Folks with orthodontic problems in Goleta, CA can benefit from treatment by a professional orthodontist at any age. Your teeth are unique, just like you. Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics in Goleta, CA can evaluate your oral health care needs and provide you with the best orthodontic care available. Whether you are 7 years old or 50 years old, braces can help straighten and beautify your smile. After an initial consultation and assessment of your teeth and gums, Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris will be able to discuss with you if braces are right for you.

When Is The Right Time For Braces?

While patients at any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment, there are a few specific ages where treatment is optimal, like after the last baby tooth has fallen out and all of the adult teeth have grown in.

By the age of 7 years old, children should see an orthodontist and get an evaluation to address any possible issues. From the ages of 8 years old to 14 years old, children’s head and mouth are still growing, which makes this a good time in life to correct any orthodontic issues.

Even after age 14, you can still benefit from an orthodontic consultation and treatment from Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics.

How long will I need to have my braces?

The question that Dr. Raymond Kubisch is asked most often by prospective clients needing braces is, “How long do I need to wear braces?” (It depends on the individual patient’s case and their specific treatment). Most patients experience orthodontic treatments over a period of 18 to 30 months. A consultation with the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics is the best indicator of how long your specific treatment may last.

Orthodontic treatment or braces can cause minor pain and sensitivity for a patient. It is important that parents explain to their children under age 18 what they may experience before, during, and after their braces are put on. And although wearing braces can be uncomfortable at first, they will get used to wearing them and their braces will become easier to wear over time.

If a patient participates in a sport that requires a mouthguard, or plays a musical instrument, make sure to speak with Dr. Andrew Ferris about playing while undergoing orthodontic treatment. You will learn quickly how to engage in your favorite activities with your braces.

Whether you are 7 years old with crooked teeth or 50 years old with an overbite, Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris can administer the appropriate treatment for your specific needs and age group.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics in Goleta, CA, visit our office or call us at: 805.964.4786

Have you recently been fitted for braces or for Invisalign clear aligners? The team here at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics in Santa Barbara, CA wants to make sure that you know how to effectively keep your braces or Invisalign clean and your mouth healthy to ensure a successful orthodontic treatment outcome.

While you are wearing your braces or Invisalign, food can collect in places that may be hard to reach or may not even know it’s there. You have to be diligent in your daily oral care to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth, and cavities. To attain the best possible treatment outcome (and to impress Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris during your next visit), follow these ten tips for a healthy mouth from Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics:

 

• One tooth at a time. When you brush your teeth, Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris stresses that you take your time with each individual tooth. Focus on each one for at least 10 seconds, and pay close attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces. This way, you are ensuring that every single tooth is being well taken care of.

• It’s all about the angles. The team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics suggests that you brush your top teeth and braces with your brush angled downward, and brush your bottom teeth and braces with your brush angled up. This is the best way to clean them thoroughly.

• The tooth, the whole tooth, and everything around the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most important place to clean, Dr. Raymond Kubisch wants you to know that it’s equally important to clean the inner and chewing surface of your teeth, your tongue, and along your gum line (a key spot for plaque buildup). These surfaces need cleaning just as much as the front of your teeth, and though you cannot see it, leaving them unattended will cause damage to your oral health.

• Brush after every meal. Food can easily get caught in your braces and in between your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral health problems. Also, the longer food stays in contact with your teeth, the greater the opportunity for plaque to form. Dr. Andrew Ferris says if you can’t brush after every meal, it is best to thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

• Make a first aid teeth-cleaning kit. Get into the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss with you wherever you go. Design a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your bag at all times to keep your braces and smile happy and healthy.

Visit  Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris, and the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics regularly while receiving orthodontic treatment in Santa Barbara, CA to get a deep, thorough dental cleaning that only an oral health care professional can provide. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics, or if you have questions or concerns about orthodontics or your overall oral health, please call us at: 805.687.7417

Orthodontic treatment with braces can be uncomfortable occasionally, but most often, the “hurt” reported by a patient is more of a feeling of pressure and can be more accurately described as “discomfort.” The best way to avoid or reduce any discomfort that may be associated with braces is to keep a conscientious care schedule. Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris of Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics know that a patient who is consistently experiencing pain or discomfort associated with their braces in Santa Barbara, CA should be examined for any problems with their orthodontic appliances.

What is this feeling?

The mouth is a very sensitive part of the body. Adding new brackets, wires, and other appliances to the teeth may cause an orthodontic patient some occasional discomfort. But most people don’t understand or even care why they are feeling this way. Discomfort associated with orthodontic treatment with braces may be caused by a variety of factors:

1. Irritation inside the mouth: Your mouth will need a few days to adjust once your new braces have been fitted and your teeth and gums are interacting with your appliances for the first time. These new additions to your teeth require your mouth to get comfortable with their presence. However, once the two are comfortable, the irritation will ease over time.
2. Broken bracket: Your braces are constantly working. Because of this, there is always a possibility that something can break. Broken brackets should be expected, and they happen to almost everyone at least once during treatment. This can cause some pain and irritation because the broken bracket may poke at or tear the delicate surfaces in the mouth (especially if you have traditional metal braces). If this occurs, make an appointment with Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris, and Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics as soon as possible to fix the problem and make sure no further problems or pain occurs.
3. Shifting of teeth: Braces shift your teeth to give you the healthy, picture-perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of. It’s important to know that the shifting of the teeth is what causes the most pain when it comes to braces. When your braces are tightened, they are working harder to align your teeth and essentially changing your teeth’s position in your mouth.

