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!

Waterpik-Orthodontic Tool

At Kemp Orthodontics we know that for some of our patients it can be difficult to weave through those wires and brackets as you brush and floss during your treatment without leaving food particles.

A lot of our patients have found that when they use a Waterpik they are able to flush out food particles stuck between their teeth.  The water from the Waterpik can reach behind the brackets and wires and hit spots where your floss simply cannot reach. People suffering from gum disease also find Waterpik quite effective because of their ability to flush out bacteria from inside the deep pockets.

If you have any questions about Waterpik or any general questions or concerns about your orthodontic treatment, we encourage you to please ask us at your next appointment!

Regular Dental Checkups Are Essential!

Are you brushing after each meal and flossing daily during your orthodontic treatment?  If yes, that's awesome!  Don't forget that it is also important for you to visit your general dentist at least every 6 months.  Regular dental checkups are imperative for maintaining good oral health, especially during your treatment at Kemp Orthodontics.

Your general dentist can check for problems that may not be seen or felt, like cavities and early signs of decay. Early detection and treatment is the key to good oral health.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing.   At Kemp Orthodontics we suggest that your dentist take x-rays to insure overall dental health.  If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit at Kemp Orthodontics. It would be our pleasure to provide a few great references in your area!

Good Dental Health Starts Early

 

At Kemp Orthodontics, Dr. Kemp knows that, as a parent, you want the best for your child.  That includes healthy teeth and a pleasing smile.  Start with regular dental care.  The American Dental Association recommends that a child visit the family or pediatric dentist by his or her first birthday while baby (primary) teeth are erupting.  Your dentist can alert you to any concerns about how the teeth and jaws are developing.

To have a beautiful smile that's good for life, your child needs teeth and jaws that are aligned properly, creating what we like to call a “healthy bite.”  The American Association of Orthodontists recommends your child get an orthodontic check-up no later that age 7.  By then, your child's teeth and bones have developed enough that subtle problems can be spotted with jaw growth and erupting teeth.

Dr. Kemp will help you achieve that healthy and beautiful smile you want for your child.

How do you sterilize dental instruments?

 



 

At Kemp Orthodontics all instruments are mechanically cleaned and sterilized in one of our two state-of-the-art sterilization units.  All dental hand pieces either utilize disposable attachments, or they are cleaned, bagged, and heat-sterilized in the autoclave sterilizer specifically designed for dental hand pieces.  All hand pieces are sterilized after each use.  Whenever possible Kemp Orthodontics utilizes disposable items.  All exposed surfaces in the treatment area are cleaned and treated with the strongest surface disinfectants.

At Kemp Orthodontics we only use the highest quality brackets, bands, wires, and appliances.  We always use new brackets on every patient.  We do not use recycled brackets or appliances - Ever!

When it comes to taking care of you and your family, Kemp Orthodontics feel that you deserve the best!

 

Good Brushing Habits

Good oral hygiene habits you use while wearing braces will help you achieve the beautiful smile you and the Kemp Orthodontics team have been working toward. Once your braces are off, it may be tempting to slack off on the brushing and flossing. Don't let yourself fall into any habits that will have a negative impact on your oral health or the beautiful smile you waited for throughout the months you wore braces. It is important that you see your general dentist for regular cleanings, and continue to brush and floss your teeth each day. 

Your smile is forever!