This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Chad Johnson Orthodontics believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Dr. Chad Johnson's Canned Food Drive is a huge success!

Our team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics is excited to announce that we received over 900 non-perishable food items, which resulted in approximately 5 barrels of food for 2nd Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. Dr. Chad has drawn the names of our holiday giveaway winners, and those patients will be notified today. We will be giving away over $600 worth of prizes to thank everyone who contributed to this great cause. We really appreciate your generosity and support.

We can't wait to make the Canned Food Drive an even bigger event next year!

Happy holidays, from our team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics!

Tuesday Tooth Trivia, from Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics thought you might enjoy. Happy Tuesday!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Chad Johnson Orthodontics invites patients to participate in our Canned Food Drive

Here at Chad Johnson Orthodontics it is important that we give back to our community, especially during the holiday season. This year, we invite our patients to join us in supporting the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina through our Canned Food Drive.

At our office, your generosity will not go unrewarded. For every canned item you bring to our office, you will receive a raffle ticket for our HUGE holiday giveaway! Our Canned Food Drive prizes include an iPod touch, iPod nano, $50 Visa gift card, and many more items!

Please give us a call if you have any questions about our Canned Food Drive. Thanks for helping us end hunger!

A few Invisalign® tips, from Dr. Johnson

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly.

When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Johnson wants you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also simple: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Chad Johnson Orthodontics, give us a call!

Happy Thanksgiving, from Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Dr. Chad Johnson and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great Thanksgiving food! What are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Johnson asks patients to join us in supporting 2nd Harvest Food Bank

Our team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics would like to invite all of our patients to join us in ending child hunger in the Metrolina regin. We ask that our patients, staff, families, and community members join us in donating canned goods to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina through our Canned Food Drive. For every canned item you bring to our office, you will receive a ticket into our HUGE holiday giveaway!

We need your help! Your generosity will not go unrewarded here at Chad Johnson Orthodontics.

Here are the prizes for our holiday giveaway:

1st Prize: iPod touch
2nd Prize: iPod Nano
3rd Prize: $50 Visa GC & lots and lots more.

We look forward to receiving your canned food donations at our Harrisburg office. Thank you for your support!

What do you enjoy most about fall in Harrisburg?

It’s fall here at Chad Johnson Orthodontics, a time when the leaves change colors, the air becomes crisp, and families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving. Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, how are you spending your time this fall?

Dr. Johnson and our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within our Harrisburg community. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.” Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

Chad Johnson Orthodontics announces our Holiday Contest

Do you have a favorite holiday song, or tune that gets you in the spirit for the winter season? Dr. Johnson and our team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics would love to hear! Share the song name and a few of your favorite song lyrics on our Facebook page or as a comment on our blog for a chance to win a Sonicare Healthy White toothbrush (valued at $130).

Our Holiday Contest ends Dec. 15, so don't hesitate to share your favorite holiday song today! Please include your email address for contact purposes. Only one entry per person.

Don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about the Holiday Contest, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Johnson.

Happy Holidays,

-Dr. Johnson and team

Halloween safety tips, from Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Johnson would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give Dr. Johnson and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

More happy patients at Chad Johnson Orthodontics!

Dr. Johnson and team, serving Harrisburg, NC and surrounding areas, deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment. We make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"I am currently a patient of Dr. Johnson. My two children will soon be patients. We are thoroughly pleased with this office. The check in is quick with the computer, Danielle is extremely nice and helpful, and everybody is caring and smiley! We hardly ever have to wait before we see the doctor. Thanks Dr. Johnson!"

"I like going to Chad Johnson's office for my check-ups. It's easy to check in with the computer and I never have to wait long. The office is so clean. I would recommend Chad Johnson to anyone who needs orthodontic work. Chad Johnson and the rest of the staff are all really nice and friendly.‎"

"I just started going to Dr.Johnson and I already love it! I was very nervous about going, but once I got there and saw how clean, and nice looking the place was, I wasnt nervous anymore! You don't have to wait forever in the reception area, and the staff are really nice! When I got my braces put on, they didn't mess up, or anything! My dentist Dr.Jason Martin told me about this orthodontist, and im so glad he did! They know what they are doing and I highly recommend this orthodontist for everyone! Chad Johnson Orthodontics is awesome!"

A great braces-friendly fall recipe, from Chad Johnson Orthodontics

In celebration of National Orthodontic Health Month, our team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO. This Spooktacular Pumpkin Cake is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this treat will not cause damage to your beautiful smile.

