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

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.

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!

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.

So You’re Ready to Have a Beautiful Smile

How many times have you looked at your smile and wished it reflected the real you? Perhaps now you are ready to make a commitment to talk with Dr. Kemp and Dr. Rice at Kemp Orthodontics to understand how you can have that really beautiful smile. But, maybe you have a few butterflies that keep you from making the call to Kemp Orthodontics. Don’t worry about those flutters. It’s completely normal to feel a bit apprehensive when you first consider going to an orthodontist. Whether your dentist has advised you to seek care from Kemp Orthodontics, or you’ve decided to do so on your own, you can quell those little nervous tinges by doing a few easy tasks.

The first thing you can do to prepare for your initial exam is to learn more about orthodontics and understand your options. There are so many options for patients who want braces today. Orthodontic care is much more versatile than it was in the past. Start by visiting our website and familiarizing yourself with the options for treatment we offer at Kemp Orthodontics and how these options may work for you. Our website offers you a chance to get to know our doctors and our team members ahead of your visit so you will be assured you are at the best orthodontic office for your treatment.

Questions To Ask At Your Initial Exam
Orthodontic treatment may be a new adventure for you with its own unique medical vocabulary. Be sure to ask Dr. Kemp or Dr. Rice any questions you have, knowing our team is here to help you. In fact, you can feel better about your experience knowing that most new patients have similar questions. Here is a list of questions many patients ask at their initial exam:

• Is there an estimated length of time that I will likely have to wear braces? 
• How much should I expect to pay for my treatment? What are the payment options? 
• Will braces prevent me from playing my favorite sport or musical instrument? 
• How can I keep my teeth clean with braces? 
• How often will I be expected to come in for checkups and other appointments? 
• Are there specific foods I will need to avoid when I get braces? 

If any other questions arise during or after your exam, don’t be afraid to ask. The Kemp Orthodontics team is here to help you achieve your most beautiful smiles from your first telephone call and throughout your treatment.

Super Bowl Snacks Safe For Braces

Super Bowl LI is just around the corner and there is more to be excited for than just the big game. Almost all of us have 4 things on our mind when it comes to the Super Bowl: the game, new commercials, the half-time show, and the food! Just because you have braces, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the yummy game food you will be surrounded by. We understand chicken wings and popcorn may not be the best choices, but there are so many other treats you can indulge in as you enjoy the action. The staff at Kemp Orthodontics compiled a list of their favorite braces-friendly super bowl treats just for you!

Skinny Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Hummus and Cucumber Bites

Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Loaded Potato Skins

These are just a few of our favorite braces friendly Super Bowl food options. Get creative and find ways to take your off limit treats and recreate them into braces approved eats!

Deciding Between Types Of Floss

How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolution? Many of our Kemp Orthodontics patients made a commitment in 2017 to improve their oral hygiene so their smiles will be radiant when their braces are removed. We live in a time when we have a vast assortment of tools to keep our smiles healthy. From toothbrushes to toothpastes to water flossers to basic dental floss, the choices open to us are many. If you are one of our Kemp Orthodontics patients who committed to improve your flossing skills, then you know you have lots of options that all give you a healthy smile. The choice is completely dependent on your preference. You can choose from an assortment of flavors, coatings, and other variations. Essentially, they all do the same thing. The most important thing to remember is to buy the most functional floss for your teeth and to use it daily. If you want to know what the best dental floss is, then the answer is -- the kind that enables you to clean the areas between your teeth thoroughly and regularly. To help you find the right type of floss for you, here are some options.

Flossers
Flossers usually consist of a plastic instrument with a floss strip on one end and a pick on the opposite end. Flossers can be both effective at cleaning the areas in between your teeth as well as scraping off plaque. Flossers also come in flavors like mint or cinnamon. Lots of Kemp Orthodontics patients love their flossers.

Gentle Dental Floss
Some people find that standard dental floss is too harsh on their gums. For that reason, some companies make floss with soft coatings that are less abrasive on the gums. Typically, these types of floss are just as effective as the more rigid floss and are ideal for those people looking for a more sensitive approach to flossing.

Flavored Dental Floss
Most people buy flavored dental floss because it freshens their breath even more than unscented floss. The unscented floss can sometimes take on the smells associated with the bacteria in your mouth, which can sometimes be pretty stinky. So, pick your favorite flavor of dental floss and use it to floss your teeth every day.

