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.

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.

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!

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.

2016 Pumpkin Patch

Doctors Kemp and Rice and the entire Kemp Orthodontics team are excited to announce that they have partnered with the Cooper Trooper Foundation to sponsor The 2016 Pumpkin Patch, held each year in Franklin at the corner of Mallory Lane and Cool Springs Boulevard. The Pumpkin Patch is a major fundraising event in Franklin with 100% of the profit going to the Cooper Trooper Foundation to help families fighting childhood cancer. This year The Pumpkin Patch will be open from October 1 - 31. Each weekend the Patch will feature special activities, including face painting, inflatables, and games. In addition to these activities, Kemp Orthodontics is sponsoring a pumpkin carving contest we call "Carve out your Perfect Smile."

On specific weekends at The Pumpkin Patch, people who purchase pumpkins from the Patch will receive a free Kemp Orthodontics Pumpkin Carving Kit that they can use to create a beautiful smile on their Pumpkin Patch purchased pumpkin. To enter your pumpkin in the Kemp Orthodontics contest, simply carve out your Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin's perfect smile, then take a picture of the pumpkin, and load the photo to your favorite social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) using the hashtags #ctfpumpkinpatch and #carveforKO. Contest entries must have these hashtags to enter the contest. All contest entries must be posted on the internet by midnight on Halloween, October 31. The winner of the contest will be selected by Cooper himself, and the announcement of the winner will take place on Friday, November 4, on the Kemp Orthodontics Facebook page.

The winner of the Carve out your Perfect Smile contest will receive a certificate for $1000 toward future orthodontic treatment at Kemp Orthodontics.

The Kemp Orthodontics team will be in The Patch on Saturday, October 29. Please come out and join us to buy pumpkins or just to say, "Hello." Welcome Fall to Franklin by coming out to The Pumpkin Patch and Carve out your Perfect Smile!

Kemp Orthodontics Raises the Roofs for Friends of Franklin Parks

In 1986 when Dr. Kemp opened Kemp Orthodontics, Williamson County featured wide open farmland and large areas of green space. Many of those farms had been worked by the same families for over 100 years. Since our opening day in 1986, we have seen many of those farms come to serve a new purpose as they became the neighborhoods filled with the homes of the many new families who have come to make their homes in Williamson County. Dr. Kemp and Dr. Rice are excited to welcome new families and new neighborhoods to our county. However, we are also mindful of the need to set aside some of our farmland so that the new families of the future can catch a glimpse of the natural beauty of Williamson County. To that purpose, Kemp Orthodontics is a proud sponsor of one of the central fund-raising initiatives of the Friends of Franklin Parks.

On August 20, 2016, Kemp Orthodontics will serve as the Premier Sponsor for the annual “Raise the Roofs” afternoon at Harlinsdale Park near downtown Franklin. Harlinsdale was the former home of the Harlin family and was well known for its role in horse raising and horse-centered events. This year’s Raise the Roofs will feature many horse-centered events including a polo match. Food will be offered by many of Franklin’s best-loved restaurants, and there will be live music.

Join Kemp Orthodontics as we Raise the Roofs to preserve our parks and green space of beautiful Williamson County. Who knows – you might even see the Doctors in their work boots working in the horse barn!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Orthodontics for Adults

The first day of January often motivates adults to consider setting new goals for their new year. The last day of January often brings adults to reconsider how they are achieving those goals. For many adults, one of their goals is to seek out the best orthodontist who can give them the smile they’ve always desired. To help those adults who are considering orthodontic treatment in this new year, we at Kemp Orthodontics have collated some general ideas to help you as you think about how orthodontic treatment with Dr. Kemp can improve your health.

Many adults assume that orthodontic treatment is only about getting your crooked teeth straight. While straightening crooked teeth is a major factor for seeking orthodontic treatment, other important dental and skeletal issues may exist that require treatment by an orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment is about creating the best position for your teeth as well as improving the coordination of your mouth and jaws, and your orthodontist must complete several years of additional education and clinical residency after dental school to learn about these intricate balances and movements.

Why should adults get braces?

If you think braces are only for kids and teens, you’re wrong. Every day adults get braces to improve their oral health. Some of the top reasons adults should consider braces are --

1. Teeth can shift at any age, even if you wore braces or you didn’t need braces as a child.

2. Misaligned teeth can contribute to serious health problems for your teeth and mouth, like headaches, ear pain, and even stomach issues.

3. The braces that are available today at Kemp Orthodontics are not like the braces of the past. Dr. Kemp treats his patients using 3M’s Clarity Advanced brackets, an ultra aesthetic bracket, and special tooth-colored wires that create a system that is virtually unnoticeable. Additionally, Dr. Kemp’s system reduces treatment time, so you get a beautiful healthy smile in a shorter amount of time.

4. Maybe your parents couldn’t afford braces. Dr. Kemp offers several flexible options for you to pay for your braces, so don’t let the cost hold you back.

5. People are living longer and keeping their teeth for life. Getting braces, even if you are a senior adult, helps your entire mouth stay healthy by making your teeth easier to keep clean.

Are you ready to start to achieve your 2016 goal of a better and healthier smile? Contact Kemp Orthodontics today to setup your consultation and let us show you what braces options are right for you as an adult. It’s never too late to have a smile you love.

Brace Friendly Recipes

“Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning when cooking for children with braces,” says Pamela Waterman, author of The Braces Cookbook: Recipes You and Your Orthodontist Will Love. “Whether you have new brackets, elastics, headgear, or more, there are great foods you can eat; it just takes some thought.”

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Pasta is soft, so it's easy for children with braces to eat. The warm, gooey cheese melts in the mouth and doesn't get stuck in the braces like hard or sticky foods. Even the pickiest eater will have a soft spot for this ultimate comfort food.

Try replacing crunchy foods with a softer version. Instead of hard tacos try burritos likewise lasagna instead of pizza unless the pizza crust is soft.  Don't forget your vegies!  Prepare meals with cooked vegetable instead of raw. A vegetable stir fry is a great soft dinner for braces and it's healthy. Meat is a good source of protein but sometimes it is just too hard. A good alternative is sloppy joes. You can use ground beef, chicken or turkey and the sauce makes it even softer. Try adding a side of mash potatoes. Can you say, “yum”!  

Don't' forget dessert!  Put all that chewy stuff away and enjoy a bowl of ice cream or frozen yogurt for dessert.

If you have any Brace Friendly Recipes to share please do so on our Kemp Orthodontic Facebook page.