Auxiliary Appliances: Rapid Palatal Expander

One of the auxiliary appliances that Dr. Kemp likes to  use along with braces is a Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE).  The RPE is a wonderful appliance to use for patients whose upper jaw is narrow, protrusive and crowded. The Rapid Palatal Expander gently widens the upper arch (palate) by stretching the center palatal connective suture.  Once the palate is widened, the suture knits together with newly formed bone.  The Rapid Palatal Expander is prescribed usually prior to completion of growth.  A parent or the patient adjusts the RPE every other day as instructed until the palate has been widened enough. The RPE is an excellent appliance especially to help change abnormal growth patterns.  Please follow this link Rapid Palatal Expander to read more about the expander on our website.

Comfort and Care

 

 



At Kemp Orthodontics, we know orthodontic emergencies are never convenient or timely.  If you are experiencing severe pain or you have a painful appliance problem, you should call the office. We will be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem. If you have an orthodontic emergency after regular office hours, please give us a call, and a member of the staff will be alerted to call you back as soon as possible. You would be surprised at how many emergencies can be taken care of with just a phone call.

At Kemp Orthodontics, your comfort is one of our greatest concerns. 

What is an overjet?

Overjet should not be confused with overbite.  Overjet refers to the amount of protrusion.  It is a horizontal measurement: the distance from your lower front teeth to your upper front teeth. Overjet can be a result of a deficient lower jaw growth. The orthodontic term for this bite is Class II. Correction of this disorder generally requires influencing facial growth by bringing the upper and lower teeth and jaws into better alignment.

If you or a family member has an overjet and you would like more information, please contact our office for a complimentary orthodontic examination.  At Kemp Orthodontics we specialize in creating beautiful smiles.

What is an overbite?

Dr. David Kemp and the Kemp Orthodontics team have been in practice for almost 28 years, and in that time we have treated many an overbite.  An overbite is basically an imbalance between the upper and lower teeth or jaws in which the upper teeth protrude far beyond the lower teeth.  Simply speaking, overbite is a vertical measurement of the front teeth in balance with the lower teeth.  Everyone should have a bit of an overbite, but in some cases you can have too much of an overbite.  Sometimes the overbite is so extreme the lower front teeth bite into the roof of the mouth.  We call this a deep impinging overbite. An overbite is a common orthodontic problem that can be corrected.

If you need any additional information, please contact our office.  It would be our pleasure to schedule a complimentary orthodontic examination. At Kemp Orthodontics we specialize in creating beautiful smiles.

Sterilization Protocol for Kemp Orthodontics

In keeping with our commitment to provide our patients with the very best orthodontic treatment available anywhere, we take strict measures to ensure that our sterilization program meets or exceeds the most stringent stand of care.  When you visit Kemp Orthodontics, you will find the facility and equipment clean and well-maintained.

The Kemp Orthodontic team members follow strict protocol to provide each individual patient with a sterile dental environment.  Following interaction with a patient, the team members discard their gloves, wash their hands, and put on clean gloves before working with another patient.  Furthermore the Kemp Orthodontic team members receive extensive training to maintain their certification and license.

We are justifiably proud of our sterilization program and welcome any questions you may have about this aspect of our office.  When it comes to taking care of you and your children, Kemp Orthodontics feel that you deserve the very best!

Why are straight teeth so important?

Some people wonder why Kemp Orthodontics and our team 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 at Kemp Orthodontics can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene and increase your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay because they collect less plaque. Plaque is the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay.

If you are wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please call Kemp Orthodontics to set up a complimentary examination.

It would be Dr. Kemp's pleasure to explain the benefits of orthodontic treatment to you.

When Should You Call Kemp Orthodontics?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list of potential orthodontic problems that may mean it is time to call Kemp Orthodontics for an appointment:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth.


2. Difficulty in chewing or biting


3. Mouth breathing


4. Snoring


5. Any oral habits, such as finger/thumb sucking


6. Crowded, misplaced or blocked teeth


7. Jaw that shifts when closing or makes sounds, protrude or retrude


8. Speech difficulty


9. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth


10. Protruding teeth


11. Teeth that meet in a abnormal way or do not meet at all


12. Facial imbalance or asymmetry


13. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you or your children? If so, give the Kemp Orthodontic office a call at 615.790.7027 for a complimentary orthodontic examination.

 

Open 24 hours?

 

 

Did you know that you can contact us online any time, 24 hours a day,  7 days a week?   We appreciate your patronage and invite you to check out our online communication system.  With our system you are able to:

• Receive Email and Text Appointment Reminders


• Confirm Appointments via Test Message


• Request Appointments Online


• Request Appointments on our Facebook page


• Receive special messages and promotions


• Refer Friends and Family

 

If you would like to take advantage of this awesome communication tool all we need is your email address and cell phone number.  Give our office a call and ask to speak to Terri and she will get you connected.

Happy New Year!

2015 New Year's Resolutions!

As we turn the calendar to 2015, Kemp Orthodontics wants to invite you to schedule an orthodontic check up. At this time of the year, we reflect on changes we want to make, and we call them New Year's Resolutions.

Why don't you make your New Year's Resolution to have the best smile you can have?  At Kemp Orthodontics we are here to help you achieve that goal.  Call our office today (615-790-7027) or visit our Facebook page to request a complimentary new patient exam.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,

David H. Kemp, D.D.S., M.S.