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

Image provided by ada.org

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

Photo provided by carecredit.com

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. 

Thanksgiving Countdown!

It seems like the month of November has really flown by! Thanksgiving is just a week away and we’re all looking forward to time with family and friends – not to mention all of the delicious food! While some holidays spotlight foods that might traditionally be a challenge to manage when you have braces, Thanksgiving is typically filled with foods that are braces approved!

If you’re looking to add a new side dish or two to your Thanksgiving table this year, we’ve found two contenders that will not only look spectacular but might also become a new favorite for your family. Both of these would be perfect to bring to a potluck meal since they can both be assembled in advance and each takes less than 30 minutes to heat.  

Maple Cranberry Sweet Potatoes

• 4 lbs. sweet potatoes
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
• 3 tbsp. butter
• 1 ½ tsp. salt

Place whole sweet potatoes in a large pot with just enough water to cover and one teaspoon of salt. Heat to a rapid boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered about 30 minutes or just until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain. Set aside until cool enough to handle.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat maple syrup to boiling on high. Reduce heat to medium, and boil gently for 10 to 15 minutes or until reduced to 1/2 cup. Stir in cranberries, butter, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook just until cranberries pop, typically about 5 minutes.

When ready to bake:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut cooled sweet potatoes into 1-inch-thick slices and arrange in shallow 3-quart ceramic or glass baking dish, overlapping slices if necessary. Spoon maple-cranberry syrup evenly over potatoes and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until hot.

Green Bean Cheddar Casserole

• 3 lbs. green beans
• 2 cups stale bread
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 ½ cups milk
• ¼ tsp. nutmeg
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Bring a large saucepot of salted water to boil. Add green beans to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

In a food processor, pulse bread into coarse crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and add olive oil and sliced green onions. Toss to combine and set aside.

In a saucepan, whisk cornstarch and 1/2 cup milk until all cornstarch is dissolved. Add nutmeg and a little salt and pepper. Heat slowly over medium heat, and slowly whisk in remaining 2 cups of milk. Allow sauce to boil for 2 minutes, keep whisking! Reduce heat to low, and add in cheeses one handful at a time, waiting until cheese melts before adding the next handful. Once all cheese has been added and the sauce is smooth, remove from heat. Toss with green beans until well coated with sauce. Transfer mixture to a 3-quart baking dish until ready to bake.

When ready to bake:

Sprinkle reserved breadcrumb mixture over green beans. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Recipe Swaps:

·         To save time, purchase fresh green beans in a microwaveable bag and skip the boiling all together!

·         Use your favorite store-bought breadcrumbs to save additional time in lieu of making them yourself. Panko breadcrumbs are also an excellent substitution, adding even more crunch to the topping of this dish.

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! All of us at Kemp Orthodontics are thankful for each and every patient we’ve had the pleasure of serving. Now, what are you going to make with all of the leftovers?

Out With The Old & In With The New

With cold and flu season starting, germs seem to be lurking everywhere! While it’s difficult to avoid catching the office cold or flu bug, you can help keep your number one oral hygiene accessory in great shape simply by replacing your toothbrush regularly. Toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean, but how long should you a keep a toothbrush? It is recommended that you switch out that old toothbrush for a fresh new one every 3 to 4 months, and directly after any cold or flu. Replacing your toothbrush is essential since they are constantly exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your toothbrush have become worn, that is a clear sign that you need a new toothbrush. People who wear braces will likely need to replace their toothbrushes frequently, as braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush lose its effectiveness.

It's helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in the house at all times for easy replacement. You may be thinking "my toothbrush is fine, I have it broken in just the way I like it”. While that might very well be true, did you know that your old toothbrush could actually be harming your mouth?

3 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush

1.     Bacteria - Your toothbrush is a tool for removing bacteria from your teeth…but it doesn’t actually kill bacteria. Some of the bacteria from your teeth stay on your toothbrush after you are done brushing. This isn’t a problem initially, but imagine three to four months of bacteria build up on your toothbrush. That old bacteria ridden toothbrush is in your mouth at least twice a day…yuck!

2.     Bristles - Like any tool, a toothbrush wears down. Worn bristles are tough on your enamel and can wear it away over time. Not only that - an old, worn toothbrush can be up to 95 percent less effective at removing plaque.

3.     Illness - Always change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, even if it’s not “technically” time to replace your toothbrush. Germs and bacteria in your mouth require you to brush twice a day, every day.

If you feel like changing your toothbrush every three months is wasteful, we’ve got a solution! Put that old toothbrush to work doing odd jobs around the house. Old toothbrushes are great for cleaning around facet fixtures and tackling tile grout. They can even be used to clean tools, computer keyboards, and tennis shoes! Make sure to mark your calendar as a reminder to replace your toothbrush at least every 3 to 4 months. If you need a few tips on keeping your smile in tip-top shape, make sure to ask at your next appointment with one of our knowledgeable staff members at Kemp Orthodontics. We’re here to help!