When it comes to choosing the best dental floss, it is hard to make a bad choice. Pick the gentle minty floss or the unwaxed cinnamon floss. Just pick it and use it every day. All the team at Kemp Orthodontics, including Dr. Kemp and Dr. Rice, say that the best floss is the one you will use regularly. For more information on floss or flossing with braces, contact Kemp Orthodontics located in Brentwood and Franklin, TN.

How much do braces cost?

One of the most common questions we get asked at Kemp Orthodontics is, “how much do braces cost?” Unfortunately, this simple question does not have a simple answer. The cost of braces varies from patient to patient and is determined by the treatment plan recommended by Dr. Kemp and Dr. Rice. Some of our patients have minor issues with their smiles that require more simple orthodontic treatment, and others have complex problems that may call for longer treatment time, more appliances, and possibly more phases of treatment.

Depending on the treatment Dr. Kemp or Dr. Rice will decide is needed; the fee will reflect the amount of work that needs to be done. The first step to discovering the cost of braces for a particular individual case is scheduling an initial exam at Kemp Orthodontics. We have an office in Franklin and Brentwood to make your visit more convenient if you live in the Williamson County area. Your initial exam is important in determining the cost of braces for your case because Dr. Kemp and Dr. Rice can make accurate treatment recommendations upon the clinical examination.

Our findings will include the cost of orthodontics and how long the treatment will take to complete. Give us a call today for a consultation and discover how quickly we can make you smile!

Meet Dr. Alec J. Rice

We recently welcomed Dr. Alec J. Rice into the Kemp Orthodontics team. Dr. David H. Kemp is excited to announce that on Monday, 20 June 2016, Dr. Alec J. Rice joined Dr. Kemp and his team at Kemp Orthodontics as an associate orthodontic practitioner. Dr. Rice is a native of Carmi, Illinois, a rural agricultural community located about 3 hours north of Nashville.

He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and minor degree in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning the highest academic honor of Bronze Tablet. Dr. Rice attended dental school at Southern Illinois University located in Alton, Illinois, near the St. Louis metroplex, where he earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree. He graduated at the top of his dental class earning the prestigious Alpha Omega award and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society.

Following dental school, Dr. Rice decided to pursue his passion for orthodontics and chose to continue his education by specializing in the field. 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.

Throughout his orthodontic residency, Dr. Rice enjoyed working with orthodontic patients of all ages and was able to interact with the renowned craniofacial team at Dallas Children’s Hospital, with emphasis on orthodontic cleft lip and cleft palate treatment.

Dr. Rice is looking forward to becoming an active member of the Franklin and Brentwood communities. In his spare time, Dr. Rice enjoys hiking, fishing, kayaking, working on his uncle’s agriculture farm, basketball, baseball, golf, cycling, attending church, and coaching/umpiring youth sports.

Learn About Clarity Advanced At Kemp Orthodontics

At Kemp Orthodontics, Dr. Kemp wants to be sure his patients have beautiful smiles both during their treatment as well as after their treatment. To reach that goal, Dr. Kemp has chosen to treat his patients with the most aesthetic and technically advanced bracket on the market. Clarity Advanced Ceramic braces are the solution to those seeking clear brackets while undergoing orthodontic treatment.  These clear ceramic brackets blend with your smile as they match the color of your teeth. Most patients and their families prefer the look of Clarity Advanced Ceramic braces over traditional metal braces, and these braces are a popular treatment alternative offered at Kemp Orthodontics.

Who are Clarity Advanced Ceramic braces for?

Clarity Advanced brackets are a great choice for all Dr.Kemp’s patients, whether adults, teenagers, or children. These ceramic braces are practically invisible and provide just the perfect choice for all patients who are looking to improve their smiles while wanting to avoid the noticeable differences that metal braces may draw attention to their mouth. Many of our adult patients tell us that Clarity Advanced brackets give them a more professional look in comparison to metal braces.

Teenagers are drawn to Clarity Advanced brackets for this same aesthetic reason.  Many teenagers who feel insecure about their smiles don’t want the look of metal braces because they are self-conscious about their teeth.  Although traditional metal braces are effective, most teenagers choose Clarity Advanced brackets over metal braces a majority of the time if presented with the option.

Another interesting reason some patients choose Clarity Advanced brackets is that some of the younger crowd love the way colored elastics really show off against their pearly white teeth and brackets. At Kemp Orthodontics, we love to show our support of our local teams by helping them show their school colors with their elastics, and those colors really pop against the Clarity Advanced brackets.