Spooktacular Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients:

1 pkg. yellow or white cake mix
½ cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
¼ cup water (add 2 tbl. of water if eggs are small)

Directions:

Put cake mix in a large bowl. Make an indentation in the center and pour in the oil and one egg. Mix using mixer, then add the rest of the eggs one at a time, beating after each one.

Add pumpkin, sugar, spices, and then water.

Bake in greased and floured tube pan in 350 degree oven for 60-70 minutes (depending on oven calibration). Cool before removing from pan.

Dr. Johnson asks: Have you entered our Creepy Crawler Contest?

Have you visited the Harrisburg, NC office of Chad Johnson Orthodontics lately? Now through Oct. 31, we would like to invite all of our patients to participate in our Creepy Crawler Contest. If you guess the correct number of candy corn that are in the jar, then you could win 25 BRACE BUCKS!

We can't wait to see all of your Creeper Crawler Contest entries! As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about the contest, or your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Johnson.

-Chad Johnson Orthodontics

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Did you know that it is National Orthodontic Health Month? Dr. Johnson knows how tempting this time of the year can be for your sweet tooth. With all of the sticky, hard, and chewy treats that are often passed around to trick-or-treaters, it is sometimes difficult to find orthodontic-friendly options.

However, there is good news! Today, we would like to share with a few braces-friendly deserts, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO. These treats are delicious, and provided that you brush and floss after indulging, these foods will not damage your beautiful smile.

Orthodontic-Friendly Treats
• Soft, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates
• Peanut butter cups
• Milk shakes
• Gelatin
• Peeled, thinly sliced apples
• Ice cream

As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about braces-friendly foods. We also encourage all of our patients to stop by our Harrisburg, NC office to enter our Creepy Crawler Contest for a chance to win 25 Brace Bucks!

Chad Johnson Orthodontics supports our patients in the Walk Now for Autism Speaks

At Chad Johnson Orthodontics, it is our #1 goal is to provide the highest quality orthodontic care in a family-based, high-technology practice. Dr. Johnson and our team always likes to spread the word about good causes and events within our community. That's why we wanted to share that Walk Now for Autism Speaks is on Oct. 9, 2010. So far, the walk has been able to raise $225,542 to benefit the fight against Autism. Our team is especially proud to support our patients KG, Kaelyn and Kelli E. with their cause.

To make a donation in support of the Walk Now for Autism Speaks, feel free to visit the walk's website.



Thank you,

-Chad Johnson Orthodontics

At Chad Johnson Orthodontics, your healthy smile is our top priority!

Located in Harrisburg, NC, our state-of-the-art office offers comfort, convenience, and today's most advanced orthodontic technology for children and adults. Every day, our team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics strives to provide a unique orthodontic experience that is fun, affordable, interactive, and effective for both children and adults. That's why Dr. Johnson attended the TAD seminar last month, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) meeting this May, and the Damon Forum in February, to make sure that he is knowledgeable in the latest and most effective orthodontic procedures. These seminars and forums ensure that Dr. Johnson is able to educate patients at the highest level to make an informed decision about their orthodontic treatment options.

As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about orthodontic treatment options at our office, including traditional metal braces, self-ligating braces, clear braces, TMJ treatment, and Invisalign.

Tell Chad Johnson Orthodontics what's on your mind!

Week after week, our team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics blogs about important topics pertinent to orthodontic treatment care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques we offer. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: What’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Thanks to Invisalign®, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Chad Johnson Orthodontics can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Why do you choose Chad Johnson Orthodontics?

Our team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics, serving Harrisburg, Concord, and Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas, loves receiving patient testimonials! Our #1 goal is to provide the highest quality orthodontic care in a family-based, high-technology practice. Have you had a great experience at our practice? Are you in love with your new smile?

Dr. Chad Johnson and his well-trained staff are committed to providing the best care for our patients, which is why we'd love to hear your feedback. You can write a review here. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,

-The team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Tackling kids' sport safety with Chad Johnson Orthodontics!

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when participating in organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why Chad Johnson Orthodontics is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Johnson will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field this fall. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Johnson is trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Chad Johnson Orthodontics.

Invisalign® at Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Dr. Johnson is a certified Invisalign provider in Harrisburg, NC. Watch this short video to learn more about this unique treatment option. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

Thank you,

-Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Summer fun with Chad Johnson Orthodontics!

It’s summer here at Chad Johnson Orthodontics, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hitting America’s open roads or just having fun in the backyard, Dr. Johnson and our team want to hear all about it! Leave a comment on our Facebook page and tell us about your summer!