Four Fall Flavorful Smoothies

With Fall in full swing and with it the hectic holidays just a step further down the road, we thought we’d put together a list of a few fall-themed smoothies that can serve as a great (and easy!) breakfast or after school snack.

Pumpkin Banana Smoothie
If you’re a pumpkin fan, this smoothie is for you! While pumpkin is a trendy item, especially this time of year, what you might not know is pumpkin has both fiber and protein which makes for a healthy and filling smoothie.

• 2 tablespoons canned pure pumpkin
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 banana, frozen
• ½ teaspoon honey
• ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of nutmeg
• ¼ cup ice 

Helpful tip: If you’re finding that you have several over ripened bananas that you aren’t able to eat in time, toss them in a freezer bag! Frozen bananas are the perfect addition to smoothies and help make preparation even easier for those hectic weekday mornings. 

Cranberry, Pear, & Orange Smoothie

That’s quite a mouthful, and trust us, you’ll love this nutrient-packed smoothie!  It chocked full of filling fiber from the pear, Vitamin C from the orange, and antioxidants from the cranberries. If you’re using whole cranberries for the first time, this smoothie might be a bit tart! Add a bit of extra honey to tone down the tart zing.

• ¾ cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 pear, core removed & chopped
• 1 small orange
• ½ cup low-fat plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 teaspoon honey 

Feeling adventurous? Add in any of the items below to give this smoothie even MORE flavor!

• A handful of fresh spinach
• A frozen or fresh banana
• A few frozen strawberries, blueberries, mango, or pineapple
• 1 teaspoon of chia seeds

Caramel Apple Smoothie
This smoothie is a great alternative to the traditional sticky treat and delivers all of the delicious flavor! Smoothie staples Greek yogurt and almond milk add filling protein and frozen banana adds plenty of sweetness.

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
• ½ cup applesauce
• ¼  tsp caramel extract
• Caramel sauce & cinnamon for topping

Recipe swap: This recipe is very adaptable - the trick is to use what you have! Experiment with different types of milk and yogurt. If you don’t have caramel extract on hand, add a bit of caramel sauce right to the blender! Many of the applesauce pouches that are so popular with kids come in fun flavors too. The options are endless, have some fun with it!

Green Monster Smoothie
When you are ready to move on from using spinach in your green smoothies, Swiss chard is a great next step. Swiss chard has a delicate flavor and softer leaves that blend well in most blenders. It is actually in the same family (amaranthaceae) as spinach and beets!

• 2-3 cups Swiss chard, destemmed and roughly chopped
• 2-3 ripe bananas, fresh or frozen
• 1 tart green apple, chopped
• 1 medium whole grapefruit, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup white cranberry juice or water
• 2 cups ice 

This recipe makes plenty, so freeze individual portions for those extra hectic mornings!

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH BRACES

Congratulations to all our patients who are starting a new school year this month. We hope this new year will be your best year yet.

Now that you are wearing braces and getting closer to showing off your beautiful new smile, you might want to think about some ways to give special attention to your appliances. We know that taking care of braces can add to a hectic lifestyle, so your Kemp Orthodontics team has created these quick tips that will make caring for your orthodontic braces a breeze while you’re in school.

1. WATCH WHAT YOU EAT
Of course, we think everyone should eat healthfully and maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, people who wear braces know it is important to choose foods that protect their orthodontic appliances. Crunchy and sticky foods may break a bracket or cause a wire to slip out of a bracket. If you choose crunchy foods like apples and carrots, be sure to cut them into tiny bites so you can protect your braces. Better still is to choose soft foods. The list of soft foods is so long – sandwiches, soups, casseroles, veggies, salads, and on. You’ll totally forget about those crunchy and sticky foods!

2. WEAR A MOUTH GUARD
Many people who play sports benefit from wearing a mouth guard while playing games and exercising. Mouth guards serve to protect their wearers from flying pucks and balls, swinging elbows, and accidental hits and falls. For people who wear braces on their teeth, wearing a mouth guard is an absolute necessity. We at Kemp Orthodontics suggest that every time our patients participate in physical activities and games (including gym classes) they wear a mouth guard. And you never know which of your favorite athletes just may be in the chair next to you at Kemp Orthodontics getting his or her own new mouth guard!

3. BRUSH AND FLOSS REGULARLY
Braces sometimes trap food while you are eating. It is very important to brush your teeth after every meal, even that yummy school lunch, and to floss at least once a day. After all, no one wants to have broccoli stuck in his or her front teeth!