Clarity Advanced Ceramic Braces are virtually unnoticeable, making them perfect for patients of all ages who are looking for the confidence and freedom to smile on any occasion. At Kemp Orthodontics, you can choose the clear alternative without any additional charges. For more information, please contact Kemp Orthodontics today and schedule a consultation. Click here to contact us online or call us at 615-790-7027.

Break the Habit

Babies are born with a reflex to suck any object placed in their mouth. This behavior helps during the first few months of establishing feeding, and disappears at around 4 months.

Thumb sucking however, is not reflexive, and is believed to be a self-soothing practice. There are usually no ill effects from thumb sucking in early childhood, and most children naturally give up the habit somewhere between 2-4 years of age. However, if thumb sucking continues past the age of around 7 when adult teeth are coming through there can be misalignment of front teeth, or possibly jaw problems.

It is important to be careful when breaking this habit.  Children often use this as an emotional crutch. Punishment and nagging is not the best approach. Do some research and be patient with your child when working on breaking the habit.

How To Get A Picture Perfect Smile This Summer

Our Kemp Orthodontics team has created a list of easy things you can do to have a picture-perfect smile this summer.

Be Positive
When you’re self-conscious about your smile, it shows. Try to relax and think positive happy thoughts. It helps to think of things or people you love, or incidents and memories that make you laugh. Laughing will help you look natural and that will show in your smile and your eyes.

Say Cheese & Strike A Pose
When we tell you to say “cheese” we really mean to say “banana.” Saying banana will give you an easy-going smile as opposed to cheese which will draw out your lips due to the “ee” sound. Also, position your body in a pose that feels natural and comfortable.

Be Confident
If your teeth aren’t in the best shape right now, that’s ok. Be confident because your best smile will stem from that. You can aide your confidence by maintaining healthy, bright, and clean teeth.

If you’re holding back your smile because of misaligned teeth, we can help. Kemp Orthodontics provides the highest quality treatment and utilizes the most advanced techniques available today to help you get the picture-perfect smile you’ve been dreaming of. We offer a full range of braces, including  Clarity Advanced Braces, Victory Series Low Profile Braces, and Invisalign® clear aligners.

Celebrate the Single Life with a New Smile

Did you know that beautiful teeth are the number one physical trait people look for in other people? In a recent poll of both men and women conducted by an online dating site, a beautiful smile outranks other traits such as trim bodies, a full head of hair, or specific eye colors as the most important physical attribute in a partner. If you are currently in the dating scene, keeping your smile healthy, bright, and straight proves to be more important than hitting the gym.

Are you interested in stepping up your smile? If you are currently looking to fix some misaligned teeth or discolorations, there are few strategies you can follow. Start now with these tips.

Problem: Discolored Teeth
You can whiten your smile with white strips. These easy-to-use strips are available at most local grocery stores and drugstores. Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment with your general dentist for a professional tooth-whitening treatment.

Problem: Misaligned Teeth

When most people think of orthodontic treatment and full braces for correcting misaligned teeth, they may not be aware of the possibility of correcting some alignment problems using Invisalign. Invisalign aligner treatment can yield some amazing results. And with Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about brackets and rubber bands. Dr. Kemp works with Invisalign to use a series of clear, removable aligner trays to straighten your teeth. Also, with Invisalign treatment time is usually only about 12-18 months.

No matter what your exact orthodontic needs are, Dr. Kemp will be able to guide you down the path to a great smile with beautifully aligned teeth to help you look good and feel great.

Cosmetic Mouthwash VS Therapeutic Mouthwash

Mouthwash is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine, especially when being treated by Kemp Orthodontics. The process of using mouthwash seems pretty simple: swig, swish, gargle and spit. But, what most people misunderstand is not all mouthwash is created equal. In fact, do you know if you’re using the right kind of mouthwash while being treated by Dr. Kemp? And, are you sure you’re using it correctly?

Mouthwash Differences

The next time you’re ready to buy mouthwash, make sure you know your mouthwash and the differences between cosmetic mouthwashes and therapeutic mouthwashes. Just like toothpastes, there are different types of mouthwashes to do different things for your mouth. This is why it’s important to know the key differences between cosmetic & therapeutic mouthwashes.

Cosmetic mouthwashes act as a mask for bad breath or help whiten teeth. Similar to a mint, cosmetic mouthwashes will merely cover your bad breath and give you a more agreeable taste in your mouth. Aside from that, there are also some cosmetic mouthwashes that help give you a brighter whiter smile.

