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You have done a lot of work to get the perfect smile. You wore your Invisalign aligner trays and cared for your teeth, and now your treatment is done. You still need to take care of your teeth to keep your beautiful smile. Keeps these things in mind when you think about your oral care routine.

Retainers

Many patients do require a retainer after Invisalign treatment. This will be based on your unique situation. If a retainer is recommended by Dr. Robert Kubo and Dr. James Kubo, use it as directed. Retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back into their original position. You should also avoid hard, crunchy foods for the first couple of weeks as your teeth adjust. For younger patients, retainers are normally used until the wisdom teeth come in or are extracted.

Brushing and Flossing

Brushing and flossing must be part of your daily oral care. Flossing helps remove the plaque, which becomes tartar or calculus. This build up can lead to gingivitis and gum disease. Your gums may be more sensitive for a week or two after your orthodontic work is completed. A warm salt water rinse may relieve discomfort.

Your teeth may be slightly sensitive for a short time. They have been protected by your Invisalign aligner trays and now are fully exposed. You might want to try a sensitive toothpaste to get through the transition. Just ask; we will be glad to recommend the best type for your needs. If your teeth are stained, a professional whitening treatment can be considered.

Regular Dental Checkups

You still need to have regular dental exams. Professional cleanings and X-rays make sure that both your teeth and gums stay healthy so you can keep your teeth for life. If cavities or other problems are found, they can be taken care of quickly.

If you have any questions about how to care for your teeth after your Invisalign program, please ask our Fresno, CA team. We want you to keep your healthy smile and enjoy the results of your Invisalign treatment.

One exciting part about wearing braces from Kubo Orthodontic Group is getting to choose the colors of your rubber bands. Orthodontists place elastic bands, or ligatures, over each bracket to secure the archwire in place. These rubber bands may be individual or connected, depending on your mouth’s needs. From Dr. Robert Kubo and Dr. James Kubo, you have the option of choosing the color of your elastics, which are changed about once every month at every visit. Our offices keep a color wheel handy to help you choose which ones suit you best!

Children and teens often enjoy picking different colors each month to express their creativity and coordinate their braces with outfits. Decorating your mouth with your favorite colors is fun for kids and takes some of the stress out of wearing braces. Adults who wish for subtlety have color options that blend in with the metal brackets and archwire. Common choices for adults include silver, clear, and gray tones.

Common Color Combinations for Rubber Bands

With individual ligatures for each bracket, you may choose different color combinations for special events. You can have alternating colors or place an entire rainbow over your teeth. Here are a few options to consider:

• School spirit colors
• Favorite sports team colors
• Patriotic colors
• Holiday themes

Some patients choose only one color to match their mood, personality, or favorite outfits. The palette of choices allows you to make bold statements with your braces or go for subtler tones that blend in with the metal structures. Keep in mind that bright colors make your teeth look whiter, while lighter shades, such as yellow and white, may cause your teeth to appear less bright.

What Your Rubber Band Color Says About You

• Red tones indicate that you are ready for action and take charge of your life with aggressive, forward-thinking steps.
• Blue tones are calm and relaxing. You are conservative and exhibit integrity when dealing with situations.
• Green tones represent growth and balance. You are level-headed and look for opportunities to grow emotionally and spiritually.
• Purple tones attract creative energies. You like to have fun and use your imagination in every aspect of your life.
• Orange tones indicate that you are optimistic and thrive in social situations where communication is open.
• Pink is a romantic color that represents a caring personality. You also enjoy having fun with silly games and endless laughter.

Parent’s Point of View 

Loyalty over decades … In the right place with the right people. 

At what I thought would be my final appointment, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that there would be follow up in 3 months. This demonstrated the level of care every patient receives. An ongoing process and monitoring is what you can expect. You are not left on your own to question if everything is okay, or wonder who to go to if there is a question or a problem. There is a live human being to answer your call, meet with you face to face, determine course of action, and offer professional guidance. 

This investment of time, energy, and finances have been worth it. The level of care, excellent. To top it off, Dr. Kubo stated if you should need anything over the next 5 years we are here for support. Not only did I have the final tray for maintenance, there was security knowing that if follow up was needed within the next 5 years, Kubo Orthodontics was a phone call away. 

So often as consumers, we are left high and dry to figure it out on our own. It is a rare occurrence to have someone stand by their quality of care and be available for every single patient long term; not just 5 weeks or 5 months...5 YEARS! 

In everything we do and in every decision we make, we discover something. Discovering the reason why there is consistency of staff and patients has been easy. It is simple, great people with good hearts. A caring and well-trained staff that has been consistently loyal to Kubo orthodontics is evidence that it is a special place. It is a breath of fresh air. There is a sense of community and family that is rare these days.  

It is not just the staff that has remained loyal over a long period. 

As I was sitting in the lobby, a mother randomly struck up a conversation with me. She told me how all of her children were patients. Then she told me she and her siblings were patients many decades ago when the office was in its original location. Different location, same high standards, same family environment. I could only wonder how many other families have been a part of the Kubo legacy of doctors.  

She continued to divulge stories of her memories and what a pleasant experience she had many moons ago; and she elaborated about how she wanted the same for her children. I understood and agreed whole-heartedly. It was as if her thoughts were mirroring mine. 

As parents, there is something universal we desire for our children; we want the very best for them.  And as mothers we agreed with confidence; we were in the right place with the right people. 

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Teenager’s Point of View 

Whole experience ~ Nothing but enjoyable and hope that yours is too ~ Forever grateful for my one and only orthodontist, Dr. Kubo. 

This would be my last appointment for a while. I was happy that all I had to do now was wear retainers, but I was a bit sad that this would be my last time coming to the orthodontist for a while. 

I feel like everyone there cares and it's like visiting family friends. We entered with the same precautions and came to the small room. 

Dr. Kubo came in, took my retainer and put it in to make sure it fit perfectly. 

It did, and we talked for a little bit and caught up and then we left. I couldn’t be happier with how my teeth and smile have turned out. 

The work was exceptional and I’ll be forever grateful for my one and only orthodontist, Dr. Kubo. 

In the end, my whole experience of this has been nothing but enjoyable and I hope to anyone reading this that yours is too.

If you are planning on taking a vacation this summer, we ask that you let us know ahead of time so that we may schedule your summer appointments more efficiently. We also encourage patients and their parents to be proactive in determining when they make their summer appointments.

If you will be gone for an extended period (more than six weeks), we recommend you visit Kubo Orthodontic Group prior to leaving and schedule another visit shortly after your return. Lastly, please remember not to indulge in hard, sticky, and chewy treats while enjoying your vacation. We look forward to seeing you soon and hearing about your adventures!