Common Questions to Orthodontics

With locations in Mooresville and Elwood, Indiana, our practices’ top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. You might have a few questions on orthodontic treatment and what it entails. Here are a few of our common questions that we get asked.

What is an Orthodontist? 
An Orthodontist is much different from a dentist. While all orthodontist are dentist, not all dentist are orthodontist! An orthodontist is a dental specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists must successfully complete an additional two to three-year residency program of advanced dental education in orthodontics.

What age should my child see an orthodontist? 
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that your child be evaluated by age seven. This allows orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems that exist, advise if treatment will be necessary, and determine the best time for the treatment. Early detection of any orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.

How long does orthodontic treatment last? 
Every patient varies on how long orthodontic treatment will last, it depends on the orthodontic treatment plan and patient. However, braces may be on between 6 to 30 months or, in rare instances, longer. This depends on the development of the dentition, the severity of the problem, patient cooperation, and the degree of tooth movement required.

Does it hurt? 
Thanks to technology and our expertise, orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule, braces make your teeth tender and sore for a few days, but it is not painful. Today’s braces are more comfortable and use technology that reduces the discomfort

Check-in 4 Charity: Make a Difference

Habitat for Humanity, is a national charitable organization whose mission is to help families build and improve places to call home. The national organization, partners with people in our community, and all over the world, to help them build or improve a place they can call home. At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we believe in a world where putting good out in the universe is beautiful because the good always comes back and that giving and kindness starts with ourselves. This month, every time you Check-in on Facebook from our office, a donation is made on your behalf. It’s that simple, you check-in with a photo, status update or review and we make the donation on your behalf. 

Before You Go Back, Visit Us!

Summer is fading away and the fall season is quickly approaching. Kids have returned back to school and the normal routines have begun. As summer comes to an end and fall season returns, it can be a busy time for parents and their children. New activities and new routines, it’s easy to forget simple check-ups to the orthodontist.

Why is it important for a check-up during back-to-school season?

This is the time to schedule an appointment to measure the progress of your child’s orthodontic treatment. This will ensure your child's treatment is on schedule.




If your child is playing fall sports, be sure to get a mouthguard specifically designed for your child. This is the perfect time to ensure your child is on the road to a healthy beautiful smile. With locations in Mooresville and Elwood, Indiana, our practice's top priority is to provide you with the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment.

Check-in and Make a Difference!

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we believe giving back is essential for the world and our community. This month, we are supporting our International Fund for Animal Welfare! Every time you Check-in on Facebook from our office, a donation is made on your behalf. It’s that simple, you check-in with a photo, status update or review and we make the donation on your behalf.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare’s vision is a world where animals are respected and protected. The international organization rescues individual animals, safeguard populations, preserve habitat, and advocate for a better future. Founded in 1969, IFAW has provided almost 50 years of global leadership, innovation and hands-on assistance to animals and communities in need.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we believe in a world where putting good out in the universe is beautiful because the good always comes back and that giving and kindness starts with ourselves.

Invisalign and Teens: Quest Johnson Orthodontics

We are a respected provider of orthodontic care in your community for over 20 years. With locations in Mooresville and Elwood, Indiana, our practices’ top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment.

Invisalign Teen is the clear way to straighten teeth without metal braces. The aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. By using its advanced technology, Invisalign Teen can treat a broad range of dental and orthodontic conditions, which, in the past, were usually treated with traditional braces.

These conditions include:

• Overly crowded teeth
• Widely spaced teeth
• Crossbite
• Overbite
• Underbite

With Invisalign Teen, you can still eat and drink what you want. You can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth and there are no wires, metal or brackets to cause mouth abrasions. Whether you're an adult, adolescent or child, our knowledgeable doctors and staff are committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve - a healthy, beautiful one!

Call us to set up an appointment today. 

The Dangers of DIY Braces

There is a growing dangerous trend that is increasing in popularity with social media and among young teens. This trend is do-it-yourself (DIY) braces. These DIY braces are dangerous and can lead to gum damage and tooth loss, among other consequences.

What Are DIY Braces?
DIY Braces are braces people make out of household items such as rubber bands, dental floss, fishing line, paper clips and others that people think will get their teeth to move. People take these items and put them in their mouth, where they think their teeth will shift.

“Straightening teeth isn’t just about closing gaps between your teeth; braces align the upper and lower teeth to reduce pressure on the jaw and keep teeth from wearing on each other over time. If kids try to move their own teeth, they are not taking into consideration other areas of the mouth that professional braces correct.” - Dental Associates Blog

Unhealthy Consequences:
“Braces involves slowly and cautiously moving teeth through bone and influencing bone growth.” There are ligaments that hold your teeth to your bone and when moved, these ligaments begin to break. DIY braces can damage your enamel, cause tooth loss, damage to your gums and bacteria from the household items can affect your overall health.


We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry, such as clear ceramic braces and Invisalign®, along with the latest in computer technology (digital imaging and advanced computer graphics) to ensure that you receive the most effective care possible.

A Foundation to a Healthy Smile

June is Oral Health Month!

A good oral hygiene routine is the foundation to a healthy smile, especially for young children. For parents, leading by example, should establish healthy habits like brushing, cleaning between your teeth and seeing your dentist. This ultimately leads to the big difference in the health and happiness of your entire family and in children, less fears about visiting their dentist.

Here are a few tips from the American Dental Association that are a great reminder to enforce.

Start a Routine and Stick to It:
You may be tempted to let your child skip brushing after a long day or during times when your normal schedule is off (like vacation), but keep at it. The more second nature brushing becomes the easier it will be to make sure your child is brushing twice a day for two minutes.

Toothpaste:
Learn how to apply the right amount of toothpaste for your child.

First Visit: 
Every parent celebrates the milestones in the first year, first words, first steps, first teeth.