Wear You Retainer

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Some patients are surprised to find out that orthodontic treatment does not end the moment when their braces come off. Wearing your retainer as directed keeps your smile in its new position for life.

Your retainer is designed to safeguard your newly aligned smile. Without wearing your retainer regularly, you risk your teeth drifting out of position and reversing all your hard work.

Here’s how retainers help in your orthodontic treatment:

1. They Stabilize Your Bite - Once your braces are removed, the soft tissue and bone around your teeth need time to adapt to the changes made in tooth positioning. They slowly stabilize in their new arrangement, and once that occurs, the likelihood of relapse or having the teeth shift out of their positions is minimal.

2. They Prevent Treatment Reversal - The teeth will start moving back to their old position in the months following the removal of braces. A retainer can prevent the reversal.

3. They Align Your Jaw Bones With Your Gums - When your teeth are being aligned to a new position, the gums and bones surrounding the teeth will take longer to follow suit. Retainers help in accelerating alignment and stabilizing your bite.

The long-term success of your orthodontic treatment depends upon your ability to diligently wear your retainer. If you experience any issues with your retainers or if you would like to discuss retainer options with us, give our office a call.

 

Straight Teeth Matter

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

The benefit of straight teeth is not only for esthetics.

Straight teeth are easier to clean. When teeth are rotated and overlapped, more nooks and crannies exist where plaque bacteria can build up. Even with proper brushing and flossing, some areas may be difficult to clean and will have a higher risk of forming a cavity. Straighter teeth allow for easier cleaning and lower cavity risk.

Because misaligned teeth are more difficult to keep clean, the build-up of plaque bacteria can cause gum inflammation that may potentially lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. Also, gum recession can occur in areas with crowding due to difficulty with brushing.

Even if your teeth appear straight, there can be a problem with your bite. Added wear of teeth, chipping of teeth, and teeth grinding are quite common problems when an improper bite is present. Jawbone and joint problems can also develop, leading to breakdown of the bones that support your teeth as well as TMJ pain, headaches, and migraines.

When teeth are crooked or the bite is off, it can change the shape of the face. Teeth with extreme overbite can make the lower jaw and chin look small, and underbite can make the chin look overly pronounced.

The benefits of straight teeth and jaw alignment are important to your overall well-being. If you are interested in straightening your teeth or have any questions about your options, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment. At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, our team can develop a plan to ensure your teeth are not only straight, but a healthy bite is achieved as well.

 

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.

Orthodontic Myths

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Choosing to get orthodontic care is a big decision for anyone. At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we understand and respect your reasons for wanting to improve the way you look and feel. Our practice will work with you every step of the way to make sure your orthodontic treatment is an amazing experience. Our office utilizes the latest technology while offering a variety of safe and gentle treatment options to give you the customized, individual care you deserve.

We are often asked a lot of great questions on orthodontic care and treatment. We have also seen a lot of false information on orthodontic treatment. Some are rumors and others are myths that are believed to be true. Here are a few orthodontic myths and the truth.

Myth: “My dentist can give me Invisalign.”

Truth: At the foundational level, both an orthodontist and a dentist are health care professionals that work on teeth. Both health care professionals help patients achieve good oral health and both are dental school graduates. However, orthodontists must successfully complete an additional two to three-year residency program of advanced dental education in orthodontics. Orthodontists specialize in the alignment of teeth and services include treating crowded teeth, overbites and under bites. Only an orthodontist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign.

Myth: “Braces and orthodontic treatment are only for children.”

Truth: Braces are not just for kids… orthodontics can be rewarding to adults as well. Our teeth provide the support structure for the soft tissue of the lower face, including lips and cheeks. By repositioning the teeth and jaw, skin can appear tighter, and lips can appear fuller.

Myth: “I can’t play sports anymore because I have braces.”

Truth: Having braces, does not mean you have to stop living your life. Whether you just received braces or are near the end of your treatment, braces should not be a barrier to doing the things you love. As long as you wear a mouth guard, braces should not stop you from playing your favorite sport. If you are unsure which type of mouth guard to use or need more information on mouth guards, ask our staff.

