Victory Series Low Profile Braces

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Metal braces have been around for over 100 years now and they are the most common type of braces we use in our practice. In the past, metal braces were very bulky and noticeable. However, advancements in technology have produced metal braces that are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive…nothing like what they were 100 years ago.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we are proud to use the Victory Series by 3M. The Victory Series is an orthodontic appliance system that is composed of brackets, buccal tubes, bands, and a bonding base. Made from a space-age metal alloy, they are ultra-light and super slim. The brackets and tubes come with a pre-applied, light-sensitive adhesive that enables patients to have controlled, efficient bonding with less waste, trouble, and time. The brackets are also color-coded to help Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson quickly and effectively treat each tooth individually. In addition, because the bonding pads curve to match the shape of the tooth, they can provide more exact, efficient results. They work by applying the braces to the teeth and connecting them with a wire. The wire is tied to the braces using elastic ties, which come in an array of colors to choose from. To move the teeth, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson will adjust the wire at your appointments every 4-8 weeks.

Victory Series Low Profile brackets are not only known for the beautiful smiles they create but, for their smooth, comfortable design. Other brackets have sharp edges that can irritate your lips and gums. Victory Series brackets are made of an extremely smooth and polished high-grade stainless steel that is gentle and small so you may even forget they are even there.

Advances in innovation and technology have made the 3M Victory Series braces:

• Smaller
• Faster
• More Comfortable
• More Effective
• Most Affordable

No matter if you are a pre-teen or a teenager, metal braces are still the most common type because they are robust and highly effective. The Victory Series™ Low Profile brackets are a sure winner on the patient satisfaction front. Unlike other conventional and miniature brackets, they incorporate a low-profile approach that enhances both aesthetics and patient comfort.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we believe you deserve the most advanced treatment available. That’s why we use some of the most advanced orthodontic brackets on the market. Our 3M Victory Series metal braces are small but mighty and help us achieve remarkable results.

 

2 Minutes 2 Times a Day

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

The 2 Minutes 2 Times a Day campaign was created by the Ad Council for The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives, a coalition of nearly three dozen dental health organizations, including the American Dental Association.

Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health, and an unhealthy mouth can be linked to diabetes and heart disease. Did you know that dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease? Only 44 percent of children brush twice a day and more than 16 million children in the United States suffer from untreated decay.

Together with the American Dental Association (ADA), Quest Johnson Orthodontics recommends that kids, as well as adults, brush their teeth in a soft, circular motion for two minutes, twice a day, and floss daily.

Two minutes twice daily is the optimal prevention brushing regimen as it takes two minutes for the tooth enamel to uptake the fluoride in toothpaste. In addition to allowing time for fluoride to work, there is the physical massage of the tooth surfaces that removes the plaque and makes a clean surface for the fluoride to do its job. When the enamel absorbs fluoride, it makes the tooth surface harder and more resistant to the bacteria-produced acids that cause tooth decay.

The benefits of brushing for 2 minutes:

• Clean teeth
• Healthy gums
• Nice breath

Beginning with the eruption of the first tooth, parents should begin brushing their child’s teeth with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. Please remember that a baby or toddler should never use fluoride toothpaste unsupervised or independently.

The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives recommends that parents supervise their child’s brushing until age 8. Supervising your child’s brushing gives you an opportunity to teach them how to brush.

Tips for Better Brushing

1. Brush at an angle against the gums.
2. Move the brush in gentle, short strokes back and forth.
3. Brush the front, back of teeth, and the tops of molars.
4. Brush the tongue or use a tongue scraper to remove germs and keep breath fresh.

It is also important to floss at least once a day, to clean in between the teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. Parents should start flossing their child’s teeth as soon as they notice that teeth are touching…which could be as early as two years of age.

2min2x.org has videos to help your child brush the recommended 2 minutes each time. It can be fun to play the video for your kids to watch while brushing to get them started with this healthy habit. Remember to use a fluoride toothpaste with the ADA seal of acceptance while brushing.

 

Why You Need Orthodontic Care

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Oral health is a window into your overall health. Orthodontic treatment helps ensure proper function of teeth and creates healthy smiles. A good bite makes it easier for you to chew and speak. Teeth that are misaligned are harder to clean and can cause abnormal wearing of tooth enamel which can lead to extensive and expensive dental procedures. Orthodontic treatment can yield life-enhancing results: better function (biting, chewing, speaking).

