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Parent’s Point of View 

Attachments and Security 

This was our third appointment. At this appointment, I received four more sets of our Invisalign. Every week we will switch to a new set. The shift and movement has been gradual, and this is fascinating. My first set fit like a glove and I wore them with no one noticing. The next step…the attachments.  

Recommendation: Before starting the orthodontic process, whether you will be wearing braces, Invisalign, or a retainer, be sure you are up to date with general dentistry. A recent x-ray is necessary to be certain there are no cavities or gum issues and a teeth cleaning will ensure a clean surface when attachments are applied.  

Attachments to my teeth was a new experience; and it was impressive. There was a map with specific teeth designated for application of the attachments. The science of the movement was interesting and educational. After the attachments were securely fastened, Dr. Kubo slipped the new set of Invisalign on my teeth. This set was tighter than the first, but after a few hours, I forgot I was wearing them. When talking, I had to enunciate more clearly and succinctly but over time, it got easier. Taking the trays out to eat, brush and floss became routine. 

Each week as we moved to the next set, I felt the tightness; the gradual movement and the science behind the process has been interesting. When I flossed, the tightness between my teeth was evolving. We know the spaces between our teeth and mine were shifting ever so slightly. I definitely would not want the shift to happen without guidance of an educated professional. It’s a secure feeling to be monitored by someone with decades of experience.  

There are many options for orthodontic care; as parents, we read and research what is best for our child. We want the finest teacher, the best coach, the best school etc. When we started this process I did not know what to expect, but after the first four weeks of a yearlong process, I am confident that my child and I are in the finest care. This is what all parents hope for when making decisions for their children and for themselves. Experience, trust and security is essential when it comes to our health. When you have it, you definitely know it.  

Liao Company is a Central Valley Company which offers content marketing for organizations, businesses, and corporations. www.liaocompany.com liaocompany@gmail.com 

Teenager’s Point of View 

Worth It 

Going into this appointment, I was excited and nervous. I knew that this appointment would be the one where they put the invisible brackets on my teeth. I was scared it was going to hurt to put them on. I was also nervous about how it was going to look after.  

We walked inside and I signed in. I liked that part about signing in; I feel like I’m doing something myself. We wait for our name to be called and we head back to where we were last time. We sat in these little comfortable seats in the back and watched other people get their teeth done. I mean I had no idea what they were getting done to their teeth; whether it was the start of something new or the end of something great.  

They were suddenly ready for me, and this nice lady had me sit in the seat and take out my old retainers. She had me lay down and she worked on my teeth. This part was just to whiten them before they started the actual work.  

When Dr. Kubo came he explained what he was going to be doing to me. He explained how it would feel and that it would be tighter then before, but not to worry. I was of course interested and curious about what it felt like.  

Dr. Kubo had me lay back down and put this mouth thing inside my mouth. It was to make sure the lips didn’t get in the way of the process. It was one of those mouth things from a game I know about. It made me laugh. He said it wasn’t even their biggest size which made me laugh even more.  

They started working on my mouth and honestly, it didn’t hurt in the slightest. If I’m completely honest, it went a lot faster than I expected. After I was done they put the retainer in and then carefully took it out. It was to make sure the retainers could be taken in and out.  

Dr. Kubo was right, it was different, tighter, but it didn’t bother me. I expected that going into it. I looked at my smile in the mirror and was excited that my teeth were moving at that very point. I thanked him and the lady and they gave me my other retainers for the next four weeks. I was going to come back in for them to put more brackets in my mouth.  

After that appointment, my teeth felt pretty good when I went back to school. Although I admit, it was difficult to take the retainer out because the brackets were rough. Dr. Kubo told me to expect this and I wasn’t scared or nervous about it.  

The next day my teeth were very sore and it hurt to eat some things. I had to be careful about the things I ate. My teeth were just sensitive. After about two to three days, my teeth felt better and I started to get used to the new retainers and brackets. I know that when I change them again they will be sore all over again, but it’s worth it knowing that the end result is what I want.

