Safeguard Your Smile

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

April isn't just about showers bringing May flowers; it's also a time to highlight the importance of safeguarding our smiles. National Facial Protection Month serves as a reminder of the significance of protecting our faces during sports and recreational activities.

Sports and recreational activities bring joy, camaraderie, and numerous health benefits. However, they also pose risks, particularly to our faces. According to the American Dental Association, sports-related injuries account for a significant portion of dental injuries each year. From knocked-out teeth to fractured jaws, these injuries can be painful, costly, and sometimes irreversible.

The good news is that many sports-related facial injuries are preventable with the use of proper protective gear. Mouthguards, helmets, face masks, and protective eyewear function as a barrier against potential impacts, reducing the risk of injury to the face, mouth, and jaw. These simple yet effective tools can make all the difference in preserving your smile and overall oral health.

National Facial Protection Month serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of facial protection in sports and recreational activities. It's a time for athletes, coaches, parents, and healthcare professionals to come together and advocate for injury prevention strategies. By promoting education, proper equipment usage, and adherence to safety guidelines, we can create safer environments for participants of all ages and skill levels.

How to Protect Your Smile

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, taking proactive steps to protect your smile is essential. Here are some practical tips to minimize the risk of facial injuries during sports and recreational activities:

Wear a Mouthguard: Invest in a custom-fitted mouthguard, especially if you participate in contact sports like football, hockey, or basketball. A well-fitting mouthguard provides cushioning and protection for your teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue.

Use Appropriate Headgear: Depending on the activity, wear helmets, face masks, or protective eyewear to shield your head and face from impact. Make sure the gear fits properly and meets safety standards recommended for your sport.

Practice Safe Play: Follow the rules of the game and encourage sportsmanship among players. Avoid reckless behavior that increases the likelihood of collisions or injuries to yourself and others.

Stay Alert and Aware: Be mindful of your surroundings and potential hazards on the field, court, or playground. Stay focused on the game while remaining vigilant to avoid accidents or collisions.

Maintain Proper Technique: Learn and practice proper techniques for your sport to reduce the risk of injury. Proper form and body mechanics can help minimize the impact of falls, collisions, and other incidents.

Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule routine dental checkups to assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw. Early detection of dental issues allows for prompt treatment and intervention to prevent further damage.

As we celebrate National Facial Protection Month, let's commit to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our smiles. By raising awareness, advocating for proper protective gear, and promoting injury prevention strategies, we can enjoy sports and recreational activities with greater peace of mind. Together, let's safeguard our smiles for a lifetime of health and happiness.

If you have any questions on how to protect your smile while playing sports, feel free to contact Quest Johnson Orthodontics. Our team of experienced professionals are here to help. 

 

Helpful Tips for New Orthodontic Patients

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

 

As a new patient at Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we know that you may not be excited about wearing your braces, but we also know that when all is said and done, you will be thrilled with the results of your new smile.

Adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming. Fortunately, braces are pretty low maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to make your orthodontic experience more effective and comfortable.

• Know What to Expect - When you first get braces, it’s perfectly normal for your teeth and mouth to be sore and/or tender. Your lips, cheeks, and gums may also be irritated for up to two weeks while they get used to the braces. Try a saltwater rinse or over-the-counter pain reliever to help reduce the amount of pain or discomfort you feel. It’s also important to remember that Dr. Quest and Dr.Johnson are experts in their field, and they’ve had to go through extensive training in order to do what they do. Make sure that you’re listening to their advice, being honest with them during check-ups and tightening appointments, and most importantly, that you’re allowing them to properly guide you through your treatment.

• Watch What You Eat and Drink - Your diet plays a huge role in the success of your orthodontic treatment. You should eat less crunchy foods throughout treatment just to be on the safe side. Things like tough meats, nuts, popcorn, and chewy and hard candy should be eaten very carefully so as not to cause any damage. Additionally, foods that are high in sugars and starches should be consumed in small quantities. As far as beverages go, sodas, juices and coffees are technically okay in small, infrequent doses, but it’s best to stick with plain water whenever possible. Not only does water lack the sugar that plays a huge role in causing tooth decay, but also helps to keep the mouth clean and free of any extra particles or leftover food that could get stuck between your teeth.

