Affordable Orthodontic Care

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

If you recently learned that orthodontic treatment is in your or your child’s future, remain calm and rest assured that Quest Johnson Orthodontics will help you each step of the way.

Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson are aware that people have finite budgets. Juggling expenses is a fact of life. Our office is accustomed to working with families and individuals to make care afford-able and budget-friendly.

First thing first…make an appointment with our Mooresville, Indiana office.  New patient exams are always complimentary.  During this initial exam, we will provide a complete clinical diagnosis regarding the nature of your orthodontic problem, a written summary of our findings, and a detailed plan that outlines your treatment, goals, and estimated fees. Our team will discuss the cost of your treatment and your payment plan options so you can make the best choice for you, and your smile.

It may be a pleasant surprise to learn how truly affordable orthodontic care is today. Monthly payments can be about the cost of a mobile phone plan, but the benefits last a lot longer. At the end of the day, orthodontic care is a lifetime investment in your or your child’s health and appearance, and payment plans make care quite manageable. 

Do you have insurance to help pay for treatment? Our office is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. We accept almost every traditional (Non-PPO, Non-HMO) insurance plan and we are preferred providers for Delta-PPO, Dentemax and United Concordia. We can even help you strategize how to maximize your benefits so you can minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

How can you afford braces without insurance? When it comes to paying for braces, you have options.

Choose a low-cost option. At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we offer affordable braces. Meaning, we have braces that require fewer office visits and braces that are made with more cost effective materials. These more affordable options will help reduce the cost of your treatment overall.   

Ask for a payment plan. We offer payment plans for patients without insurance and can provide flexible payment options that cost less than conventional credit financing. You can choose between plans with little to no interest and payable by up to two years. These types of plans help tremendously when investing in affordable braces for you or your child.

Use your Flexible Spending Account. Even if your dental plan does not cover orthodontics, your employer might offer a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). The money you put into this account is not taxed, which means your dollars will go further. Contribute the maximum amount and use these funds to pay for expenses not covered by insurance, including braces.

Though orthodontics can come with a higher price tag, you do have many options to help you pay for your or your child’s orthodontic care. Start by having a conversation with Quest Johnson Orthodontics then begin your journey toward an improved smile.

 

Scheduling Orthodontic Appointments

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

For many of us, making doctor appointments is a troubling task. Easily forgotten and always hard to fit into our busy weeks, especially with schedules that seem to change frequently.

If you’re trying to schedule your initial appointment with Quest Johnson Orthodontics but aren’t sure about the specifics, such as how to request an appointment or what exactly you need to be seen for, don’t worry…these are common concerns that many of our patients share. At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we want to make every step as simple as can be.

Whether you need to schedule an appointment for braces, a retainer, or other orthodontic issues, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson will investigate abnormalities that you or your dentist may have noticed to give a better vision for the future of your teeth. Visiting our office should be done anytime you have a concern or issue with the placement of your teeth, jaw, or general alignment within your mouth. Keeping your teeth healthy, straight, strong, and beautiful is a joint effort between you and Drs. Quest and Johnson, so it’s important to be sure you’re on the right track moving forward with your oral health.

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to your or your child’s orthodontic treatment.

Our team believes each smile is unique and feel that it is very important to listen to your concerns, your specific needs, and your preferences. This is just part of what makes us one of the best orthodontic offices in the Mooresville, Indiana area. Quest Johnson Orthodontics has been a respected provider of orthodontic care in our community for over 20 years and is looking forward to educating you on your best options for creating your new smile.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, you have a few options for requesting your appointment. Below are the ways you can do this:

1. Call Our Office. Give us a call and discuss how to set up an appointment with our Dr. Quest or Dr. Johnson. Calling our Mooresville office is one of the easiest ways to get your appointment finalized, and is the easy way to find a great time that works with your schedule.

2. Request Online. Requesting an orthodontic appointment online via our website is another easy way to fit an appointment into your schedule. Simply fill out the form on our request page and one of our team members will contact you to finalize and confirm your appointment.

3. Stop By. If you’re in the Mooresville, Indiana area, stop in and set up your appointment in person. You can get a feel for the office when you're inside, and it makes it very easy to ask any questions you may have about the appointment that you’re requesting to schedule.

Always remember…you are never too old for orthodontic treatment as long as you have healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson are experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. They possess the skills and experience needed to give you your best smile.