How do I keep my braces comfortable?

To help you avoid any discomfort you may experience during your course of treatment with braces:

• Avoid hard foods. Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris say that hard foods should be avoided, especially after an adjustment appointment. The extra effort to chew these foods may cause or exacerbate any discomfort the patient may already feel. When your braces hurt, stick to soft foods such as pasta, mashed potatoes, yogurt, bananas, etc.
• Take over-the-counter or doctor-prescribed medication. When your teeth are hurting because of braces, Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris recommend taking an over-the-counter medicine that to lessen any pain. Medicines such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve can help ease the pain until your teeth and gums get used to their new positioning.

Braces may hurt, at least initially, because of how they work inside the mouth. The result of orthodontic treatment with braces, however, is a mouth of straight, functional, and healthy teeth and gums.

For more information about why braces hurt during treatment or to make an appointment with Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris, and Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics in Santa Barbara, CA, call: 805.687.7417

Many orthodontics patients with braces are unsure of what foods are restricted in their diets. Many also believe the list of foods to avoid is longer than it actually is. Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris of Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics share some ideas about what foods are safely enjoyed and which foods are best to avoid eating while wearing braces or during orthodontic treatment in Goleta, CA.

It is true that during your treatment with braces there are limitations on what you can eat. But the time (and money) invested with braces is well worth coping with these limitations. The payoff is a perfectly straight, healthy, and attractive smile.

What foods can be enjoyed during your treatment?

There are many delicious food options that can be eaten while wearing braces in Goleta, CA including:

1. Bananas
2. Yogurt
3. Soup
4. Cheese
5. Pasta
6. Mashed Potatoes

Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris want to make sure that every patient with braces eats healthy food and gets enough daily nutrients. Here are some meal ideas that are safe for patients who are wearing braces. Perhaps there is a family favorite among some of these delicious meal options:

• Lasagna. Lasagna is a great dinner because it provides many food groups in one dish, is tasty, and is soft on your braces.
• Grilled Chicken and Vegetables. While meat from a bone can cause damage to your braces, deboned meats like chicken breast can be eaten. Chicken pairs nicely with vegetables like broccoli.
• Chicken Noodle Soup. Chicken noodle soup gives you many necessary nutrients because of the variety of ingredients that can be added. Soup is also a filling and tasty meal and will not damage your braces.

What foods should be avoided?

While wearing braces, the three types of food that should be avoided are hard, sticky, and chewy foods. These types of food should be avoided because they can get stuck in your braces easily and be difficult and sometimes painful to get out. Some food categories that should be avoided are:

1. Gum
2. Popcorn
3. Ice
4. Caramel
5. Pretzels
6. Raw vegetables
7. Steak
8. Hard candies

Some of these foods do not have to be completely avoided, however. Foods like vegetables, steak, and pretzels can be broken or cut up into smaller pieces and then eaten safely.

There are many foods which are nutritious, delicious, and are friendly to your braces. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris, and Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics in Goleta, CA, or for more information, please call: 805.687.7417

Adults who are considering orthodontic treatment with braces in Goleta, CA are finding that the patients of Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris, and the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics have more positive treatment experiences and more successful outcomes.

A concern for adults considering orthodontic treatment with braces is that their treatment will not fit into their otherwise busy schedules, and that orthodontic care will become a burden. Adult patients of Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris, and the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics are advised to follow these simple steps to minimize their efforts and to maximize the successful outcome of their treatment with braces.

 

• Pick a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle. The first step in ensuring that your orthodontic treatment goes well is selecting a treatment plan that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Adult patients of Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris, and the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics are able to explore the many treatment options available to them including traditional metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign clear aligners.

• Know the care requirements of each treatment option. Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris will meet with you and discuss in more detail the benefits and drawbacks of each system to help you determine what option is right for you. Clear braces sometimes require more careful care, as they are easier to stain and break. Invisalign is removable and easy to clean. But, if you are extremely busy and tend to lose things, the removable nature of Invisalign makes it easy to misplace or forget.

• Keep your adjustment appointments. Any setback or delay in treatment, even if it is a small one, may compromise the timing of your treatment. During these appointments, Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris will check on your progress and make any adjustments to your appliance that are needed to keep your teeth moving correctly. Conscientious adherence to adjustment schedules will ensure that your treatment will always be progressing on schedule, and you may even finish your orthodontic treatments earlier.