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene - Orthodontic patients should brush after every meal to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes and to reach the front, back, and top of each tooth. We also recommend that you floss every evening before bed so that food particles and germs don’t attack your teeth and gums. We want your teeth to be just as healthy after braces as they were before! If you don’t commit to an effective brushing and flossing routine throughout the course of your treatment, plaque can build-up beneath the brackets and will likely go unnoticed until your braces come off, and when they do, the white, permanent stains will show. Mastering a great oral hygiene routine will ensure that when your braces finally come off, you’ll have a beautiful new smile that’s completely ready to be shown off!

• Avoid Bad Habits - When you have braces, you’ll have to choose between breaking your bad habits or breaking your braces. Biting your fingernails, chewing on pen caps or ice cubes, or not following proper oral hygiene instructions all pose threats to your brackets and wires. Continuing these habits can lead to costly orthodontic emergency appointments and may delay your overall treatment time.

• Be Confident - Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be afraid or embarrassed to smile with your braces. Depending on the type of braces you are treated with, people may not even know you are wearing braces. Be proud and flash those pearly whites often!

Lastly, be sure you know what to do if you are experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave our office, feel for any poking wires so you can have us correct the agitation and avoid pain. If a problem arises after your appointment, do not be afraid to call us; chances are it's a simple fix.

Being an active participant in your treatment is key! For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give Quest Johnson Orthodontics a call.

 

Preparing for Braces

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

It is completely normal to feel a bit apprehensive when you first consider going to an orthodontist. Whether your dentist has advised you to seek care from Quest Johnson Orthodontics, or you have decided to do so on your own, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your initial exam with Dr. Quest, Dr. Johnson and their team.

Before your initial orthodontic appointment, we will do our part to educate you on the process of getting braces. But it is always good if you can do some research of your own to ease any lingering fears.

Things to Know

1. Your initial appointment is about 60 minutes. This appointment allows us time to gather some information and obtain photographs, indicated X-rays, and a clinical examination. When you call to schedule this appointment, you will be asked to provide some personal information, along with any orthodontic insurance coverage you have so that we can verify your benefits and provide you with the most accurate estimate. If treatment is indicated, an approximate estimate of the time and fees involved will be provided.

2. You will not need to do anything out of the ordinary to prepare for the day your braces will be placed. The only thing we ask is that you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before your appointment.

3. Braces are applied using a special adhesive that cures rapidly initially but takes 24-hours to completely cure. At the end of your braces appointment, a team member will explain how to brush and floss, review what foods to avoid, and what to do if you experience any difficulties with your braces. You will want to check your braces daily for anything loose or bent. If a bracket or band comes loose or you break a wire, please call our office so we can arrange an appointment to repair it.

4. You can expect some discomfort for the first few days after having your braces placed. This is temporary and can be relieved by rinsing with warm salt water or by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

5. After your braces have been placed, you can expect to come back for adjustment appointments about every 8 weeks. Adjustment appointments typically take about 15-45 minutes based on the involvement of the adjustment.

If you are interested in braces for children, teens, or adults, start by visiting our website and familiarizing yourself with the different types of braces we offer…then give us a call to schedule your initial exam.

Handling Orthodontics Issues at Home

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Even though you are careful, you may occasionally damage your braces or orthodontic appliance. While there are steps you can take to temporarily fix or alleviate discomfort and prevent additional damage, you should always notify our office if you have any issues or concerns. 

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we want our patients to be informed of problems that may occur, and understand how to solve them, at least temporarily, until it is possible to return to our office. And with the tools and supplies listed below, you will be prepared to handle the most common orthodontic issues at home.

• Orthodontic relief wax 
• Dental floss 
• Tweezers 
• Q-tips 
• Salt 
• Interproximal brush 
• Toothpicks 
• Non-prescription pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) 
• Topical Anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel)

Below are some typical orthodontic issues and how you can solve them:

Discomfort - It’s normal to have some initial discomfort during orthodontic treatment as your teeth move. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may alleviate this discomfort.  If the discomfort lasts longer than a few days, be sure to call our office.

Mouth Sores - Some patients are susceptible to episodes of mouth sores. While braces do not cause these sores, they may be exacerbated by an irritation from your braces. Mouth sores are not an emergency, but they can be very uncomfortable. Prompt relief may be achieved by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the ulcerated surface using a cotton swab. 

