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Preparing Your Teen for Braces

December 19th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsAt Quest Johnson Orthodontics, we understand and respect the feelings teens have about braces. Our team members can relate to the concerns about how braces can affect our appearance, interfere with eating our favorite foods, or restrict the playing of sports or other activities. One of the best ways to help your teen get used to the idea of braces is to clearly explain the benefits of orthodontic treatment. When teeth are straight, they are easier to clean, which...  [Read full blog post]

Give Yourself a BraceLift

December 7th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsAs we grow older, many of us turn to expensive and invasive cosmetic treatments in an effort to retain a youthful appearance. Despite all of the gimmicks out there, studies show that your smile can do more to make you look younger than anything else! “Just as white, straight teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, worn, or missing teeth is associated with an aged look,” says Edmond Hewlett, DDS, professor of restorative dentistry at UCLA's School of...  [Read full blog post]

Dental Wax Facts

November 28th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsWhen you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal, and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! Discomfort and soreness is normal especially after receiving orthodontic treatment of any kind. Overall, you may feel uncomfortable the first few days with braces. That is where dental wax comes in. What is Dental Wax? Dental wax is a soft, harmless gum protector for children and adults...  [Read full blog post]

Preparing Your Child for Their First Visit

November 8th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsThe American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. By that age, a child will have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and the orthodontist will be able to recognize orthodontic problems…even in their earliest stages. The first time your child is seen at our office, they will get to meet Dr. Quest, Dr. Johnson and a few of our team members. After your arrival, you and your child will...  [Read full blog post]

Why Braces

October 25th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsThere are many reasons to get braces. One of the most important things is to improve your oral health. Your oral health directly contributes to your overall health. If your mouth isn’t feeling good, chances are that your entire body won’t feel good either. When your teeth are crooked, overlapped, or otherwise misaligned, you place an uneven amount of pressure when you bite down. That leads to pain, and it can cause your teeth to wear down, chip and even break. Not...  [Read full blog post]

7 Ways Your Smile Can Change As You Grow Older

October 6th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsJust as with most things in our bodies, your smile does change with age. From the teeth shifting to the enamel wearing down, the appearance and function of your teeth and bite evolve as you get older. The good news is, there are ways to minimize these age-related changes and keep your smile looking its best throughout your life. Why does your smile change as you age? Some changes are due to natural biological processes, including bone remodeling and the tendency...  [Read full blog post]

Wear You Retainer

September 23rd 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsSome 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...  [Read full blog post]

Straight Teeth Matter

September 6th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsThe 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...  [Read full blog post]

Preparing for Braces

August 25th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsIt 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...  [Read full blog post]

Orthodontic Myths

August 9th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsChoosing 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...  [Read full blog post]

Invisalign Teen

July 26th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsYou 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...  [Read full blog post]

Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

July 7th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsAdvancements 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...  [Read full blog post]

How Can You Speed Up Orthodontic Treatment?

June 27th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsOne 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...  [Read full blog post]

Eating With Orthodontic Appliances

June 8th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsCertain dietary habits are known to cause breakage of orthodontic appliances, as well as increase the risk of dental disease. Dr. Quest’s and Dr. Johnson’s aim is to achieve treatment goals with as few disturbances as possible due to appliance breakage, and to minimize the side effects of poor diet choices. When taking care of braces or an orthodontic appliance, softer foods are recommended…especially after an appointment when your mouth may be sore. Generally,...  [Read full blog post]

Early Orthodontic Treatment

May 27th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsMany parents understand the importance of orthodontic treatment for teens to ensure they do not have any cosmetic or oral health concerns due to the alignment of their smile when they grow older, but early orthodontic treatment for your child can also be important. Early orthodontic treatment, also called phase I treatment, is designed to help young children who still have some or all their primary teeth, which may prevent improper growth and alignment of permanent...  [Read full blog post]

Common Orthodontic Questions

May 9th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsIf 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...  [Read full blog post]

Benefits of Invisalign

April 22nd 2022
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...  [Read full blog post]

5 Things You Didn't Know About Your Teeth

April 5th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsLearning 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...  [Read full blog post]

Victory Series Low Profile Braces

March 21st 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsMetal 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...  [Read full blog post]

2 Minutes 2 Times a Day

March 2nd 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsThe 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...  [Read full blog post]

Why You Need Orthodontic Care

February 25th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsOral 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,...  [Read full blog post]

What Does an Ideal Bite Look Like?

February 8th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsHuman 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...  [Read full blog post]

The Dangers of Chewing Ice

January 27th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsChewing 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...  [Read full blog post]

5 Reasons To Love Your Braces

January 5th 2022
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsYour 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...  [Read full blog post]

Orthodontic Treatment Options

December 20th 2021
Quest Johnson OrthodonticsA 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...  [Read full blog post]