Drs. Quest, Johnson, and the Quest Johnson Orthodontic Team have a mission to not only give you a more beautiful smile but to also provide an extremely pleasant experience in our family-friendly environment. Come visit us today. 

 

Are You Experiencing TMJ Problems?

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

As Certified Specialists in Orthodontics, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson don’t just make amazing looking smiles, they also deal with the bite as a whole…including the jaw. If you touch your face right in front of your ear while opening and closing your jaw, you’ll feel your temporomandibular joint at work. When your temporomandibular joint working as it should, you can yawn or take a big bite of your favorite food without thinking twice. When your temporomandibular joint is off, yawning and opening your mouth wide can cause serious pain.

What is TMD/TMJ? The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a joint that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone on either side of the face. The temporomandibular joint is capable of both hinge and sliding motions, allowing us to shift the jaw side to side and forward and back to do things like chew, yawn, and talk.

While people often refer to problems with the joint as TMJ, that’s the name for the joint itself and TMJ pain is actually a TMJ disorder and part of a larger category of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). TMD involves the temporomandibular joint or its associated structures, such as the discs, muscles, cartilage, and ligaments.

The most common TMD symptoms include:

• Popping sounds, clicking noises, or a grating sensation when you open and close your mouth

• Pain and tenderness in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulders

• Jaws that get stuck or locked in an open or closed position

• A decrease in jaw mobility leading to trouble opening the mouth fully

• A change in your bite (how the top and bottom teeth fit together)

• Muscle spasms around the jaw

• Frequent headaches, earaches, pressure, and pain behind the eyes

What Causes Temporomandibular Joint Disorders? Unfortunately, there isn’t one universal cause when it comes to Temporomandibular Joint Disorders. TMD can result from a variety of different things or a combination of things. Symptoms can also appear spontaneously with no obvious source, making pinpointing the root problem difficult. However, TMD is generally thought to be caused by:

• Injury to the jaw or joint 
• Arthritis in the joint 
• The disc eroding or getting displaced 
• Chronic teeth grinding 
• A bite imbalance

If TMD is left untreated, it can lead to inflammation, swelling, or chronic pain. It can also contribute to progressive dental problems, such as premature tooth wear and periodontal disease.

Treatment of TMJ disorders depends on the cause. Custom nightguards or oral splints can be an excellent way to get relief without medication. If TMD is due to malocclusion or an imbalance in bite forces, braces or Invisalign can align the teeth and jaws, which repositions the TMJ and surrounding structures.

There are other issues that can cause the symptoms most commonly experienced with TMD, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even medical conditions like arthritis. That’s why it’s important to receive a proper diagnosis and the appropriate treatment from experienced orthodontists like Drs. Quest and Johnson. If you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms associated with TMD, give our office a call.

 

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!  

Can I Afford Invisalign?

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Orthodontics may seem like a purely aesthetic treatment for a more attractive smile, but that’s not the case. Crooked teeth are harder to keep clean, which puts you at risk of decay and periodontal disease. Also, people who aren’t confident in their smile may feel that they lack a certain quality of life in social and professional situations.

When it comes to orthodontic treatment options, many people have a tough time deciding between getting Invisalign or traditional braces. Ultimately, every patient is different, and the best option comes down to your lifestyle, your preferences, and your orthodontic needs. If you want a treatment option that doesn’t draw attention to the fact that you’re straightening your teeth, Invisalign is the clear choice for you. But can you afford Invisalign treatment?

There are several factors that contribute to the amount you might pay Invisalign. Factors include:

1. The Severity of Your Orthodontic Problem - Invisalign can treat almost the entire spectrum of teeth and jaw misalignments. However, more acute conditions take more time and supplies to correct. Therefore, a severe orthodontic problem might end up with higher overall costs.

2. Insurance - When Invisalign was first introduced, it wasn’t covered by insurance companies, making it a very expensive option for anyone who wanted it. Today, it is covered by a wide variety of companies and plans.

3. Patient Compliance - Invisalign’s efficacy depends almost entirely on whether you actually wear your aligners. The treatment itself recommends that the aligners be worn all day, every day. If you cannot leave your Invisalign trays in because of an activity like playing a sport or playing an instrument, your teeth are not going to move as quickly. This means that your treatment time will take longer than originally planned, which could make your entire treatment more expensive.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, it is our mission to provide you with affordable, high-quality treatment that fits your budget. Our office is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. We accept almost every traditional (Non-PPO, Non-HMO) insurance plan and we are preferred providers for Delta-PPO, Dentemax and United Concordia.