We also encourage you to post any photos from your adventures to our Facebook wall!

Happy travels,

-From Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Invisalign® and your oral health, from Chad Johnson Orthodontics

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Chad Johnson Orthodontics than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Johnson the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

How many Chad Johnson Orthodontics BRACE BUCKS do you have?

Our team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics would like to announce that BRACE BUCKS are here! If you are currently an active patient of Dr. Johnson's, then you should stop by our Harrisburg, NC office and pick up your banks and bucks. You can earn BRACE BUCKS by having clean teeth & healthy gums, arriving on time, wearing your Chad Johnson Ortho T-shirt, wearing your rubber bands & headgear, achieving academic excellence, participating in community service, etc.

Your BRACE BUCKS can be traded in for cool prizes, such as gift cards, video games, iPod shuffle, movie tickets, and even more prizes! Come on in and get your bank or pick it up at your next visit. Dr. Johnson and our team looks forward to seeing you soon!

The importance of retainers, from Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Have you recently completed orthodontic treatment with Chad Johnson Orthodontics? If so, congratulations! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Johnson will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Johnson is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Johnson, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Chad Johnson Orthodontics loves happy patients!

Chad Johnson Orthodontics, serving Harrisburg, NC and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Johnson and team!

"Everyone there is really nice and personable. My family feels very comfortable coming to Chad Johnson Orthodontics." ~Kristy

"The entire staff is very accommodating and will go the extra mile to make sure the patient is comfortable with the entire procedure... be it during or after their own business hours. No complaints whatsoever, I'd highly recommend Dr. Johnson." ~Anjum

"Staff is excellent, payment options are great and office knowledge of insurance practice is very helpful." ~Melissa

"Welcoming atmosphere, thorough exam and details explanation of treatment" ~Julie

"This orthodontics office is thinking and putting convenience and flexibility into the package. Their interest is genuine in helping with not only correction of teeth, but also making their services friendly and comfortable to work with." ~Tina

Have you had a great experience at Chad Johnson Orthodontics? We would love to hear about it! Feel free to write a review here, or give us a call at the office.

-The team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Braces Chic, the new trend for children worldwide!

Remember the days when braces weren’t particularly “cool”? Well, our team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics are happy to say that sporting a metal mouth is back in style for children and teens. According to a recent article on parenthood.com, younger patients are choosing braces, almost as a form of jewelry for their teeth! Now, with colorful and sometimes even glow-in-the-dark band options, thinner and stainless steel wire and brackets, and less painful treatment methods, there are so many more braces options! Retainers are also becoming trendier, offered in different color varieties and sometimes emblazoned with logos, emblems, or pictures.

Are braces right for you or someone in your family? Please give us a call to schedule a free consultation! Dr. Johnson can help determine whether or not you would benefit from orthodontic treatment. We look forward to meeting you!

Chad Orthodontics wishes you a happy Social Media Day!

Isn't social media great? In honor of Social Media Day, Chad Johnson Orthodontics would like to take today to discuss our approach to social media and online patient communications. Dr. Johnson and our team know that for social media to work that conversation is vital, so we invite you to join in and tell us what's on your mind. Although social media is very popular these days, we know that it is ever-changing.

As you might have noticed, we love connecting with our patients online. It’s great to communicate with our patients, sharing news, ideas, and upcoming events at the office. We have found that our interactive Facebook fan page and blog are great tools for making this connection.

While we're taking a little time to research and decide how best to use social media, Dr. Johnson and our team though we'd ask you, our loyal patients: How would you prefer we use our social networks? What would you like to see us share on our blog? Let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Smile, and you might just live longer!

Folks with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. We have known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile with orthodontics at Chad Johnson Orthodontics? If not, give us a call to learn how orthodontics can give you a straighter, healthier smile!

Top ten tips for keeping those braces clean, from Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Hope this helps!

Dr. Johnson and Team

Chad Johnson Orthodontics Answers: When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat.

Examples include:
• An upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly
• A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in
• A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has their baby teeth. Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontists). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit our office even sooner.

Learn more about two phase treatment, and the benefits of orthodontics for your child by setting up your initial orthodontic consultation with Dr. Johnson. Give us a call today!

Smile–June is National Smile Month!

It’s June already! Where does the time go?

Dr. Johnson and team are excited to tell you June marks National Smile Month, a great time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

After all, there’s more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your general dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of the tips here, we encourage you to give us a call! We hope you had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

–Chad Johnson Orthodontics of Harrisburg, NC

Your pal, fluoride

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!


-Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Chad Johnson Orthodontics Reminding You To Enter the AAO Video Contest

We have some exciting news to share with all of our patients this Thursday. The American Association of Orthodontists, which Dr. Johnson is a member of, is offering a $2,500 academic scholarship to two lucky winners of their "How Orthodontics Changed My Life" video contest.

All patients at Chad Johnson Orthodontics 18 years of age or younger are eligible to enter, and entries must be postmarked by July 15th! You can learn more about the contest on the AAO's web site, but here are a few subjects to think about while making your video:

• What were you like before you had orthodontic treatment? How have you changed?
• How proud are you of your new smile?
• When did you notice changes in yourself? What kinds of changes have you noticed?
• What does your new smile mean to you?
• What would you say to others whose smiles make them self-conscious?


This is a great opportunity and we encourage you to enter. GOOD LUCK!

What do you love about Chad Johnson Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to our office, Dr. Johnson and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Johnson? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you!

Ask Dr. Johnson: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says Dr. Johnson. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Johnson is a certified Invisalign and Invisalign Teen provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

Ask Chad Johnson Orthodontics: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Johnson will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

This Earth Day, what are you up to?

Earth Day, designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment, marks its 40th anniversary today. Earth Day was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970 and is observed every April 22nd on virtually every country on Earth.

Whether lending a helping hand to plant trees or getting out to volunteer in the Harrisburg and Charlotte communities, today is your opportunity to get started in making your impact year-round. Tell us, what are you up to? Are you making a difference today? How long have you participated in helping our planet? You may reply here or on our Facebook fan page!

Happy Earth Day!

More About Orthodontics From Chad Johnson Orthodontics

There are so many questions about orthodontics that we never ask, so Dr. Johnson took some time to explain the most common concerns.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander, Herbst, Facemask, headgear, or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Absolutely!! Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Between 30-40% of our patients are adults.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the arch wire that connects them are the main components. When the arch wire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping your treatment time on schedule.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the arch wires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers or wax can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleaning and dental checkups, or more frequently as recommended.

Got more questions? Give us a call at Chad Johnson Orthodontics. We'd love to hear from you.

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™ at Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Chad Johnson Orthodontics knows image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! We thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

So how does Invisalign Teen work, you ask? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

With Chad Johnson Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Chad Johnson Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Harrisburg, NC.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Patient Appreciation at Chad Johnson Orthodontics

At Chad Johnson Orthodontics, we strive to make your experience at our office an enjoyable one. We offer fun contests, such as Patient of the Month, where patients receive a certificate and a gift card. Check out our Facebook Fan Page for more fun contests, or give us a call to learn more about orthodontics at our office!

What’s so special about an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Johnson started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Johnson decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up at Chad Johnson Orthodontics

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Johnson, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for us to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at 704-706-9041 to schedule an appointment.

Ask Dr. Chad Johnson: Why should my teeth be straight?

People wonder why the team at Chad Johnson Orthodontics work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! Located in Harrisburg, our state-of-the-art office offers comfort, convenience, and today's most advanced orthodontic technology, proving that your healthy smile is our top priority!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Johnson and our team can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment. Dr. Johnson and our well-trained staff are committed to providing the best care for our Harrisburg, Concord, and Charlotte patients.

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Chad Johnson is a native of Fort Smith, Arkansas. His father is a dentist and he grew up around the dental field. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with B.S. in Zoology and a M.S. in Immunology. He then attended the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans, Louisiana. While there he participated in dental research. He received multiple awards for his research and represented the dental school at various national and international dental research meetings. During his time in dental school, he was one of approximately thirty dental students from around the nation selected to participate in the Junior COSTEP program through the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service and the Indian Health Services. Through this service he provided dental care to the native Eskimo tribes in southwestern Alaska.

While in dental school Dr. Johnson found the limited orthodontic portion of his dental training interesting and exciting. He decided to pursue the orthodontic field further and was accepted and graduated from the University of Colorado Orthodontic Residency Program. Dr. Johnson is an ABO board certified orthodontist. During his time in the residency Dr. Johnson, along with his wife and his young daughters, decided to settle in Harrisburg, North Carolina. The area reminds them of Arkansas and offers them a beautiful and vibrant setting to raise a family and become a part of the community. The Johnson's live and work locally here in Harrisburg.

Dr. Johnson and his wife, Susan, have three daughters, Hailey, Elle and Keira. In his free time, Dr. Johnson enjoys many outdoor activities such as camping, rock climbing, and golf.