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.

Retention Phase

The removal of your braces signals the beginning of the next stage of your treatment at Kemp Orthodontics.  This stage is referred to as the Retention Phase.  This phase of orthodontic treatment is crucial to maintaining your Beautiful Smile for your lifetime.  Once your teeth have been moved into their new position, they need a period of time to stabilize in this new position and to permit the surrounding bones and soft tissue to conform to the new dental alignment.  There are several types of retention appliances that we use in our practice.  Dr. Kemp will design the best one for you.  In some cases Dr. Kemp will recommend a fixed retainer that is positioned behind your teeth.  

If you need more information about retainers please follow this link:

http://www.kemportho.com/removable-appliances/

How do I care for my retainers?

Simply brush your retainers with tooth paste and cool water.  Never put your removable retainers in hot water or in the automatic dishwasher.  Likewise, do not keep your retainers in a car or in the hot sun as the heat can warp them.  You may want to soak your retainers in mouthwash periodically.

Kemp Orthodontics provides a retainer case for you to store your removable retainer in when you aren't wearing it.  Always keep your retainer away from pets; they will eat them!  Retainers are expensive to replace, so please take very good care of them.   Remember: retainers are the best insurance for keeping your beautiful smile!

What if I break or lose my retainers?

If you should lose or break your retainer, you should call the office of Kemp Orthodontics as soon as possible to arrange for an appointment to have new retainers made.  There will be an additional charge to repair or replace your retainer.  If you have broken your retainer, please bring it with you as in some cases it can be repaired.  If you lost your retainer, you will need to have a new impression taken for making your new retainer. Usually, your replacement retainer can be ready in one week.   Your beautiful smile needs to be protected and preserved, so please take good care of your retainers.  

How long is the retention phase of treatment?

Typically, patients in the retention phase of treatment need to be seen periodically for at least one year after braces are removed.   As a patient of Kemp Orthodontics, you are responsible for following Dr. Kemp's instructions regarding your retainer and its use.  Usually, a removable retainer is prescribed, and it is worn only at night – but every night.  Alternatively, a fixed retainer, one that is bonded to your teeth and is not removable, may be prescribed for you.  A fixed retainer may be worn for several years as long as you maintain good oral hygiene.  Your visits to Kemp Orthodontics will be less frequent but not less important.  Remember: your retainers are the best insurance for keeping your Beautiful Smile!

Will my teeth move to their original position after treatment?

The goal of the retention phase of orthodontic treatment is to limit shifts in dental occlusion that occur naturally as we age.  If you, the patient, follow Dr. Kemp's instructions and use your retainers as he instructed for as long as he instructs, then you need not be concerned about your teeth shifting after your braces are removed.  At Kemp Orthodontics we stand behind the work we do.  If your teeth shift after you have completed treatment with Kemp Orthodontics and you do not Love Your Smile, we will gladly replace your braces at no replacement charge to you.  The only cost you will occur is a minimal monthly charge for adjustments and the cost of new retainers.  At Kemp Orthodontics we feel you should Love Your Smile.  A healthy beautiful smile should last a lifetime, but for those rare occasions when it doesn't, we have the Kemp Orthodontics' Love Your Smile Guarantee.