5 Myths about Orthodontic Treatment

One of the goals at Kemp and Rice Orthodontics is for our patients to feel that their experiences at our office are remarkable, unique, and pleasurable. We find it so rewarding to be a positive factor in the lives of our patients as they gain confidence, self-esteem, and happiness by improving their smiles.

Every day potential patients ask us questions about what is true and what is false about orthodontic treatment. Here are 5 myths about orthodontic treatment that will help you understand what we do.

Myth #1. Anyone who provides braces or aligners is an orthodontist.
False! Only doctors who have taken the additional years of advanced training at an accredited residency can call themselves an orthodontic specialist. Dr. Kemp and Dr. Rice are both accredited orthodontists who not only achieved their dental degrees but also completed several years of specialized residency focused on orthodontics. Dr. Kemp has been practicing orthodontics in Franklin and Brentwood since 1986 when he completed his orthodontic residency at The University of Tennessee Center for Health Sciences. Dr. Rice completed his orthodontic residency at one of the top orthodontic residency programs in the country at Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry located in Dallas, Texas, where he spent three years as an orthodontic resident treating orthodontic patients to earn his Master of Science degree in Oral Biology and Certificate in Orthodontics.

Myth #2. Office visits are not necessary to get straight teeth.
The reality is that the health of your gums, teeth, and jaws cannot be monitored during treatment if you are never seen by a qualified orthodontist. Your treatment needs to be monitored by a trained orthodontist to ensure your orthodontic treatment is progressing on schedule toward your treatment goal.

Myth #3. Orthodontic treatment takes several years.
Orthodontic treatment requires carefully controlled movements of the teeth to ensure they are moving into proper positions. From simple cases (which may only take a few months to treat) to the most complex cases (which may take longer), an orthodontist has the training, experience, and skill to deliver an excellent result in the shortest amount of time. It all depends on your orthodontic needs to achieve your perfect smile.

Myth #4. Orthodontic treatment is purely cosmetic.
At Kemp and Rice Orthodontics, our mission is creating beautiful smiles. The most obvious result of orthodontic treatment is your smile. The other benefit of orthodontic treatment is to your teeth and jaws. When teeth, jaw, and lips are in their perfect positions, then movements like biting, chewing, and speaking are also improved.

Myth #5. Orthodontists only offer metal braces.
False! We offer a wide range of services that will best suit each patient according to that person’s orthodontic treatment needs, lifestyle, and long term goals. From Invisalign to Clarity Advanced Braces, which are made from ceramic material which blends with your teeth to make the braces virtually invisible, Kemp and Rice Orthodontics offers our patients a wide range of services. Learn more about each treatment option. 

Sources: https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/post/7-myths-about-orthodontic-treatment

Back to School, Back to the Orthodontist

August is here! Summer is winding down, and backpacks are loaded down with school supplies! Back-to-school season is officially here. Fall is a busy time for parents and their children as everyone finds new activities and new routines. Sometimes, families get so busy they forget their very important check-up appointment at the orthodontist’s office.

Back-to-school season is an especially important time to schedule your child’s regular orthodontic progress appointment. This appointment will give your doctors the opportunity to keep your child’s treatment goals on schedule.

If your child plays sports, he or she may need to ask one of the Kemp and Rice Orthodontics team members about getting a new mouthguard especially designed for our patients. If your child plays in the band, he or she may need a little extra shift to the orthodontic appliances to help achieve that perfect embouchure. Back-to-school is the perfect time to keep your orthodontic goals on track and working toward creating your child’s most beautiful smile.

Our mission at Kemp and Rice Orthodontics is creating beautiful smiles! Our team is excited about how we are able to transform problem smiles into perfect smiles that last a lifetime by paying attention to details in our comfortable, caring environment. To schedule your appointment at one of our three locations, please visit us at kempriceortho.com or give us a call at (615)790-7027.

Our first #SmileGallery for May! 🎉 Braden's smile looks awesome! #KempOrthodontics #Smiles

A post shared by Kemp & Rice Orthodontics (@kemp_ortho) on May 4, 2018 at 6:00am PDT

#KempRiceOrtho Smiles

Our mission at Kemp and Rice Orthodontics is to create beautiful smiles!  Our team is excited about how we are able to transform problem smiles into perfect smiles that last a lifetime by paying attention to details in our comfortable, caring environment.