Therapeutic mouthwashes, however, have clinical purposes for oral hygiene that go beyond masking the smell of your breath. Therapeutic mouthwashes serve to fight plaque, attack bacteria, and strengthen teeth with fluoride making them a better choice for our patients at Kemp Orthodontics.

Pack List For Patients With Braces

It’s almost that time again. Summer vacation is near. For many of our patients, summer vacation is a popular time to go on trips and escape the responsibilities and routine of every day normal life. As we encourage you to take some well-deserved time away, we want you to remember to stay responsible for your braces while you’re traveling.

As you gather your swimsuits and sunscreen, be sure to collect not only the essential toothbrush and floss but also these special items if you wear braces or other orthodontic gear! Check out our tips below for those of you wear clear aligners or traditional braces.

If you wear Invisalign clear aligners, be sure to remember:

• Always take your previous set of aligners, your current set, and your next set of aligners with you. 
• Always carry your aligners in your purse, backpack, or carry-on luggage when flying. 
• Make sure you bring your case. 
• If you don’t have time to brush your teeth, make sure you at least rinse out your mouth and rinse off your aligners before reinserting them into your mouth. 

If you wear traditional braces, be sure to pack the following:

• Orthodontic wax 
• Floss & threader 
• Proxy brush 
• Rubber bands (if required) 
• Ibuprofen 

We hope these tips help you while you’re on summer vacation. If you have any questions or concerns while you are traveling, please give Kemp Orthodontics a call. Wishing you all safe travels!

Orthodontics for Adults VS Orthodontics for Children and Teens

In a perfect world, all children would develop perfectly beautiful teeth aligned within perfectly beautiful smiles. However, we all recognize that this idea is just a wishful dream, which is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic assessment around the age of seven. Obviously, children who show signs of misalignment of teeth or show a dysfunctional jaw or bite are strong candidates for interceptive orthodontic care. Both children and adults are inclined to develop teeth that rotate or become misaligned. Sadly, for many reasons, some children are not able to receive orthodontic treatment as children, and the aging process often makes these misalignments of teeth and jaw become more pronounced for them as they become adults. At Kemp Orthodontics over 40% of all our orthodontic patients are adults who, for many reasons, are ready to get the treatment they were unable to achieve as children.

The primary difference between treating adults and treating children involves working with natural growth patterns. With young children, orthodontic treatment is designed to work with the natural growth of the jawbone as these children physically develop. In adults, however, these bones have stopped growing, and the orthodontist must develop a treatment plan to augment the natural growth pattern. In addition to these growth patterns, other differences between orthodontic treatment for adults versus orthodontic treatment for children include:

1. Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even bone loss due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Patients with straighter teeth are less likely to get gum disease.
2. Worn or missing teeth — As humans age, their teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and tilt, creating a bad bite and increasing the possibility of gum disease.
3. Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen — Some adults received orthodontic treatment as a child or teen but never completed their treatment. As adults, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.

Kemp Orthodontics recognizes that adults and children have different orthodontic needs that require a different level of attention and care. Everyone deserves a beautiful smile, regardless of age. Come on over and see how Dr. Kemp can transform your smile into that perfect smile you desire.

Protect Those Faces This Spring

It’s National Facial Protection Month, so Kemp Orthodontics is spreading the word to our patients to remind everyone to protect those faces this spring. As many children and adults gear up to start a new sports season, it’s important to keep faces and heads protected from injuries.

Did you know spring is one of the busiest times in emergency rooms for mouth and facial injuries? Several of these injuries happen in the spring because they are sports-related accidents that can be easily prevented with the use of sports safety equipment. By utilizing equipment like helmets and mouth guards, children and adults can avoid serious facial injuries.

Just by wearing a mouth guard or helmet, patients can reduce the risk of having a concussion, knocking out teeth, or breaking jaw bones. Most coaches recommend a mouth guard or helmet. Unfortunately, many athletes neglect these two very important pieces of equipment because they don’t comprehend the importance of wearing them.

Even though personal safety is the most important concern, parents and patients are also aware of the high cost of treating an injury to the face or head. These emergency treatments for injuries can cost thousands of dollars, and some injuries, like concussions, have lifelong implications. As so many of these injuries can be easily prevented, we can’t stress enough the importance of simply wearing a mouth guard or helmet during organized sports and activities. And wearing a mouth guard and helmet is a good rule of thumb to abide by all year long, not just in the spring time. If you have any questions regarding facial protection, please contact Kemp Orthodontics at 615-790-7027. We have specialized mouth guards in our office that are designed to fit comfortably over your braces. The cost is only $10.00.

