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.

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!

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.

Do You Know When To Schedule Your Next Appointment?

It's hard to believe that our Spring Break is just a month away, and the end of our current school year is coming up just as fast. At Kemp Orthodontics, we suggest that our patients make their future appointments at least two months ahead for their greatest scheduling convenience. For new patients, this news may come as a surprise. But summertime appointments are the perfect time to get your braces placed and get started on the path to your perfect smile. Now is the time to think about making your summer appointments at Kemp Orthodontics so you get your perfect spot.

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.

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies | NEW HOLIDAY RECIPE

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder*
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 Tbsp milk or buttermilk
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 5 tsp red food coloring
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt for 30 seconds, set aside. 
2. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in eggs 1 at a time, blending until combined after each addition. Mix in milk, vanilla bean paste, lemon juice and red food coloring. With mixer set on low speed, slowly add in dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Stir in white chocolate chips. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill 2 hours or until firm enough to shape into balls.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
4. Pour powdered sugar into a bowl. 
5. Remove dough from refrigerator, scoop dough out and with buttered hands, shape into medium balls (about 2 1/2 Tbsp each). 
6. Roll cookie dough balls into powdered sugar and evenly coat. 
7. Transfer to parchment paper lined baking sheets and flatten slightly, then bake in preheated oven 13 - 14 minutes. 
8. Allow to rest on cookie sheet several minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 
9. Store in an airtight container.

*If you want them a little more chocolatey you can replace 2 - 3 Tbsp of the flour with 2 - 3 additional Tbsp of cocoa powder.

Protect Your Smile This Christmas

The Christmas holiday season is here with all its festive parties and family gatherings. One of our favorite parts of celebrating Christmas involves enjoying the wonderful foods that are unique to this holiday season. Christmas time means home-baked cookies and cakes, often filled with gooey, chewy ingredients or crunchy toffees and nuts. Who doesn’t think of candy canes and chocolate covered peppermint bark at Christmas?

This year’s Christmas celebrations will give you an opportunity to share your new smile, too. As you smile and show off those beautiful teeth, be sure to keep in mind the good health of those beautiful braces that are helping create your beautiful smile. Remember that most foods are fine to eat with your braces. Foods like puddings, ice cream, pies, and cakes are just a few holiday favorites that are A-OK! Healthy meats and vegetables that are cut into small, bite-sized pieces are also on Santa’s Good List. Be mindful that there are a few foods to avoid to protect your braces, including these categories:

1. Crunchy foods – Crusty breads (like some pizza crusts), pretzels, ice, and chips can all cause wires and brackets to break, so avoid foods that are too crunchy. 
2. Hard foods – Before you reach for the veggie plate, cut any hard vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Avoid foods like nuts, popcorn, and hard candies that can break or bend the brackets or wires. 
3. Sticky, chewy foods – Caramel, licorice, taffy, and toffee, can all pull on your brackets and cause damage. 

This Christmas is a great time to spread some love and cheer, especially with your beautiful new smile. Protect your teeth and your braces by following these simple guidelines. Enjoy the holidays and SMILE!

Merry Christmas from all the team at Kemp Orthodontics!

Happy Thanksgiving

For most of us, Thanksgiving means time with family, eating tons of turkey, and a chance to reflect on what we’re thankful for from the past year. When we look back on this year, we can’t help but be thankful for some amazing patients whose lives we've been a part of.  We are so grateful for all of you. Your support, your focus on personal growth and health, and your willingness to journey with us as we create healthy beautiful smiles is appreciated.

Wishing you all a luxurious holiday filled with love, joy, great food and wonderful company. Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Kemp Orthodontics!

Carve Out Your Perfect Smile

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

October not only brings cooling temperatures and falling leaves, but it also brings National Orthodontic Health Month. October is the perfect time for you to consider your options when seeking a straighter and healthier smile. During National Orthodontic Health Month, Kemp Orthodontics makes it a goal to raise awareness about the benefits of braces for children and adults for all our neighbors in the Franklin and Brentwood communities.

The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children age 7 and older be examined by an orthodontist for an orthodontic evaluation. This initial exam provides an early diagnosis and offers treatment options that guide your child’s growth and prevent more serious problems in the future. Kemp Orthodontics’ goal is to reduce treatment time in full braces and to provide the best and most stable results possible.

Since no two patients are alike, there is not a specific age that is best to begin orthodontic treatment. This means teenagers and adults are also strong candidates for orthodontic care. Misalignment of teeth, dysfunctional jaw or bite, and rotation of teeth are just some of the problems that can arise for patients in these age groups. Many adults are hesitant to begin orthodontic treatment for different reasons, but we assure you that we have different types of braces to fit the needs of everyone.

If you are interested in learning more about treatment at Kemp Orthodontics, contact us for an initial orthodontic exam and see the difference that a beautiful smile can make for you.

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.

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.