When choosing an orthodontist, you need someone who has the ability to create the most beautiful smiles possible as well as possess the vision to use the most aesthetic systems to achieve your beautiful smile. Here are some of our amazing patients who have that beautiful summer smile:

Dinette's smile is so awesome!  

Caleb's smile is amazing! 

Go Taylor! What a great smile! 

Helen's smile is radiant! We love what we do at Kemp and Rice Orthodontics. 

Happy Mother's Day from Kemp and Rice Orthodontics

Dr. Kemp and Dr. Rice love this time of year because it gives them the opportunity to shout from the rooftops about how much they love and admire their mothers.

Dr. Kemp is fortunate that his mother lives nearby him here in Williamson County. He has such love and respect for her.

Their lives have had their share of hard times since his mom became a single parent when he was a little boy. Often she worked several jobs to make ends meet. They were so blessed to have grandparents who took him, his mom, and his baby sister in and gave them a place to live during these hard times. Dr. Kemp learned a lot about hard work and perseverance from his mom.

A surprising fact about both Dr. Kemp's mom and his mother-in-law is that they have been patients of his during their older adult years. In fact, Dr. Kemp’s mother has worn her braces in her 80s! She is now 88 years old and regularly holds the title of Bridge Champion in her community. She and her husband Tom are enjoying this season of life to its fullest. She is a great mom, and Dr. Kemp is blessed by her role in his life.

Happy Mother’s Day to Wilma Mabrey!

Dr. Rice’s mom, Lyndell Rice, lives with most of his extended family in a small community in southeastern Illinois. Mrs. Rice is a real estate agent, and Dr. Rice attributes his work ethic and communication skills to his mother. 

Growing up in a very small town made everyday tasks a little more challenging as Dr. Rice’s mother had to drive over an hour each direction to take Dr. Rice to his orthodontic appointments. During one of those long car drives to and from the orthodontist, Mrs. Rice jokingly stated that he should become an orthodontist. Little did she know, that off-hand comment is what started his path toward Kemp & Rice Orthodontics! 

Dr. Rice loves his mother very much and is thankful for such a caring, compassionate, and strong role model in his life.   

Happy Mother's Day, Lyndell Rice!

National Facial Protection Month

Photo provided by aaoms.org

Spring break has passed and once again our patients are ready to begin the spring sports season! April is National Facial Protection month and because many of our Brentwood and Spring Hill area patients are active athletes, the staff at Kemp & Rice Orthodontics encourages spring sports safety. 

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent we want to remind everyone to play it safe during organized sports to help prevent serious facial injuries that can take the fun out of the game. Here are 4 pieces of equipment you should add to your sports bag to stay safe during the sports season.  

1. Remember to wear a mouth guard. A mouth guard is less expensive than an injury, and not painful to your mouth or wallet. Keep your smile safe and prevent your orthodontic appliances from injury by habitually wearing a mouth guard during sports.  
2. Wear a helmet when needed. Helmets can greatly prevent damage to the head so be sure to always wear one when necessary. 
3. Protective eyewear can make a difference. Keep your 20/20 vision with sports eyewear that will keep your vision clear and your game at its best.  
4. Face shields may be necessary. If you are a hockey, football, or baseball player face shields can prevent severe damage to your face. 

These are all great accessories to have when playing sports. This equipment can prevent impact and damage to your head and mouth, all while not interfering with your MVP skills on the field. 

2 Minutes 2 Times a Day

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Seeking orthodontic treatment is a great way to make sure your oral health is in good shape. However, there are other factors that affect the status of healthy teeth. Brushing, flossing and eating habits are just as important. 

When treating your teeth Dr. Kemp, Dr. Rice, and the entire Kemp & Rice Orthodontics Team want to be sure they are working with healthy teeth...and developing healthy habits start at a young age. 

Did you know that the baby teeth that appear in the first 3 years of a child's life have been there since birth? Those baby teeth are key for chewing, speaking, and appearance. They also hold space in the jaws for upcoming adult teeth. Even though they fall out, baby teeth are important and you need to take good care of them. 

