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!

 

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!

Regular Dental Check-ups 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!

Orthodontic Appointments

 

Another way that you work together with me to create your beautiful smile is by keeping all of your office appointments.  If not properly managed, braces can move teeth in ways we don't want them to move, and this movement obviously could extend your treatment time.  It is also very important that you arrive for your appointments on time.  If at all possible, please give our office a 24-hour notice to change or cancel an appointment.  Our office email is office@kemportho.com or you can use the contact form on our website www.kemportho.com .  Our telephone number is 615.790.7027.

Our goal at Kemp Orthodontics is to achieve a Beautiful Smile within the shortest treatment time possible.  Your cooperation is the key both to treatment time and treatment results.

 

Smiling is Contagious!

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. – Phyllis Diller

People always say smiling is contagious. For every smile you give to others, they then give their smiles to others, and on it goes. That's what makes our job so fun at Kemp Orthodontics.  We create beautiful smiles.  We invite you to visit our Smile Book.

Word up...Braces!

 

So you're about to get braces. Congratulations! You are taking a very smart step to improve the health of your teeth as well as get that beautiful smile you always wanted. Some foods just don't mix with braces. The foods listed below should be avoided while you are wearing your braces because they can pop the brackets and bend the wires. In other words, these foods can really ruin your day, and send you back to Kemp Orthodontics to get your braces repaired.

Before you get your braces on we suggest that you make a trip to the grocery store, one last time, to pick up the following:

Beef jerky
Raw carrots
Taffy
Pizza crust
Bagels and other crusty bread
Popcorn
Hard candy
Nuts and seeds

The day your braces are placed, the team at Kemp Orthodontics will give you more information about eating with braces. Some foods, such as apples, are okay as long as you cut them into pieces first.  Others, like pudding and pasta, are fine just as they are.

It won't be forever! You can do this! So before your braces go on, enjoy some treats but remember to brush afterwards!

What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?

 

Orthodontists and dentists both help patients improve their oral health, but in different ways. Dentistry is a broad medical specialty that deals with the teeth, gum, nerves, and jaw, while orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on correcting bites, occlusion, and the straightening teeth. One important difference is that all orthodontists like Dr. David Kemp of Kemp Orthodontics are dentists, but not all dentists are licensed orthodontists.

How are they similar?
The main similarity between a dentist and orthodontist is that they both focus on oral health. An orthodontist can work in a dental office and provide the same care as a dentist. So in this respect, they are quite similar. They are both considered doctors, and deal with the teeth and gums.



 

How are they different?
There are more differences than similarities. An orthodontist requires additional schooling as a dental specialty; the situation is similar to a doctor who obtains additional schooling to become a surgeon. Another difference is that orthodontists specialize in helping patients with the alignment of their teeth, improving their bite with the use of braces and/or other dental appliances while your dentist typically encourages good oral hygiene and provides services focusing on prevention of tooth decay and gum disease.

To learn more about the difference between dentists and orthodontists, or to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. David Kemp, please contact our team at Kemp Orthodontics.