Irritation - Sometimes braces or wires can be irritating to your mouth, especially when eating. A small amount of orthodontic wax makes an excellent buffer between the metal bracket and your mouth. Simply pinch off a small piece of wax and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the bracket causing irritation. 

Protruding Wire - Occasionally the end of a wire will work itself out of place and can irritate your mouth. Use a Q-tip or clean tweezer and try to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with wax.

There will be normal, day-to-day discomfort associated with wearing braces, if you have any questions about your orthodontic treatment, or if you think you may have a true orthodontic emergency, don’t hesitate to call our Mooresville orthodontic office…We can help!  

Do You Have Gum Disease?

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

More than 47 percent of adults are living with periodontal or gum disease, which more often than not, goes unnoticed.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics our goal is to continually raise awareness of the prevalence of gum disease while encouraging patients to take an active role in better oral health through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Gum disease is something that most people will experience at some point in their lives. But because the symptoms of gum disease are so subtle and painless, most people just shrug it off. If gum disease is left untreated, the consequences could be severe.  Gum disease has been linked to a host of general medical problems, including: heart disease, endocarditis, lung problems, colorectal cancer, diabetes, and kidney, pancreatic and blood cancers in men.

According to the American Association of Periodontology (AAP), you may have gum disease if:

• Your gums are red, swollen, and sore to the touch. 
• Your gums bleed when you eat, brush or floss. 
• You see pus or other signs of infection around the gums and teeth. 
• Your gums look as if they are "pulling away" from the teeth. 
• You frequently have bad breath or notice a bad taste in your mouth. 
• Your teeth are loose or feel as if they are moving away from the other teeth.

A great oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits are the absolute best way to take a preventative measure against gum disease. TheAmerican Dental Association (ADA) site recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush that fits your mouth comfortably, so it reaches every tooth surface adequately. Plaque begins to re-form within 24 hours after brushing and flossing, so daily care is essential. Be sure to floss or water floss every day to ensure your gums are healthy.

With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, you can keep your teeth for a lifetime and avoid many significant health problems.

 

If you have any questions regarding the health of your teeth and gums, please don't hesitate to give Quest Johnson Orthodontics a call.

Orthodontic Emergencies

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

If you ever find yourself in what you believe to be an orthodontic emergency, the first step is to determine the severity of the problem: is it really a true emergency or is it a less serious issue that you can fix yourself?

The vast majority of orthodontic problems are relatively minor although some may irritate your mouth or cause discomfort. In general, the best approach is to try to ease the source of the problem, and then call our office to schedule an appointment.

Here are three common orthodontic problems you may be able to take care of at home, prior to scheduling a visit to our orthodontic office.

Loose or Poking Wires: If a wire causes irritation, push the wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-tip. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax or a cotton ball until you can see us for an adjustment.

If the main wire has come out of the tube on the back tooth, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle-nose pliers or tweezers. If the wire is sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area. As a last resort, you might be able to snip off the end of the wire with a nail clipper you’ve sterilized in alcohol. However, first call our office for advice and instructions.

Loose Brackets or Bands: If a bracket becomes loose, it usually remains connected to the main wire by a little colored rubber ring or a small steel ligature tie. Tweezers can be used to reposition the brace if it flips around the wire and becomes a source of irritation. Call our office and inform us of the problem.

If a piece of your braces break, save the piece and call our office to schedule a repair visit.

In cases of damaged wires, brackets or bands, it’s important to call our office as soon as possible to arrange for repairs in order to keep your treatment plan on course. Wires that are bent out of the prescribed shape will move the teeth in the wrong way.

Loose Teeth: It’s natural for teeth to become slightly loose when wearing braces…it’s a sign that your orthodontic treatment is working. Sometimes this tooth movement can be accompanied by tenderness, especially immediately after braces are fitted or adjusted. Try taking over-the-counter pain relief. Rinsing your mouth twice a day with a cup of warm water and half a teaspoon of salt can also be soothing. A heating pad or warm washcloth placed on your face may help to relieve tenderness as well. Or eating cold food like ice cream, a milkshake, or an Icee or Slushee can also be comforting. Please don’t chew on ice pieces though!

If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food. If you cut your gums, tongue or the inside of your cheek, apply finger pressure to the bleeding site for several minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, call your family dentist or our office.

And remember…if you are a patient in retention and your retainer cracks or breaks, remove the retainer from your mouth and bring all the pieces to our office for professional repair or replacement.