What is Dentofacial Orthopedics?

 

At Kemp Orthodontics we specialize in orthodontics but did you know that we also specialize in dentofacial orthopedics. Most people are familiar with orthodontics but may not know what dentofacial orthopedics is.  In today's blog I am going to explain the difference.

While orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial growth and facial development, which occurs for the most part during childhood, and is a reason why children ages 7-10 are often the best candidates for receiving dentofacial orthopedic therapy. Dr. David Kemp of Kemp Orthodontics is trained to monitor your child's growth to determine the best timing of treatment. Sometimes it may be necessary to start treatment before all the permanent teeth erupt. This treatment we refer to as Phase I Treatment. During this phase of treatment we can redirect the growth making sure the jaws are aligned and there is enough room to accommodate the eruption of permanent teeth. Phase II treatment is recommended once the permanent teeth have erupted.

At Kemp Orthodontics we use dentofacial orthopedics to treat adult patients also. The difference is in adult patients the jaw are set (growth is finished) so dentofacial orthopedics may involve surgical correction. If surgery is recommended then Dr. David Kemp will work closely with an oral surgeon to create the beautiful smile you desire. It is never too late!

Dr. David Kemp of Kemp Orthodontics is skilled in both areas and he will be able to diagnose and treat any misalignments in the teeth and jaw as well as the facial structure with orthodontics or a combination of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedic treatment.

I hope this blog has been helpful and if you are concerned about yourself or your child's bite please call Kemp Orthodontics for a complimentary initial consultation.

Foods to avoid while you are in braces

At Kemp Orthodontics we want you to know that some foods can also help or hurt you while you're wearing braces. Remember to cut your food into small pieces that can be easily chewed. You will want to avoid hard and chewy foods that can break your braces or bend your wires.

Foods such as corn on the cob, nuts, carrots, apples, ice, and bubble gum should be avoided but you can take the corn off the cob, chop the nuts, and slice your apples… get the idea?

We will provide you with a list, which is to be used as a guideline but just because the food isn't on the list it doesn't mean it isn't meant to be avoided.

Remember if you think it is probably too hard chances are it is.

Our main concern at Kemp Orthodontics is that your braces come off in a timely manner. Excessive breakage of your appliance can add to the time you are in braces. It is a small sacrifice for such a short time and then you will have your beautiful smile for a lifetime.

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!

Flossing with Braces

The Kemp Orthodontics team knows that oral hygiene is important, whether you have braces on your teeth or not. But if you are a person who wears braces, caring for your teeth and gums can become somewhat challenging. Without daily oral hygiene practices, you may become prone to cavities and tooth decay during your time in braces.

Naturally, you know that brushing your teeth each morning and night, as well as after you eat, will help keep your mouth healthy and clean during the months you wear braces. But flossing is also an important part of your hygiene routine. Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it's not impossible.

Flossing Tips for Those with Braces

In your Kemp Orthodontic tooth care kit you will find a floss threader. It is a small plastic needle that will help you guide the floss between your wires and teeth. Give yourself enough floss to thread, about 12-18 inches. Guide the needle under the wires and once the floss is behind the wire, you can move the floss easily between your teeth removing any food particles. Repeat this between each tooth making sure you use a clean section of the floss.

Another helpful tool that Kemp Orthodontics provides is a proxy brush. The proxy brush can remove and loosen food particles.  If you need any helpful tips to keeping your braces clean, Kemp Orthodontics staff are trained to help you achieve that beautiful smile.

Creating Beautiful Smiles

There is an old Irish saying, “The world always looks brighter from behind a smile.” 

Smiles come in many shapes and sizes.  A pleasing smile can play an important role for you on your journey through life.  It engages others and shares your warmth.  At Kemp Orthodontics we can bring out the best in your smile.  We like to say your teeth are the picture and your lips are the picture frame.  To create a beautiful smile we position the teeth in your lips to create a pleasing smile. By applying the science of gently moving your teeth, we can eliminate gaps between your teeth, straighten crooked teeth and correct other problems that can be distracting from your smile.  Visit our smile gallery to see some before-and-after work. You will find it amazing.

What is a Rapid Palatal Expander?

A Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) is one of the auxiliary appliances that Dr. Kemp likes to  use along with braces.  The RPE is a wonderful appliance to use for patients whose upper jaw is narrow, protrusive and crowded. The Rapid Palatal Expander gently widens the upper arch (palate) by stretching the center palatal connective suture.  Once the palate is widened, the suture knits together with newly formed bone.  The Rapid Palatal Expander is prescribed usually prior to completion of growth.  A parent or the patient adjusts the RPE every other day as instructed until the palate has been widened enough. The RPE is an excellent appliance especially to help change abnormal growth patterns.  Please follow this link Rapid Palatal Expander to read more about the expander on our website.

Sizzle Awards 2015

Dear Kemp Orthodontics family and friends,
I want to express a sincere "Thank you" for voting our practice the #1 orthodontic practice in the 2015 Williamson County Sizzle Awards. Our motto remains to serve our patients and their families in the same manner we ourselves would desire to be served. If you haven't already done so, we invite you to visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KempOrthodontics .  We set up the Kemp Orthodontics' Facebook page as a additional way to keep our families informed about upcoming events and provide educational material.  We would appreciate your giving our page the thumbs up by pressing the LIKE button.

Thank you again for making Kemp Orthodontics the #1 orthodontic practice in Williamson County.  This award is for you, too!

Sincerely,

Dr. David H. Kemp