Egg-cellent Easter Candy for Braces

The Easter bunny is a few days away from making his debut and delivering some delicious treats. Aside from Halloween, Easter is a big holiday surrounded by tons of decorative candy, sure to make almost anyone tempted to indulge in more than the average serving. If you or your kids wear braces, you might want to inform the Easter bunny about a few Easter treats easy for patients with braces to consume.

Kemp Orthodontics has taken the time to make a basic list of Easter goodies for our patients. Keep reading to learn about some egg-cellent candy totally suitable for our patients with braces. The following Easter candy doesn’t just taste good but also doesn’t damage braces. Feel free to dig into these this year if you wear braces!

• Dark Chocolate: contains antioxidants that are great for your teeth and gums
• Peanut Butter Cups: these are soft and delicious and come in festive shapes and sizes. 
• Cadbury Eggs: these are an Easter must-have for most people, and they’re braces friendly.
• Peeps: this popular candy is soft enough for braces and not too sticky to damage them.

Other items Include: soft chocolate candy like Hershey’s kisses, milk chocolate rabbits, soft cookies, and decorated brownies.

Today’s braces are a big investment of time and finances. It’s important for you to be aware of what you, or your child, are eating this Easter to avoid damaging braces and dodge costly repairs.

Beautiful Smiles Lead To Beautiful Speech

Let your smile help your words flow!

A smile is often worth a thousand words, especially for the many people who struggle with speech problems. Sadly, many people get in the habit of keeping their mouths closed and keeping their words inside their heads because of orthodontic problems. The good news is that Kemp Orthodontics not only can help you light up the world with your beautiful smile, but Dr. Kemp also may be able to help correct problems that exist in your facial structure that lead to several speech problems.

In order to create speech, the parts inside our mouths have to work together to form the sounds we use for communication. If the teeth, tongue, and palate are misaligned, patients may experience difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, which leads them to the chronic problem of mispronunciation. These mispronunciations may be thought of as cute in toddlers, but for older children and adults who suffer with this speech problem, it is a hardship that can lead to self-confidence issues later in life. Orthodontic treatment can correct this misalignment and facilitate correct speech pronunciation patterns.

Another common speech disorder related to misalignment is called a lisp, which exists when a person is unable to make specific sounds. Many preschoolers lisp as they learn speech patterns. However, pediatricians recommend an orthodontic evaluation if the child lisps as he or she begins elementary school age. Again, orthodontic treatment may be able to correct the structural misalignments that lead to lisping.

A third form of speech problem occurs when you slur your speech. Often, slurred speech is categorized by poor pronunciation of words, change in speed or rhythm during talking, or mumbling during speech. Sometimes people slur their speech because the structure of the jaw or placement of teeth restricts the movement needed to speak clearly and distinctly. Orthodontic treatment may be just the tool to help people speak clearly, distinctly, and fluidly.

Though orthodontic treatment might not result in a remedy for all speech problems, many people who struggle with speech problems benefit from orthodontic treatment at Kemp Orthodontics. Come in today to discover how Dr. Kemp can give you a beautiful smile that frames beautiful speech.

Share the Kemp Orthodontics Love!

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but we at Kemp Orthodontics remain committed to giving all our patients the care and comfort that make them feel special all year round. Our team strives each day to provide all our patients with the finest personal services and treatment as we combine our clinical expertise and the latest high technology with a warm, caring, and skilled staff.

Since we work hard each day to make our patients feel that their experience with our office is remarkable, we always appreciate the occasions when our patients take the time to tell us that they recognize the special level of care and treatment they receive at Kemp Orthodontics. Do you love being a patient at Kemp Orthodontics as much as we love having you as a patient? If you do, then would you take just a moment to let us hear about your experience by leaving a review.

Keep reading to see how you can leave a review.

Leave a Google Review

Leaving a review on Google is easy. Simply type “Kemp Orthodontics” in the Google search tab, and under the maps option click “write a review” to leave your comments and rate us. Google makes it a fast and easy process. It is so easy you can leave a review using your smartphone or tablet.

Leave a Facebook Review

Are you connected with Kemp Orthodontics on Facebook? LIKE our page and leave a review and rating. It’s easy, fast, and you can share it with all of your Facebook friends.

Leave a Montage Review

Do you like using our fun Montage board? Next time you’re in the office, leave a review or testimonial by clicking the review tab or by taking a picture and selecting the review option.

We appreciate all reviews and look forward to seeing the positive things you have to say about Kemp Orthodontics. As we often say, “We are the very best serving the very best.”