In the simplest terms, orthodontics refers to “straightening” your teeth. While this may not sound important, it actually has a significant impact on your oral health and appearance. People who have crowded or crooked teeth often develop issues with their gums and jawbones which can lead to pain and discomfort. If the teeth are crooked, they can begin to grow in funny ways. This can lead to more issues down the line such as chipped or worn tooth enamel. Gum recession and fractures around the roots of your teeth where it attaches into your jawbone can also occur. You may even discover worse problems with decay from food being trapped between uneven surfaces.

The bottom line is that orthodontic care is not something you should avoid. If you recognize any of the signs or concerns below in your child or yourself, it might be time to schedule a consultation with Quest Johnson Orthodontics.

• Difficulty chewing or biting 
• Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits 
• Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth 
• Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude, or are recessed 
• Speech difficulty 
• Protruding teeth 
• Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all 
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry 
• Grinding or clenching of teeth 
• Inability to comfortably close lips

Even if the only thing that bothers you about your smile or bite is a little bit of crookedness in a few teeth, it’s still worth getting them straightened out as soon as possible.

Few people are lucky enough to have perfect teeth, but orthodontic treatment can make a dramatic difference to you or your child. Contact Quest Johnson Orthodontics today to schedule an initial exam.

 

What Does an Ideal Bite Look Like?

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Human teeth are designed to fit together in a specific pattern. Your bite is the way your upper and lower teeth fit together. If your upper teeth fit slightly over your lower teeth and the points of your molars fit the grooves of the opposite molars, then you most likely have an ideal bite.

If you are like most people, you probably weren’t born with an ideal bite, and this may not be a huge issue. However, for many people having a bite that is less than ideal can lead to excessive and uneven tooth wear, jaw joint pain, muscle problems, and headaches.

Although it can be difficult to identify exactly what an ideal bite should look like, there are some general rules that you can use to look at your teeth that will help you decide whether you should book an appointment with Drs. Quest and Johnson.

To fully understand what an ideal bite should look like, you will need to look at your teeth from three different views.

From the Front:

When you look in the mirror the edges of your top teeth should follow the curve of your bottom lip. When your teeth are clenched together, about 90% of your bottom teeth should be visible. In an ideal bite, the upper arch is slightly wider than the lower. The upper midline should line up with the middle of the upper lip and the lower midline should line up with the top one.

When your teeth are closed, looking at the front view can also help you identify the presence of certain orthodontic problems. For example, if your upper row of teeth doesn’t cover your lower teeth, it’s possible that you may have an open bite.

From the Side:

When looking at the side view of your teeth, when your bite is closed, the pointed ends of your top teeth should rest nicely within the gap between two of your lower teeth and the edges of your upper teeth should not bite directly on the edges of your lower teeth. In general, your bite should close without experiencing any obstacles or issues that leave your bite slightly open.

Examining your bite from the right or left side may be difficult to do, but just know that your teeth should meet like cogs in a wheel. If your upper teeth are draped over the bottom ones, it’s likely that you are suffering from an overbite. When the bottom front teeth are positioned out over your top teeth, this is referred to as an underbite.

From the Bottom:

To examine your upper and lower rows of teeth, look in the mirror with your mouth opened wide. Both your upper and lower rows of teeth should follow a standard curve. They should all be touching each other with no overlapping or spacing between them. If you notice any overlapping or spacing, it’s likely that you are suffering from crooked or widely spaced teeth.

Taking a good look at your teeth from these three different views is an effective way to determine whether or not you have an ideal bite. However, to be confident about your ideal bite, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson. A short complimentary consultation will allow you to identify your next course of action.

Having properly aligned teeth isn’t just about enhancing your smile, it’s also about improving your oral health, and reducing your risk of common dental problems such as tooth wear, tooth decay and gum disease. If you find that your bite isn’t as good as you would like it to be, contact Quest Johnson Orthodontics today so that we can schedule your initial orthodontic consultation and help you determine which treatment is right for your needs.

The Dangers of Chewing Ice

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Chewing ice is an incredibly common habit. Some people chew on ice after finishing a drink, while others do it to cool off in the summer heat. Chewing ice may also help relieve stress or aid in relaxation. No matter what the reason people chew ice, just like many other hard foods, chewing ice can cause a myriad of oral health issues, and even cost you an expensive trip to your dentist or orthodontist.

If you already have fillings, crowns, or veneers, or if you wear braces, use a retainer, or have expanders, chewing ice makes you particularly vulnerable to tooth damage.