In an effort to help Keep Kids’ Mouths Healthy, The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives started the 2min2xChildren's Oral Health Campaign. For healthier teeth, good breath, and fewer cavities, kids need to remember to brush their teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. Adopting these healthy brushing habits can help save children from a lifetime of tooth pain. 

Helpful Tips:  

• Brush with a Fluoride Toothpaste. Place the toothbrush at an angle against the gums. Make sure to move the toothbrush back and forth, gently, in short strokes.  
• Get the Right Toothbrush. Kids should use a soft toothbrush. The size and shape of the brush should allow them to reach all areas of their mouth. Replace toothbrushes every three to four months, sooner if the bristles are worn out or if your children have been sick. 
• Attack Plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of germs that forms on teeth and gums after eating. Plaque that’s not removed by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day can lead to cavities.    

At Kemp & Rice Orthodontics we care about the overall oral health of all of our patients. If you have any questions about your oral health, please contact our office today.

Be My Snickerdoodle

Anyone can make a heart shape cut out cookie...but it takes a Cupid of massive proportion to make a Snickerdoodle Cookie Bar! 

Photo provided by averiecooks.com

Thick, chewy, and frosted with a cream cheese Valentine’s Day treats are sure to be a hit! 

Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars with Pink Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

Snickerdoodle Bar Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cups all-purpose flour

Pink Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 to 4 1/2+ cups powdered sugar

splash of milk or water, if needed

(pink) food coloring, optional

Directions:

Bars – Preheat oven to 375F and prepare a 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan by lining it with foil and then spraying it with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars. Add the eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and mix until combined. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan. The batter will be very thick and sticky, like cookie dough. Use your hands if necessary to spread it evenly. Bake at 375F for 19 to 22 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the middle of the pan comes out clean. While the bars are baking, prepare the frosting.  

Pink Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting – In a large mixing bowl, mix the butter and cream cheese until combined and it begins to fluff. Add the vanilla and powdered sugar (one-half cup at a time after 3 cups) and mix until desired frosting consistency is reached. I like very thick frosting and used 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar with a splash of half and half. Carefully add the food coloring, one drop at a time, until desired color is reached. After the bars have cooled, frost them. Optionally, garnish with sprinkles, candy bits, sanding sugar, or any optional garnish of your choice. 

These bar cookies are Cupid approved...because even he knows that everything tastes better when it’s pink and has candy bits and sprinkles on top.

Happy Valentine's Day from your friends at Kemp & Rice Orthodontics.

The Smile You Have Always Dreamed Of

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Quality orthodontic care is about more than just aesthetics, a mouth that is crowded or contains crooked teeth can hamper your overall dental health. And let’s face it…most people aren’t born with straight teeth and a perfect bite.

Braces can correct moderately to severely crooked teeth, as well as underbites and overbites. Having crowded or crooked teeth can inhibit good brushing and flossing, making it harder to keep teeth and gums healthy. Furthermore, severe overbites or underbites left uncorrected can cause jaw pain. Proper orthodontic treatment can prevent you and/or your child from experiencing mouth pain or discomfort later in life, not to mention, promote better self-confidence.

Some people hesitate to get braces because paying for them can be surprisingly difficult.  For most families, paying for braces can be a significant investment. That investment can become even larger when multiple family members need braces. At Kemp & Rice Orthodontics our goal is to provide you and your family with affordable, high-quality orthodontic treatment that fits your budget. 

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the length and complexity of treatment.  But with some smart planning and budgeting the cost for orthodontic treatment will be easier to manage. 

1. Get Covered - If you don’t have dental insurance, look into plans that include orthodontics. 
2. Know Your Insurance Policy - If you have health insurance, it may include dental treatment, and possibly, orthodontic treatment. So contact your insurance company to check your benefits. 
3. Consider Credit – In many cases, the fee for orthodontic treatment can be paid via Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. You may also want to look into getting a Healthcare specific Credit Card.

While braces can be a significant investment, understanding the various payment options available can help families to finance orthodontic treatment while looking forward to a bright future with a beautiful smile.