Common Orthodontic Questions

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

If you have been considering orthodontic treatment for you or your child, you probably have some questions. Below are the top 10 questions our team has gotten from patients who are just starting their smile journey. 

How old do you have to be to get braces? Braces are typically recommended for children between the ages of 9 and 13. However, you can get braces at any age!  

How soon can I bring my child in to see an orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing your child to see an orthodontist by the time they turn seven years old. By bringing your child to see an orthodontist this early on, you can save money and time later. Most kids at this age will not need any treatment. However, an orthodontist can provide preventative treatment by detecting problems earlier and from problems worsening that the untrained eye may have missed.

How much do braces cost? At our practice, prices vary depending on multiple factors. Expenses can also vary based on treatment options and insurance plans. 

How long will I need to wear braces? Each patient’s treatment time is different based on the severity of their case. As each case is different, the duration of wearing braces varies from patient to patient. Factors like age, type of problem, and treatment affect the period of wearing braces. When you schedule your consultation with our practice, we will give you an estimated treatment time before you decide to get started. To insure you complete your treatment on time, it is important to keep your scheduled appointments. Delays in adjustments can slow progress and result extended treatment time. 

Do braces hurt? Getting braces put on does not cause the patient any pain. For the first few days you may feel some tightness occurring as your mouth adjusts to the change. Any over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol will help with the mild discomfort. 

What can I eat with braces? Eating with braces at first can be a bit tricky while adjusting to your new eating habits. We recommend staying away from anything hard or crunchy to help avoid breaking a bracket or wire. Watching your sugar intake is also key while wearing braces to avoid cavities and decalcification.  

How do I care for my braces? Caring for yourbraces means caring for your overall dental health. The brackets and wires of your braces provide food and plaque with the ideal hiding places, making you more susceptible to cavities if they are not cleaned. We recommend brushing your teeth three times a day while wearing braces and flossing at least once daily. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the top, bottom, and sides of your braces. It would also help to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing with braces. A fluoride rinse is also recommended to help prevent against cavities. 

How often do I have appointments? Towards the beginning of treatment, we typically see most patients every 8 weeks. As treatment progresses, we will start seeing patients more often between 4-6 weeks. 

Do I still need to go to my general dentist during my orthodontic treatment? Yes. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, visiting your general dentist for normal check-ups and cleanings is a key to braces success. During professional cleanings, the hygienist will use special tools to remove hardened plaque (tartar) that you can’t eliminate at home by brushing and flossing. 

Can my child’s dentist provide orthodontic treatment? While your dentist can offer orthodontic care, they typically refer complicated cases to an orthodontist who specializes in this kind of treatment. An orthodontist can provide prevention, diagnosis, and correction of misaligned teeth and bite patterns. A dentist can refer you to an orthodontist, but you do not need to have a referral from a dentist to make an appointment to see Dr.Quest and Dr. Johnson. 

Still have questions? Contact Quest Johnson Orthodontics today, and we can answer all your questions. We even offer Complimentary Consultations!

 

Benefits of Invisalign

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

 

For many people looking to fix their crooked teeth, image is their main concern. Crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and other dental issues can affect your self-esteem and make you feel bad about your appearance. If you don’t feel confident about your teeth and smile, you won’t feel confident in yourself.

Invisalign is a new way to straighten your teeth. Created with a medical-grade polyurethane resin, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible. Every aligner is a custom fit, made exactly for your teeth to slowly shift them into place.

There are many benefits to using Invisalign to straighten your teeth. You can conveniently straighten your teeth at a comfortable pace while cleaning your teeth, eating, and drinking normally. You will grow in confidence with your teeth and smile as you straighten them in a way that is hardly noticeable.

Invisible Appearance - Invisalign aligners are completely clear, so they do not detract from your face or smile. This is an especially great option for adults and teens who want to live life without the brackets and wires associated with traditional braces.

Comfort - Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic making Invisalign more comfortable than traditional metal braces. There are no sharp/extruding edges or pieces of Invisalign, and the trays are custom made to fit your teeth and mouth.

Non-Invasive - Due to technology advances, Invisalign does not use invasive measures to detail your teeth. Using 3D scanning technology, Dr. Quest and Dr. Johnson can take a full scan of your teeth without an x-ray or impressions. These scans are then translated into 3D prints that are used to create your individualized aligners.