Myth: “My teeth will remain straight forever.”

Truth: The truth is…even after your braces have been removed your orthodontic treatment is not over. If you want your teeth to remain straight forever, a retainer will be the most important tool for you to use. Your teeth will start to drift back to the original position if you do not wear your retainer as prescribed by Dr. Johnson and Dr. Quest. Just like you need to keep exercising and eating right to maintain your body; you cannot just diet and exercise once.

Myth: “I don’t need to see my regular dentist while in orthodontic treatment.”

Truth: Even during orthodontic treatment, it is important that you continue to visit your general dentist and continue your regularly scheduled appointments. Wearing braces can make you more prone to plaque and tartar around your teeth, which is why you should stick with your regular dental check-ups.

A new smile means a new life change. At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we understand that a big decision like this is not easy. We will ensure that we answer all questions and make you feel comfortable. If you have any addition questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask us before coming to your first visit.

 

 

Invisalign Teen

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

You might have already been anticipating that your child may need braces. One option you may not have considered is Invisalign Teen.

Invisalign Teen is an innovative orthodontic treatment option that uses clear aligners to straighten your teen’s smile. Much like traditional braces with metal brackets and wires, clear plastic aligners apply pressure to teeth and help them shift into alignment.

The aligners are comfortable and durable, and they fit in with any extracurricular activity. Whether throwing the winning touchdown or playing the clarinet, your teen does not have to worry about braces getting in the way. And…unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, which means your teen can eat all the things they love without worrying about breaking a bracket bending a wire. Invisalign Teen also makes it easy to keep up with dental care. Since the aligner trays are removable, brushing and flossing is a breeze.

Often, parents have questions about the effectiveness of Invisalign vs. braces. Years ago, Invisalign Teen was reserved for simple orthodontic issues. However, these days, we can achieve outstanding results for mild, moderate, and complex cases with Invisalign Teen. Additionally, the new and improved SmartTrack material the aligners are made from, allows for improved control and predictability and we are also able to use tooth-colored attachments to facilitate complicated movements. Invisalign Teen aligners are designed specifically for teenagers’ mouths and have features like eruption tabs to accommodate erupting molars.

Invisalign Teen aligners are a perfect fit for every lifestyle because the aligners are:

• Clear
•  Removable
•  Comfortable
•  Customized

Invisalign Teen is a patient-centered treatment, which means that the success of treatment is dependent on the active participation of the patient. Ideally, Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day with no exceptions. Failure to wear the trays the required number of hours daily could result in an extended treatment period.

The average length of Invisalign Teen treatment is between 12 and 18 months. However, this period depends on tooth misalignment severity, with severe alignment problems taking longer.

The technology stands out as a clear alternative to traditional braces. If your teen is conscious of their appearance and stressed at the thought of wearing metal braces, Invisalign Teen may be the perfect solution.

Give Quest Johnson Orthodontics a call to schedule an Invisalign consultation for your teen today!

 

Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Advancements in orthodontics have given our patients more options for achieving the smile they have always wanted! At Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we offer the latest in orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners, like Invisalign! Invisalign clear aligners allow Dr. Quest and Dr.Johnson to achieve the same results as traditional braces but without any brackets or wires. If you are thinking about improving your smile but can’t picture yourself in braces…Invisalign clear aligners might be the perfect option for you.

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners? Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment option that straightens teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that cover your teeth and gently push them into the proper position over time. Because they are clear and can be taken on and off, they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

What are Invisalign Clear Aligners Made of? Invisalign clear aligners are made from BPA-free plastic, and they are more comfortable than traditional metal braces. These customized clear aligners are used to straighten your teeth and give you the beautiful smile you have always wanted.

How Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Work? When you receive your aligners, you will place the clear trays over your teeth. You will wear each set of aligners for one to two weeks and then switch to the next set of aligners. You will wear your aligners all day, every day, except when you eat, floss, and brush your teeth. Because Invisalign clear aligners are removable, you will be able to briefly remove them any time you need to throughout the day. Every ten weeks or so, you will have an appointment in our office to check your aligners and the progress of your treatment. These checkups also help Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson determine if any adjustments need to be made to the aligners or to your treatment plan.

