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.

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!

Top 10 Invisalign Tips

• Wear your aligners for a minimum of 2 weeks, before moving into the next aligner. 
• Sharp or rough edges can be smoothed with an emery board. 
• Change into your next aligner before going to bed so they settle in overnight. 
• Keep your aligners in their case while eating to avoid losing them. Keep the out of reach of any household pets, especially dogs! 
• If you need to, you can soak your Invisalign aligners in a mix of 50/50 white vinegar and cold water to brighten them. 
• Wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day. 
• Always carry a toothbrush. 
• Only drink water when you're wearing your aligners. 
• Don't put your aligners in hot water. 
• Don't use toothpaste to clean your aligners. 

If you have any further questions about Invisalign please don’t hesitate to call us at our convenient Brentwood or Franklin practice.

Play It Safe This Spring

Now that spring break has passed, many of our patients are ready to begin the spring sports season. Because many of our patients are active athletes in the middle Tennessee area, the time is perfect for Kemp Orthodontics to remind everyone that April has been designated as National Facial Protection month and to encourage everyone to observe spring sports safety. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, everyone needs to play it safe during organized sports to help prevent serious facial injuries.

Here are 4 pieces of equipment you can add to your sports bag to stay safe during the sports season.

1. A mouth guard can protect your smile. A mouth guard is less expensive than an injury, and it is not painful to your mouth or wallet. Keep your smile safe and prevent your orthodontic appliances from injury by habitually wearing a mouth guard during sports.

2. A helmet can protect your head and neck. Helmets can prevent damage to the head and neck, so be sure to wear one when it is needed.

3. Protective eyewear can make a difference. Keep your 20/20 vision with sports eyewear that will keep your vision clear and your game at its best.

4. Face shields can protect you from trauma. If you are a hockey, football, or baseball player, face shields can prevent severe damage to your face.

These accessories are important additions to your sports experiences. This equipment can prevent impact and damage to your head and mouth while not interfering with your MVP skills on the field. Since accidents can occur at any time, be sure you’re wearing the proper safety equipment during practices as well as competitive games. If you are interested in purchasing a mouth guard, we have specialized mouth guards available in our office that are designed to fit comfortably over your braces. Contact us at our Brentwood or Franklin location to order yours today at the low cost of $10.00.

If you have any further questions on how to prevent a head or neck injury, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Kemp, Dr. Rice, or any of the Kemp Orthodontics staff members for more information.

Spring Is In The Air!

Spring is in the air! As the flower buds are peeking out and birds are starting to chirp, it's time to leave those thoughts of snow days behind. Spring can be a wonderful time to explore the outdoors, and the members of Kemp Orthodontics are all excited about the fun spring activities that call them outdoors. Spring is the time to get your family moving together and establish some healthy habits to get away from the electronic environment of the indoors. We have 5 fun ideas to get you in the mood for the loveliest season of the year.

1. Dust off the sports gear. Find a kick a ball, throw a Frisbee, shoot hoops, whatever sports activity that you and your family enjoy doing.

2. Get dirty in the yard. Mow the grass. Pull weeds. Till flower beds. Replant. Cut back. Find the fun in getting sweaty, and teach your kids how to manage the landscaping while you do it.

3. Explore the outdoors. Hike a trail and check out the plants budding out of the ground.

4. Go to a baseball game. The beginning baseball season is one of the annual markers that warm weather is just around the corner. If you don't have it in your budget for pricey pro tickets, look into local league games, college games, or even high school games to watch.

5. Make Something. Whether you're experimenting with a new recipe or creating a new craft, making something new will give your kids a sense of satisfaction.

After being cooped up all winter, everyone's ready for some fresh Spring air. We hope you will step into the warm weather with these suggestions of fun activities for the entire family. Post your Spring into Spring photos on our Kemp Orthodontics Facebook page to show how you are enjoying this beautiful Spring. Tag us by using #KempOrthodontics on social media, or click here to post your photos on our Facebook wall. And, of course, if one of your Spring motivations is to work on your beautiful smile, please give the Kemp Orthodontics team a call to schedule your consultation appointment at one of our convenient offices in Brentwood and Franklin.