Getting your braces off is exciting. You’ve been working on your new smile for months or years, and it’s time for the trips to our Fresno, CA office to pay off. Can you imagine how bad it would be to discover that your teeth are straight, but that there’s decay?

Caring for your smile while wearing Invisalign goes beyond just waiting for your teeth to get straighter. It involves cleaning your teeth regularly and thoroughly to prevent tooth decay. That way, your smile will be more beautiful than ever when you’re done with your Invisalign treatment.

Take Your Trays Out

The first difference you may notice between Invisalign and traditional metal braces is that Invisalign aligners are invisible, but there’s another important distinction as well. Invisalign braces are removable. You can take the trays out, and you should. Remove the trays while you’re eating so you don’t get food stuck in them. Also, remove them while you’re cleaning your teeth so that you can have full access to all the nooks and crannies in your mouth.

Brush Normally

The guidelines for brushing your teeth with Invisalign don’t change compared to braces. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste, being sure to get all surfaces of your teeth. If possible, brush after each meal.

If you can’t, be sure to drink some water and swish it around in your mouth when you’re done eating to get rid of the extra food on your teeth. Leaving carbohydrates, such as sugar and starch, on your teeth opens the door to tooth decay.

Floss and Wash

Flossing your teeth gets out the bits and pieces stuck between them. It’s a time-consuming task when you need to navigate the wires of traditional metal braces, but thanks to Invisalign’s removable design, flossing is no problem. Rinsing your mouth with a fluoride antibacterial mouthwash also helps clean your teeth because it gets into all of the spaces. Floss and rinse one or two times daily.

Cleaning Your Trays

Cleaning your Invisalign trays keeps them from getting riddled with bacteria, and it helps keep your teeth free from excess food. You can use the Invisalign cleaning system, which involves placing the trays in a tub with cleaning crystals. The plastic trays are clean after 15 minutes. You can also ask Dr. Robert Kubo and Dr. James Kubo for other ways to clean your trays.

Parent’s Point of View 

Getting Invisalign

Getting the call that our Invisalign was here, felt like Christmas. I couldn’t wait to take care of my daughter’s needs and was looking forward to do something for me as well.  Scheduling the appointment was easy, it was within a few days and the time didn’t conflict too much with school and work schedules. 

When we checked in, we were greeted with smiles. After signing in, we walked into the common area where the entire staff was busy working with patients. There were multiple chairs for all patients coming in and out throughout the day. Everyone seemed to do their thing. Staff were attentive with patients and preparation, patients were either in their chair or at a sink station getting ready for their exam, and parents were sitting close to their child. The environment as warm, organized, and professional. 

There was barely a wait time from check in to the chair; an efficient process from start to finish. Dr. Kubo took care of my daughter first. The customized Invisalign she would be wearing for the next year were in her hands. Dr. Kubo walked through a few steps; how to take care of them, and to wear them at all times for maximum effectiveness. He reminded us to take them out only while eating otherwise the results will take longer.  

Right after we were given directions, I had a feeling; I was excited for my daughter. We had been wanting to do this for a long time but sometimes we go into option overload when life gets busy and there are too many choices. But with trust, a great first phone call and initial appointment, we made it there. It felt right for my daughter to be in that chair under Dr. Kubo’s expertise.  When you know you are doing the right thing; that is a great feeling.  

Dr. Kubo handed my daughter a mirror so she could see what was happening; and he gently positioned her Invisalign. I watched, as every doting mother does. And I was impressed with how her Invisalign appeared. I could not even tell she was wearing them. The fit was just right, and I could tell from her face, she was pleased.  

Then it was my turn.  When Dr. Kubo gently placed my Invisalign on my teeth my reaction was positive; it fit like a glove. I don’t know why this surprised me, but it did. I could barely feel them and the appearance of my smile was the same, not noticeable. It was as easy as that; from an electronic scan, to receiving customized Invisalign, to a more polished smile after a brief time span. All with Dr. Kubo’s expertise guiding us along.  

I would not want to do it any other way. Our smiles are too valuable; too many elements that we do not realize regarding bone structure, bite, etc. With so many variables with orthodontic care, there is comfort and security knowing we have chosen an educated professional who would monitor our progress and ensure all is well.  