How Do Invisalign Clear Aligners Feel? One of the best reasons to invest in Invisalign clear aligners is how comfortable they are to wear. You can expect to feel some mild discomfort as your teeth move, however, the pressure you feel will gradually fade over the course of a few days.

Are Invisalign Clear Aligners Expensive? As Invisalign aligners have become more popular over the years, they have also become more affordable. Invisalign aligners tend to cost about as much as traditional braces; however, the cost of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan.

How Long does Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Take? Each patient’s orthodontic problem is unique, and each patient responds to treatment differently, so there is no universal answer for how long your clear aligner treatment will take. In general, the total treatment time for Invisalign clear aligners can be less than a year.

What Happens After Invisalign Clear Aligner Treatment Is Completed? After any orthodontic treatment, whether it’s Invisalign clear aligners or traditional braces, we recommend that you wear a retainer. A retainer is designed to keep your teeth in alignment. Without it, your teeth can gradually move back to their former position. If your teeth start to shift, you may need to temporarily wear your Invisalign clear aligners again to reposition them.

There is a lot to love about Invisalign clear aligners, but Invisalign clear aligners are not always a good fit for every patient. If you would like to learn more about how Invisalign clear aligners can transform your smile, give Quest Johnson Orthodontics a call today and schedule a complimentary consultation. Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson will assess your smile to determine if Invisalign clear aligners are a good fit for you.

 

 

How Can You Speed Up Orthodontic Treatment?

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

One of the most asked questions when patients get their braces on is… “How long will treatment last?” While there is no quick fix, there are ways to speed up your orthodontic treatment. The following tips will help you get the most from your orthodontic treatment in as little time as possible.

Follow Dr. Quest’s and Dr. Johnson’s Instructions - If you want the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment, it is especially important that you follow the instructions we give you when it comes to caring for your teeth and braces. By following Dr. Quest’s and Dr. Johnson’s guidelines, you will get a cohesive and effective course of treatment. If you disregard our instructions, you may lengthen your treatment time, incur additional costs, and jeopardize your results.

Keep Your Regularly Scheduled Appointments - While braces are vital to teeth straightening, they will only work effectively if you have them adjusted as needed. Regular visits to our office are important to ensure that your teeth are responding well to treatment. With every appointment, your teeth are shifting into a better position. By checking your progress and replacing your wires, we keep you on track for getting your braces off ASAP. If you miss appointments here and there that can mean that your teeth won’t move into the right position. This, in turn, means that you’ll likely have to wear braces longer than you had planned to get the desired results.

Watch What You Eat - Teeth move best in a healthy environment and in individuals who maintain excellent overall health. There isn’t a hard, crunchy, or sticky food that is worth the setback it can cause in your treatment. Not only can a loose bracket or wire really hurt your mouth, but it also means your braces will take longer to do their job.

Protect Your Teeth - Protecting your teeth and orthodontic appliances is essential to completing your treatment in a timely manner. Be sure to brush and floss regularly. Also, clean any brackets and wires carefully and well. We recommend brushing your teeth three times a day and flossing at least once a day. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Clean, healthy teeth and gums allow the teeth to move much faster than if the gums are swollen and inflamed. If you or your child play any sports, be sure to use a mouthguard. Mouthguards shield your teeth as they move into their new positions and help protect the straightening process itself.

When undergoing orthodontic treatment, the most important thing you can do is to choose an orthodontist who is highly trained and who has experience in treating cases of all types. The skill level of your orthodontist is the number one factor in determining how long your treatment will last. No matter what products and technologies are introduced, if your orthodontist does not have the knowledge and skill required to offer scientifically backed treatment options, your treatment may not be as effective.

Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson are board-certified orthodontists committed to providing exceptional treatment, based on scientifically backed theories and methods. They use 3D computer technology to craft customized treatment plans for each patient. Paired with their scientifically backed approach, Quest Johnson Orthodontics patients often see shorter treatment times, without added expenses.

If you are looking for a new smile, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson have years of experience providing the finest treatment available anywhere. Call Quest Johnson Orthodontics today.