthodontic treatment, these bites can be corrected and help keep you healthy, beyond an aesthetically pleasing smile.

The #1 Summer Tip to Take into Fall in Mooresville

Summer is officially over and as a new season approaches, we are excited for new smiles and new seasons. We shared some great tips for a bright summer smile. As fall rolls in to our Mooresville and surrounding communities, here is the #1 tip to take into fall.

Switch out Your Toothbrush:
Switching out your toothbrush is an often overlooked tip that can make a difference in our smile. It is recommended to switch out your toothbrush every 3-4 months. As a new season rolls around, this is a perfect opportunity to switch out toothbrushes for the whole family.

If you are using an electric toothbrush, switching out the toothbrush head is recommended.

Our goal is to allow you to be seen on time for your appointment, do all necessary scheduled treatments, make appointments as stress free for you as possible and to minimize interruptions to your busy schedule. We understand that everyone has important obligations throughout the day and that your time is very valuable. Schedule an appointment today. 

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It's a new year! Remember to change out your toothbrush. 😃 #QuestJohnsonOrtho #HealthTip

A post shared by Quest Johnson Orthodontics (@questjohnsonorthodontics) on Jan 18, 2019 at 5:30am PST

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.

Your First Visit at Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Welcome to the office of Drs. William Quest and Diane Johnson, a respected provider of orthodontic care in your community for over 20 years. Our top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry, such as clear ceramic braces and Invisalign, along with the latest in computer technology to ensure that you receive the most effective care possible.

At your first visit, you will be greeted by our one of our staff members and given a tour of the office. Initial paperwork will be completed and an orthodontic exam will be done. During this time, we evaluate many things relating to the face, the smile, the fit of the teeth and the amount of room for all of the teeth. This important visit will address your orthodontic needs to determine if this is the proper time to begin treatment.

We will provide a complete clinical diagnosis regarding the nature of the problem, a written summary of the findings and a detailed plan that outlines your treatment, goals and estimated fees

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During the summer, is a perfect time to come in for a check up or check on concerns over your orthodontic treatment.

A post shared by Quest Johnson Orthodontics (@questjohnsonorthodontics) on Jun 27, 2019 at 10:12am PDT