Improved Cleanliness - A clean mouth is a healthy mouth, and by the end of your treatment, you want the healthiest teeth possible. Invisalign aligners are removable. They should be taken out during meals and at any other time you are eating or drinking anything other than plain water. When you are ready to brush and floss your teeth just remove the aligner trays, clean your teeth, and put them back in. Flossing and brushing can be done normally without the need for special equipment. You should also brush andclean the inside of your aligners to make sure no food or bacteria builds up inside

Eat Whatever You Want - With traditional braces, you are limited in the foods you can eat or drink, but with Invisalign, all food and drinks are permissible. Because the metal brackets can snap off or the wires bend, you should not eat sticky foods, hard foods, or crunchy foods. This rules out caramel, gum, nuts, popcorn, ice, corn-on-the-cob, and apples. Luckily, with Invisalign removable aligners, you do not have to worry about what you eat.

Prevent other Dental Problems - Crooked teeth can cause more problems than just making you self-conscious of your smile. If your teeth are crooked, you are more likely to have a host of other dental problems. Widely spaced or crowded teeth can raise your risk of developing gum disease since your gums do not fit properly around your teeth. Abnormal bites can create sleeping problems such as sleep apnea. Aligning your teeth with Invisalign aligners can also reduce gum inflammation, tooth sensitivity, bad breath, and even chipping of teeth. Making sure your teeth are straightened with Invisalign allows for great dental hygiene to help prevent worse dental issues.

The results speak for themselves…While there are many options to straighten your teeth Invisalign is the only clear option that is free of brackets and wires. Invisalign allows you to work, eat, and participate in social situations worry free! All while giving you a perfect smile.

Invisible aligners must be worn for 22 hours in a day to have the maximum effect. While they are removable, they can’t straighten any teeth if they aren’t in contact with them. If they are worn properly, most treatments last between 12 and 18 months. Now that you know some of the benefits of Invisalign give our office a call to schedule your initial exam and begin your journey to a perfect smile!

 

5 Things You Didn't Know About Your Teeth

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Learning how to take care of your teeth is as much a part of growing up as learning to tie your shoes or reciting the alphabet. However, when it comes to our teeth, many of us still have a thing or two to learn. 

Here are 5 facts about your teeth that you might not know.

1. Your enamel is the hardest part of your body - The enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth. Like a hard shell, its primary purpose is to protect the rest of the tooth. The enamel is mostly made of calcium and phosphate, like your bones, but is stronger because of the specific proteins and crystallites that form it. Even though it is there to protect your teeth, the enamel can still chip or crack, and it isn’t safe from decay. Sugars and acids, like those found in soft drinks, interact with bacteria in your mouth and attack your enamel, which marks the start of tooth decay. Soft drinks are particularly damaging when you drink them often, or slowly throughout the day.

2. Yellow means decay - When you think of reasons your teeth might be looking yellow, your first thought likely goes to stains. And while teeth can get stained by foods, drinks, and other substances, these stains are not the only reason your teeth might change color. Enamel is partly responsible for your teeth’s white appearance, and when it decays, your teeth may start to appear yellow. Decaying enamel could also be to blame for any pain you feel.

3. Your mouth is home to 300 types of bacteria - Plaque contains millions of bacteria, made up of 200 to 300 different species. The main culprit for poor tooth health is Streptococcus mutans, which converts sugar and other carbohydrates into the acids which eat away at your teeth. White and sticky, plaque is constantly growing. If you don’t remove it regularly by brushing and flossing, it can cause tooth decay. Without removal, plaque hardens and develops into tartar. So, brush and floss at least twice daily and see your dentist for regular cleanings.

4. Your teeth cannot repair themselves - A tooth is the only part of your body that cannot heal itself. Your tooth enamel is a very strong part of your body, and it is essential to look after it so your smile can look and feel healthy for your entire life.

5. Your teeth can be an indicator of your overall health - One in 7 adults aged 35 to 44 has gum disease. For adults older than 65, that increases to 1 in every 4. Tooth decay and other infections in the mouth may be associated with health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. People who have higher levels of gum disease also have a higher level of heart disease. They also have a higher rate of low birthweight babies and premature births.

You use your teeth to bite, chew and talk countless times throughout your day. It's easy to take your teeth for granted, but healthy teeth and gums are critical contributors to your overall good health. If you have any questions about oral hygiene or your dental health, please give Quest Johnson Orthodontics a call. 

 

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.