There is value in the frequent face-to-face evaluations; there is value in having a medically trained doctor examine my child. The consistent consultations with Dr. Kubo are an important part of the process to ensure maximum results and troubleshoot any unexpected challenges.  

My parents always told me, “Trust the process, there are no shortcuts.” And in this case, as with most, my parents were right. This process is well worth the time and it is a worthwhile investment. 

Liao Company is a Central Valley Company which offers content marketing for organizations, businesses, and corporations. www.liaocompany.com liaocompany@gmail.com 

Teenager’s Point of View 

My second appointment in and I already feel like a regular, just a normal patient coming in for their weekly check up with the orthodontist, Dr. Kubo. I walked in and my mom had me sign in. It felt like I’ve been here ten thousand times. I felt comfortable, like I knew this place. They called us back and I was welcomed with a familiar face. It was Dr. Kubo, and in my head, I was like I know him. It always makes me feel safer when I see a face I know. In this situation, that was it. I felt comfortable and safe.  

We walked into the big room and towards the chair. Dr. Kubo had me sit in the big seat and my mom in the side chair. I saw pictures of my friends on the wall, they all had braces or retainers too and that made me happy. Dr. Kubo thoroughly explained what was going to happen, he showed me my new Invisalign and answered any questions we had with certainty.  

I laid back in the chair almost like I knew the procedures. When he was about to put my Invisalign in my mouth, if I’m honest, I had no fear. I was just filled with excitement that I would get what most kids want, Invisalign or braces. It’s something I’ve always wanted and it was finally happening.  

To be honest, it felt very different from what I thought. I thought it was going to hurt more but didn’t. It just felt like a covering for my teeth. It just covered my teeth and didn’t feel weird. Dr. Kubo gave me a mirror so I could see, and it was cool. My smile didn’t even look different.  

When we were all finished, we walked to see the front desk ladies. They were so nice and they didn’t even notice that I had them in nor could they hear it in my voice. They said it doesn’t even look like you have them in. Of course, I thanked them for making me feel better about it.  

Even when I went to school, no one, not one person said, “Do you have retainers or something in your mouth?” I had to point it out to them for them to notice. Even though people couldn’t see it, I could feel it; but I liked it that no one could tell. 

After the first day of using them, I’m already in the habit of the whole process; taking them out, putting them back in, and cleaning them. And this whole thing is good for dentists too, and my teeth. It helps me brush my teeth even more than I usually do because I want to keep food from getting stuck in the retainers.  

Overall, my experience at Dr. Kubo’s was great and I can’t wait to go back for more appointments to see how this all goes.

The stereotypical braces wearer – in middle school, with a mouth full of metal brackets – has led to numerous myths about orthodontics that discourage many people from getting the dental care they need. Dr. Robert Kubo and Dr. James Kubo and our staff would like to put some of these myths to rest.

Myth 1: Orthodontic treatment is for kids. Although teenagers often visit the orthodontist to get braces, adults represent a growing proportion of orthodontic patients. Whether you’re eight or 80, a consultation with an orthodontist can identify problems with your teeth, jaws, or bite that can be corrected by orthodontic interventions.

Myth 2: Traditional, metal braces are my only option. Advances in orthodontic technology have rendered improved braces and other orthodontic appliances that are much less noticeable than the braces of yesteryear. Ask Dr. Robert Kubo and Dr. James Kubo about Invisalign® braces and other options that make sense for your situation.

Myth 3: Orthodontic treatment is only helpful for crooked teeth. Sure, a crooked smile is a common reason that patients seek orthodontic care. However, orthodontic interventions help with a range of dental health problems. From missing teeth to overbite to jaw misalignment, your orthodontist can help with many problems associated with the teeth, gums, and jaws.

Myth 4: Orthodontic treatment is too expensive. As with any medical procedure, orthodontics can be pricey. However, our Fresno, CA team works with patients to find payment plans, insurance coverage, or other payment options that reduce the financial burden.