What is a Rapid Palatal Expander?

What is a Rapid Palatal Expander?

by on April 28, 2012 in Meet Dr. David Kemp

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.

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Orthodontic Insurance

Orthodontic Insurance

by on April 26, 2012 in Meet Dr. David Kemp

I hope the Kemp Orthodontic blog posts about Orthodontic Insurance have been helpful.  To summarize the previous blog posts, here are some “Helpful Hints”–

  1. Know what your orthodontic benefits are before treatment begins with Kemp Orthodontics.  If you are not sure of your benefits, contact your insurance company so that you know the exact amount you can expect to be paid and when payment will be received.
  2. If you would like Kemp Orthodontics to submit claim forms on your behalf, we ask that you provide us with the name, address, and telephone number of your insurance company along with your group number and ID number. Just give us a photocopy of your insurance card, which usually offers this information.
  3. Remember that Kemp Orthodontics cannot render services on the assumption that our charges will be paid by your insurance carrier.  Our financial relationship is with our patients and/or their families and not with their insurance. However, for your convenience, we will accept payments from your insurance company if you choose to assign them to us; otherwise, the insurance payments will come directly to you, the insured.
  4. Once treatment is started, your insurance company may require verification of continuing treatment with Kemp Orthodontics.  You may send them a copy of your canceled checks or cash receipts from our office.  If your insurance carrier provides you with a form for verification, we will gladly assist you in completing the form.

If you have any questions please contact our office via our website www. Kemportho.com or our Kemp Orthodontics Facebook page.


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Can I purchase Orthodontic Insurance?

Can I purchase Orthodontic Insurance?

by on April 25, 2012 in Meet Dr. David Kemp

Many times patients ask me, “Can I purchase Orthodontic Insurance?” Since I am not a qualified insurance agent, I suggest my patients or their families ask their local insurance agents for this answer. Unfortunately, what they typically find is that private orthodontic insurance is quite expensive. After considering the waiting period, the deductible, and the cost of the premiums themselves, most patients find that the maximum benefit allowed for treatment is not the worth the expense of the policy.  At Kemp Orthodontics, we realize that orthodontic treatment represents a significant investment in your dental health, and that is why we offer several payment options.  If you have any questions about these payment options, please contact our office via our website www. Kemportho.com or on our Kemp Orthodontics Facebook page.

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Kemp Orthodontics and Your Insurance

Kemp Orthodontics and Your Insurance

by on April 24, 2012 in Meet Dr. David Kemp

For your convenience, Kemp Orthodontics will gladly assist you in submitting both predetermination and initial insurance claims for your orthodontic treatment in our office.  However, please be aware that our primary financial relationship is with our patients and/or their families and not with their respective insurance companies.  Final responsibility of collection of benefits from your insurance company rests with the insured party.  It is very important to know what your benefits are before treatment begins.  If you are not sure of your benefits, contact your insurance company prior to your appointment.  In the previous Blog post “How does orthodontic insurance work,” I gave a helpful list of questions to ask when you call your insurance company.  If you have any general questions regarding orthodontic insurance, please contact our office via our website www. Kemportho.com or visit our Kemp Orthodontics Facebook page.

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How does orthodontic insurance work?

by on April 18, 2012 in Meet Dr. David Kemp

At Kemp Orthodontics, we will gladly assist you in filing your insurance. Insurance carriers offer many different orthodontic benefit packages to their subscribers, and each contract provides a different benefit.  It is very important to know what your benefits are before treatment begins.  If you are not sure of your benefits, contact your insurance company prior to your first orthodontic appointment.

Orthodontic insurance generally differs from regular dental insurance in that each insured individual usually has a life time maximum benefit for orthodontic services. Typically, this benefit is a percentage of the total orthodontic fee until the maximum benefit is reached.  This benefit, in most cases, is paid over the course of the treatment.

I have come up with a helpful list of questions to follow when calling your insurance company.

  1. What percentage of your total treatment will your insurance pay?
  2. What is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for orthodontic treatment?
  3. Is there a deductible, and, if so, the amount?
  4. Is there an age limitation for treatment?
  5. Is there a waiting period?

I hope you have found this information helpful if you have any questions, please contact our office via our website www.kemportho.com  or at our Kemp Orthodontics Facebook page.

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Orthodontic Emergencies

Orthodontic Emergencies

by on April 16, 2012 in Meet Dr. David Kemp

At Kemp Orthodontics, we know orthodontic emergencies are never convenient or timely.  If you are experiencing severe pain or you have a painful appliance problem, you should call the office. We will be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem. If you have an orthodontic emergency after regular office hours, please give us a call, and a member of the staff will be alerted to call you back as soon as possible. You would be surprised at how many emergencies can be taken care of with just a phone call.

At Kemp Orthodontics, your comfort is one of our greatest concerns. 

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Two Phase Orthodontics-Second Phase

Two Phase Orthodontics-Second Phase

by on April 13, 2012 in Meet Dr. David Kemp

At Kemp Orthodontics we believe that in certain cases children benefit from two phases of orthodontic treatment.  In the previous blog we discussed the benefits of the First Phase of treatment  In the Second Phase of treatment we move the permanent teeth into their final position, again working with the child’s natural growth and development.

 The goals of Second Phase of treatment are:

  •  A proper relationship of teeth and jaws so that they work correctly
  • Correct alignment of the teeth for a beautiful smile
  • Positioning of the teeth and jaws for an attractive face and profile

 Orthodontic care is not a “one size fits all” approach at Kemp Orthodontics.  Each patient has a unique problem that requires a unique treatment plan that leads to a Beautiful Smile.  It would be our pleasure to further discuss the benefit of Phase Two Treatment.  Please call our office for a complimentary orthodontic examination.

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Two-Phase Orthodontic-First Phase

Two-Phase Orthodontic-First Phase

by on April 12, 2012 in Meet Dr. David Kemp

At Kemp Orthodontics we believe that in certain cases children benefit from two phases of orthodontic treatment.  The goal of this treatment is to create a better environment for your child’s permanent teeth as they begin to replace the baby teeth.

 A first phase of treatment is initiated to:

  • Develop both the upper and lower jaws to accommodate all of the permanent teeth 
  • Develop the correct alignment and relationship between the upper and lower jaws
  • Produce a well-balanced facial profile

A first phase of treatment benefits patients physically, enabling them to bite or chew more effectively.  It may reduce the risk of breaking front teeth that protrude.  And for many patients, there is improvement in self-esteem.  The dental changes that result from a first phase treatment may contribute to long-term stability, meaning that teeth stay where Dr. Kemp has moved them.   By timing orthodontic treatment to predictable stages of development, Dr. Kemp works to take advantage of your child’s natural growth and development.   A second phase of treatment moves permanent teeth into their final position, again working with the child’s natural growth and development and we will further this in the next blog.

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Regular Dental Check-ups are Essential!

Regular Dental Check-ups are Essential!

by on April 10, 2012 in Meet Dr. David Kemp

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!

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Brushing with Braces

Brushing with Braces

by on April 9, 2012 in Meet Dr. David Kemp

 

The biggest enemy of our teeth is plaque, and the most effective way to remove plaque is with regular brushing and flossing.  As you eat, your teeth and braces collect food.  If this food is left on your teeth and at your gum line, bacteria will attack the food and change it into plaque.  Plaque will cause white marks on your enamel, swollen gums and, if left too long, will cause a cavity.  Your Beautiful Smile should be filled with sparkling clean teeth, not white marks and cavities.  The team at Kemp Orthodontics is here to help you achieve the best smile possible.   

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