4. DON'T CHEW ON PENCILS
Just don’t do it. Yuk!

August is an exciting time of year – a time for new beginnings, like starting your journey to your most beautiful smile. Come on over to Kemp Orthodontics and let us share with you a glimpse of the smile that waits to be revealed in you. Call 615.790.7027 for your free new patient evaluation.

Differences Between Clarity Advanced Braces & Invisalign

Clarity Advanced braces and Invisalign are two treatments with the same mission, to make orthodontic treatment more difficult to detect than traditional metal braces. Many patients of Kemp Orthodontics seek our help to straighten their smiles, but want to make a less noticeable statement while they commit to a healthier, straighter smile. Both Clarity Advanced Braces and Invisalign treatments can provide this solution for many patients.

While the two treatments have the same mission, there are stark differences between them.

Invisalign can be removed: Like traditional braces, ceramic braces can make brushing and flossing teeth more difficult, as well as eating. Invisalign can be easily removed for both of these necessities, keeping your mouth healthy throughout the entire treatment process.

Removable aligners do have their perks, however this does result in one downside of Invisalign, and it takes discipline. You must remove the aligner trays when you are eating or drinking. Other than that, as well as brushing and flossing, the aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours per day.

Invisalign is more transparent: One of the most favorite things about Invisalign is its virtual transparency. Most people don’t notice someone is wearing Invisalign until they are told.

While ceramic braces blend into the patient’s teeth, the brackets are more noticeable than Invisalign’s transparent retainer.

Adjustment time is different: For Invisalign, trays must be changed every two weeks, compared to four weeks for adjustments with ceramic braces.

Ceramic braces can treat more extensive cases: Invisalign has been developed to treat a wide variety of cases, provided they aren’t extremely severe. Here are the common cases that Invisalign can treat:

• Crowded (crooked) teeth 
• Gapped teeth 
• Overbite, underbite and open bite 

The only difference between metal and ceramic braces is the material used for the bonding brackets. Therefore, ceramic braces can treat many of the same cases, including more severe cases that Invisalign cannot handle. Here are some additional issues that clear braces can treat:

• Crossbites 
• Malocclusions 
• Very crooked teeth 
• Various other flaws of teeth and the jaw 

Straightening your teeth to improve your oral health and smile is a big step for many patients at Kemp Orthodontics. If you need help deciding whether Clarity Advanced Braces or Invisalign makes more sense for you or your child, consult Dr. Kemp or Dr. Rice at our Brentwood or Franklin locations. Give us a call to schedule a complimentary exam today, or click here to schedule online.

Healthy Summer Snack Recipe

At Kemp Orthodontics we believe nutrition and a healthy smile go hand in hand. Summer often means snacking and eating on the go, so Kemp Orthodontics is here to help you keep your snack choices healthy this summer with braces-friendly healthy summer snack recipes.

Since you want to avoid sticky sweets and sugary beverages, we will provide you with some snack choices that are a great fit for orthodontic patients and promote overall wellness and health. All summer long check here for healthy new summer snack recipes.

Frozen Fruit Pops

Fresh fruit with a splash of juice makes a fresh and healthy snack. Use whatever fruit your heart desires. A perfect summer treat!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup diced kiwi
• 1/3 cup diced watermelon
• 1/3 cup diced strawberries
• 1/3 cup diced pineapple
• 1/4 cup fresh pineapple juice or orange juice

Directions:

1. Combine diced fruit in a bowl and fill each 5 oz cup with fruit. 
2. Add 1 tbsp of juice and insert craft sticks into each cup. They easily stay in place because of all the fruit. 
3. Place in the freezer a few hours until firm. To remove the pops from the cups, run under warm water a few seconds. Enjoy!

A Consultation That Can Change Your Life

At Kemp Orthodontics, our number one goal is to give our patients beautiful, healthy smiles that will last a lifetime. Since one of the first things people notice about others is their smiles, the Kemp Orthodontics team is committed to helping all our neighbors in Middle Tennessee achieve those beautiful smiles they’ve always wanted. With the coming of summer, now is the perfect time to schedule your initial consultation at Kemp Orthodontics and see the positive change you can receive with orthodontic treatment.

Did you know orthodontic treatment is not just for cosmetic purposes?
Straight teeth aren’t just pretty, they’re healthy, too. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean, thereby reducing the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Having a good healthy bite alignment not only makes it easier to eat and speak but also will enhance your dental and overall health as well.

With locations in Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee, our practice’s top priority is to provide you with the highest quality orthodontic care. We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry, such as Clarity Advanced Braces and Invisalign, along with the latest in computer technology to ensure that you receive the most effective care possible. We recognize that every patient has different needs, so Dr. Kemp and Dr. Rice work to provide unique treatment plans for every patient’s needs. Whether you're an adult, adolescent, or child, our knowledgeable doctors and staff are committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve. Give us a call at our convenient Brentwood or Franklin locations to schedule your consultation today!

