Early Intervention

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Timing is everything…especially when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment. “Early” treatment, also called “interceptive” treatment, means treatment that is performed while some baby teeth are still present.

Early intervention can make a dramatic impact on establishing the proper occlusal foundation. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child’s first check-up with an orthodontist be performed when an orthodontic problem is first recognized, but no later than age 7. By age 7 your child has enough permanent teeth for Drs. Quest and Johnson to evaluate the developing teeth and the jaws.

Early intervention is one of the most rewarding treatment options that we offer to our patients. An early exam allows us to determine how and when a child's jaw and/or dental problems should be corrected for optimal results. There are generally three outcomes of an early exam:

1. No treatment is expected to be necessary. 
2. Treatment may be needed in the future, so the child will be followed periodically while the face and jaws continue to grow. 
3. There is a problem that lends itself to early treatment.

While there are many orthodontic problems that orthodontists agree are best treated after all permanent teeth have come in, early treatment can be in your child’s best interests if their problem is one that could become more serious over time if left untreated. The major advantage of early treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic, and comfortable results that will remain stable throughout your child’s life. In some cases, early treatment prevents adult tooth extractions or major jaw surgery.

Early Treatment may be recommended if your child has any of the following orthodontic issues:

• Underbite

• Crossbite

• Crowded Teeth

• Excessively Spaced Teeth

• Extra or Missing Teeth

• Thumb or Finger Sucking that is Affecting the Teeth or Jaw Growth

Early orthodontic treatment can take many forms. Drs. Quest and Johnson may prescribe a fixed or removable appliance used to move teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold teeth in place in order to bring about desirable changes. Regardless of how treatment goals are reached, the bottom line is that some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.

To give your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile, visit Quest Johnson Orthodontics today. No referral needed! Our office provides an initial consultation at no cost and with no obligation.

When you choose Quest Johnson Orthodontics for your child’s orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that you have selected specialists in orthodontists. Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson are experts in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics and they possess the skills and experience needed to give your child their best smile. Visit our website to learn more.

Handle Your Retainer With Care

Quest Johnson Orthodnotics

Like most patients at Quest Johnson Orthodontics, you are probably counting down the days until you get your braces off. It’s no question that when that day comes, it will be exciting. But…it’s important to remember that just because your braces have been removed, that doesn’t mean your orthodontic treatment is over.

Retainers will need to be worn following the removal of your braces in order to prevent the teeth from shifting. It is vital to follow Dr. Quest’s and Dr. Johnson’s instructions carefully after you have had your orthodontic treatment completed to ensure long-standing results.

Unfortunately, braces don’t guarantee that your orthodontic treatment results will be permanent. In fact, teeth have a natural tendency to move back into their original place after the forces holding them have been removed. Without a retainer, it is likely that the teeth will go back to their prior misalignment shortly after having your braces removed. A retainer helps to keep your teeth aligned until they have set firmly into place.

Ultimately, retainer use will continue indefinitely. The amount of time that you must spend wearing your retainer will depend on how long it has been since you had your braces removed. In most situations, you will be required to wear your retainer as often as possible for the first 3 to 6 months after your braces have been removed. After this, it is recommended that you wear your retainer nightly for the next 1 to 3 years. Failing to wear your retainer for a day or two won’t cause significant issues but failing to wear your retainer for long periods of time will cause your teeth to move out of alignment.

There two main types of retainers and our team will discuss the best solution for retaining the alignment of your teeth with you.

Removable Retainers – These are retainers that you can remove and store when they are not in your mouth. This kind of retainer is often much easier to keep clean, because you can remove your retainer whenever you eat or brush your teeth. Removable retainers allow you to be more efficient with your oral hygiene routine. However, the main drawback to removable retainers is that you must remember to wear it according to Dr. Quest’s and Dr. Johnson’s specifications. Removable retainers are also easier to lose and damage, because they can be taken out of your mouth and misplaced.

Fixed Retainers - A fixed retainer is adhered to the teeth in much the same way as your braces. Fixed retainers consist of a thin wire that is positioned and bonded to the back surface of your teeth. Fixed retainers effective at keeping the teeth in place, but they can be more difficult to keep clean.

It is important to keep your retainer clean and in good condition. Remember to rinse your removable retainer in cold water before and after use. If you have a fixed retainer, you will need to follow the same processes to clean it as you did with braces. Store your removable retainer in a plastic case whenever it is not in your mouth. You will also need to wash your retainer with a specialized cleaner every few months.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we are passionate about your smile. To learn more about how to keep your smile straight and beautiful, visit our website or give one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members a call.

 

 

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.