Effective for a wide range of smiles, the Invisalign system has been successful in giving hundreds of thousands of amazing smiles to both teens and adults. While the cost of Invisalign is covered by most insurance companies, if cost is a concern, we can provide you with estimates based on your exact treatment plan.

Not everyone is a candidate for the Invisalign aligner system. Please contact our office to schedule aconsultation with Drs. Quest and Johnson to see if the Invisalign system is right for you.   

Teeth Whitening After Braces

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

The feeling you have after getting your braces removed is the absolute best! It’s such a relief knowing that your orthodontic treatment is over, your teeth have moved into their proper alignment, and you finally have the smile you’ve always wanted.

Unfortunately, some people get their braces off and are disappointed by the color of their teeth. It’s very common for patients to want a whiter smile after the completion of their orthodontic treatment. From toothpaste to whitening trays…there are many options when it comes to whitening your teeth after your braces have been removed that can give you the bright and beautiful smile you’ve always wanted to show off.

Whitening toothpaste & mouthwash – Regular toothpaste is designed to help remove some surface stains as they clean teeth and improve the health of your mouth. Whitening toothpaste takes it a step further by adding more abrasive ingredients to scrub the surface of the teeth and help remove even more surface stains. Whitening toothpastes are the least expensive and most easily accessible option for brightening your smile. However, it can take several weeks to begin to see results. Using a whitening toothpaste can help with minor stains, but because they don’t change the actual color of your teeth; any results can be undone by continuing habits that contribute to stains on your teeth.

At-home whitening kits – At-home whitening kits like Crest Whitestrips are relatively effective and can help whiten your teeth after braces. At-home whitening kits are able remove stains from under the tooth surface with whitening gels, or bleaching agents, that contain an oxidizing agent in the form of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The whitening gel reacts with the internal aspect of your tooth, mixing with the discolored areas and breaking them apart, giving your teeth a noticeably whiter appearance.

Professional teeth whitening – If you have serious stains or white spots on your teeth after your braces have been removed, a professional whitening treatment from your general dentist is the best choice. With professional whitening, you’ll be able to quickly reverse years of staining in a single appointment.

If you or a member of your family has just completed orthodontic treatment and are looking for teeth whitening options in Mooresville or the surrounding areas, the team at Quest Johnson Orthodontics can help answer any questions you have about achieving a brighter, whiter smile after braces. Give our office a call today!   

Your First Orthodontic Visit

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we are proud to offer affordable orthodontic treatment options with exceptional results to patients of all ages.

Your initial consultation is one of the most important appointments you’ll have at our office. Your first visit to our office is a time for us to get to know you and determine your main concerns. We will ease your fears by giving you as much information as needed to help you feel comfortable. Each member of our team is friendly and accessible, and we encourage our patients and parents to ask questions. We believe that patients will feel more comfortable if they know what to expect and are well informed of a procedure before it occurs. We try to avoid any unexpected surprises and let each patient know everything we are going to do, before we do it.

When you arrive at our Mooresville office, you’ll be welcomed and introduced to our treatment coordinator.  After we give you a quick tour of the office, we’ll look at your medical and dental histories and take a few digital photographs of your teeth, along with a panoramic X-ray if your dentist did not have a current one to send us. These photographs and X-ray are used to identify and discuss any orthodontic problems that are present.

After the photographs are taken, Drs. Quest and Johnson will perform a careful examination.  They will evaluate many things relating to your face, your smile, the fit of your teeth, and the amount of room for all of your teeth. This thorough exam helps Drs. Quest and Johnson determine what type of treatment would benefit you most. They will provide a complete clinical diagnosis, a written summary of the findings and a detailed plan that outlines your treatment, goals, and estimated fees.

Following your exam, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson may recommend treatment. If treatment is needed, this could start right away, or they may suggest that you return for periodic checkups. The timing of orthodontic treatment will depend on the developmental stage of the teeth and jaws along with the severity of the problem.

Whether you’ll be beginning treatment now or later, this first orthodontic visit is the best time to ask any questions you have about the orthodontic process. Our treatment coordinator will go over the treatment choices available to you and help you understand what to expect during the different stages of your orthodontic care.

You only get one smile! Trust it to qualified orthodontic experts like Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson. If you haven’t already scheduled an initial consultation with us, call our office today and take the first step towards the smile you’ve always wanted!