Top 10 Invisalign Tips

• Wear your aligners for a minimum of 2 weeks, before moving into the next aligner. 
• Sharp or rough edges can be smoothed with an emery board. 
• Change into your next aligner before going to bed so they settle in overnight. 
• Keep your aligners in their case while eating to avoid losing them. Keep the out of reach of any household pets, especially dogs! 
• If you need to, you can soak your Invisalign aligners in a mix of 50/50 white vinegar and cold water to brighten them. 
• Wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day. 
• Always carry a toothbrush. 
• Only drink water when you're wearing your aligners. 
• Don't put your aligners in hot water. 
• Don't use toothpaste to clean your aligners. 

If you have any further questions about Invisalign please don’t hesitate to call us at our convenient Brentwood or Franklin practice.

Play It Safe This Spring

Now that spring break has passed, many of our patients are ready to begin the spring sports season. Because many of our patients are active athletes in the middle Tennessee area, the time is perfect for Kemp Orthodontics to remind everyone that April has been designated as National Facial Protection month and to encourage everyone to observe spring sports safety. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, everyone needs to play it safe during organized sports to help prevent serious facial injuries.

Here are 4 pieces of equipment you can add to your sports bag to stay safe during the sports season.

1. A mouth guard can protect your smile. A mouth guard is less expensive than an injury, and it is 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. A helmet can protect your head and neck. Helmets can prevent damage to the head and neck, so be sure to wear one when it is needed.

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 can protect you from trauma. If you are a hockey, football, or baseball player, face shields can prevent severe damage to your face.

These accessories are important additions to your sports experiences. This equipment can prevent impact and damage to your head and mouth while not interfering with your MVP skills on the field. Since accidents can occur at any time, be sure you’re wearing the proper safety equipment during practices as well as competitive games. If you are interested in purchasing a mouth guard, we have specialized mouth guards available in our office that are designed to fit comfortably over your braces. Contact us at our Brentwood or Franklin location to order yours today at the low cost of $10.00.

If you have any further questions on how to prevent a head or neck injury, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Kemp, Dr. Rice, or any of the Kemp Orthodontics staff members for more information.

Spring Is In The Air!

Spring is in the air! As the flower buds are peeking out and birds are starting to chirp, it's time to leave those thoughts of snow days behind. Spring can be a wonderful time to explore the outdoors, and the members of Kemp Orthodontics are all excited about the fun spring activities that call them outdoors. Spring is the time to get your family moving together and establish some healthy habits to get away from the electronic environment of the indoors. We have 5 fun ideas to get you in the mood for the loveliest season of the year.

1. Dust off the sports gear. Find a kick a ball, throw a Frisbee, shoot hoops, whatever sports activity that you and your family enjoy doing.

2. Get dirty in the yard. Mow the grass. Pull weeds. Till flower beds. Replant. Cut back. Find the fun in getting sweaty, and teach your kids how to manage the landscaping while you do it.

3. Explore the outdoors. Hike a trail and check out the plants budding out of the ground.

4. Go to a baseball game. The beginning baseball season is one of the annual markers that warm weather is just around the corner. If you don't have it in your budget for pricey pro tickets, look into local league games, college games, or even high school games to watch.

5. Make Something. Whether you're experimenting with a new recipe or creating a new craft, making something new will give your kids a sense of satisfaction.

After being cooped up all winter, everyone's ready for some fresh Spring air. We hope you will step into the warm weather with these suggestions of fun activities for the entire family. Post your Spring into Spring photos on our Kemp Orthodontics Facebook page to show how you are enjoying this beautiful Spring. Tag us by using #KempOrthodontics on social media, or click here to post your photos on our Facebook wall. And, of course, if one of your Spring motivations is to work on your beautiful smile, please give the Kemp Orthodontics team a call to schedule your consultation appointment at one of our convenient offices in Brentwood and Franklin.

NUTELLA MOUSE | Braces-Friendly Recipe

This 3 ingredient dessert will win you over immediately. Nutella Mousse is a quick, easy, and delicious dessert!

Ingredients

• 3 cups heavy cream
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 cup Nutella

Instructions

1. Pour heavy whipping cream into the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl. Pour in sugar. Use a hand mixer, or the whisk attachment on a stand mixer, to whip cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Scoop the nutella into the bowl. Fold it together using a rubber spatula until all of the whipped cream is brown and loses its streaks.
3. Scoop into serving dishes, or use a piping bag if you are being fancy.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Yield: about 4 cups





Your Franklin and Brentwood orthodontists Dr. Kemp and Dr. Rice encourage you to share your braces-friendly recipes! Click here to post your favorite recipe on our facebook wall!