How Chewing Ice Can Damage Your Teeth

Broken or Fractured Teeth - Teeth may seem tough and sturdy, but they aren’t designed to crunch extremely hard objects like ice. Chewing ice can easily lead to a cracked or chipped tooth, which will require an emergency dental visit to repair the broken tooth.

Cracked Tooth Enamel - Breaking or chipping a tooth is not the only outcome of chewing ice. Often times, people will crack their tooth enamel without knowing it. Tooth enamel is the first line of defense against cavities. If tooth enamel is damaged by chewing ice, it can leave a tooth more vulnerable to acid attacks and tooth decay. That’s because acids produced by bacteria can penetrate the softer layer of the tooth, the dentin, much more easily and cause tooth decay. Cracked tooth enamel can also lead to hot and cold sensitivities and tooth pain.

Damage Dental Fillings - Chewing ice can damage existing dental work like fillings, crowns, and veneers. Damaging your dental work will require an immediate trip to your dentist for a repair. Something as simple as filling a cavity may be the solution, but other times root canals and crown replacements are necessary to repair the damage done from chewing ice.

Destroyed Oral Appliances - Oral appliances like braces and retainers play a vital role in developing healthy smiles. Despite their sturdy construction, chewing ice can cause severe damage to brackets, wires, and aligner trays resulting in extra visits to our office.

Although there are much worse habits to have, as your local orthodontist we recommend breaking this habit as soon as you can.

If you love chewing on ice and need some ideas to shake the habit, try these tricks:

Let Ice Cubes Melt in your Mouth - Instead of chewing on the ice cubes, try holding them in your mouth and letting them melt. The satisfying cool sensation will last longer, and you won’t damage your teeth or gums.

Say No to Ice - Skip ice altogether. If it’s not in your glass, the temptation to chew it is gone.

Choose a Crunchy Alternative - When you feel like you need a satisfying crunch, reach for carrot sticks, cucumber, or apple slices instead of ice…you will get the same crunch without any tooth damage. Also, chewing on healthy fibrous foods will stimulate saliva production, which acts as a natural mouthwash.

As with any habit, the first thing you should do is make yourself aware. If you are concerned about your oral health or if you chew on ice frequently, make sure you schedule an appointment with your general dentist to have your teeth and gums evaluated. If your teeth are already damaged, your dentist will know exactly what to do to help.

Did you know? The intense craving to chew on ice is sometimes categorized as pagophagia. Pagophagia, or compulsive ice chewing, is a particular form of pica that is characterized by ingestion of ice, freezer frost, or iced drinks. It is usually associated with iron deficiency anemia. Not everyone who loves chewing ice has pagophagia, but studies show that some people who have the desire to chew ice also have an underlying health issue that has not yet been resolved.

 

5 Reasons To Love Your Braces

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Your braces are an investment in your smile, your health, and your overall well-being. Braces can transform your teeth, give you a more comfortable bite, and give you a beautiful smile that will boost your confidence.

Braces can solve almost any orthodontic issue.

Whether you have an underbite, overbite, or crossbite, braces treatment can help. Braces are individualized to suit your needs and can help to improve a wide range of orthodontic issues. Therefore, if you’d really like to straighten your teeth, braces are most likely your best option.

1. Braces enhance your natural teeth. Rather than covering your smile with veneers, braces can fix your natural teeth. Not to mention, braces are cheaper than most of these transformative cosmetic dentistry procedures.

2. Straight teeth are healthy teeth. Braces don’t just enhance your smile, they can improve your oral health too. Straight teeth are easier to clean. When your teeth are easier to brush and floss you’re less likely to develop cavities or infections. Oral health problems like worn enamel, gum recession, and side effects of grinding and clenching your teeth are also eliminated when teeth are shifted into proper alignment with braces.

3. Braces can be discrete. If you’d like to avoid the metal brackets on your teeth, you have options. For example, ceramic braces work like metal braces…only better. Ceramic braces blend in with your teeth for a great look. You’ll be able to straighten your teeth without anyone noticing.

4. The results are incredible! With braces, you can get a beautiful straight smile you’ve always wanted. Not to mention, having straighter teeth can improve your facial profile, align your jaw, and fix your bite…drastically improving your appearance.

 

 

Remember, braces are temporary. If you want to learn more about how braces can improve your smile, call Quest Johnson Orthodontics to schedule an appointment. From conventional metal braces to Invisalign Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson have you covered!

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!