• Use appliances as directed. Sometimes appliances like rubber bands or retainers will need to be employed during your treatment. Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris recommend to their patients to always wear these appliances exactly as directed and to make wearing them part of their daily routine. Reserve some time daily (at the same time, perhaps after lunch or right when you wake up) to care for your braces and appliances properly, so that eventually it feels second nature. A consistent daily regimen of care, following the directions appropriate for your treatment, will help relieve the stress of worrying about tending to your orthodontics.

Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris, and the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics are the experts in adult orthodontics in Goleta, CA. If you have any questions about traditional braces, clear braces, or Invisalign clear aligners, or if would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris, contact Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics at: 805.687.7417

Most people think of braces when they think of orthodontic care, but there is more to it than that. Orthodontists are specialists who treat oral issues related to misaligned jaws and teeth. Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris, and the team here at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics know that when it comes to the health of your teeth and the quality of your overall orthodontic care, picking the right orthodontist for you is a big deal. Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics will ensure that you get the healthy, functional, and confident smile that you’re looking for.

Here are a few steps to get you closer to finding the right orthodontist for you.

Your dentist usually will be the first to spot any orthodontic issues that you may have and may be able to recommend a professional orthodontist that they know. You may also want to ask friends and family members for advice.When looking for an orthodontist in Goleta, CA, there are several points you should consider:

 

• Research Recommendations Online. Conduct online research before making any final decisions about orthodontic treatment. Reviews from past patients can be found on the internet. Patient reviews for Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics can be found on our Google+ and Facebook pages.

• Ask Around. Candid feedback from actual patients will give you an idea about the type of orthodontic treatment you can expect.

• Consider Their Expertise and Certifications. You’ll want to consider the level of knowledge and expertise of the orthodontist. Beyond a dental school education, all orthodontists have to complete an additional two-to-three years of training. Also, look into any qualifications or certifications that the doctor has.The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certifies the clinical skills and knowledge of trained orthodontists. Not every orthodontist elects to take the exam for the ABO certification.Only orthodontists who are confident of their skills will take the exam to get this certification. Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris are certified by the ABO and has been for NUMBER of years.

• Consult First. It is best to go for an initial consultation to get a feel for the orthodontist and the practice. Ask any questions that you may have and find out which course of treatment is best for you. First impressions are everything, and Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris are sensitive to that. From the moment you step into our office here at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics, you will feel welcomed and secure that Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics in Goleta, CA is the best choice for you.

• Discuss Costs and Coverage. Orthodontics procedures can get very costly very quickly. Insurance may cover some of most of the costs of orthodontia, but some other points to consider while choosing an orthodontist are “What the treatment will cost?” and “What payment options are offered?” Whether the treatment you are receiving is Invisalign, traditional braces, or some other treatment, the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics knows you’ll need a payment plan that you can afford. Most orthodontists provide plans of monthly installments that are spread over the period of treatment. However, you should inquire about the different payment plans that are offered before you make a final decision.

• Explore the Treatments Available. When you’re looking for your specific orthodontist, make sure they offer all the latest orthodontic treatment technology available. Your orthodontist should not be trying to sell you the trendiest or most costly product or treatment. Rather, discuss with them the advantages and disadvantages of any of the treatment plans you are considering. Braces have evolved considerably during the past decade, giving you many orthodontic treatment options to consider. And if you’re interested in a specific treatment, such as Invisalign, then look for an orthodontist that offers the right Invisalign treatment and that has produced successful results.

While researching orthodontics practitioners, keep in mind Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris, and our team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics. We will help you achieve the healthy, confident, and happy-looking smile that you’ve been hoping for. To learn more about Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics in Goleta, CA or to schedule an appointment, call us today at: 805.687.7417

Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris of Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics have the education and experience to ensure their patients get the most successful orthodontic treatment outcomes with braces in Goleta, CA.

Do you feel embarrassed by your smile because of crooked teeth or some other dental health care concern? Do you keep your mouth closed when smiling for pictures? The best option for you might be to schedule a visit with an orthodontist. Orthodontists are dentists with advanced training in treating misaligned teeth, and they can realign crooked teeth into a straight, healthy smile. According to the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), one in every five orthodontic patients in the United States are adults, with the other 80 percent being teens or children.

Types of Malocclusions   

The main reason that people in Goleta, CA see Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris, is to fix a malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Common types of malocclusions include underbites, overbites, open bites, overjet (or overlapping) teeth, crossbites, and spacing issues.

• Spacing or crowding: Too much or too little room can prevent permanent teeth from coming in properly (impacted teeth).
• Underbite: When the lower teeth protrude farther out than the upper teeth.
• Overbite: When a patient’s upper front teeth come down too far over the lower front teeth. In extreme cases, the lower teeth can bite into the roof of the mouth.
• Open bite: When the lower and upper front teeth don’t overlap, an opening straight through the teeth and into the mouth is created.
• Overjet: Otherwise known as an “upper protrusion”; the upper front teeth are pushed outward. Commonly caused by a small lower jaw or a change in the shape of the upper palate (may be caused by thumb-sucking or pacifier use).
• Crossbite: When any of the upper teeth fit into the wrong side of the lower teeth.

The Orthodontic Treatment Process

There are many methods that Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris and the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics may use to fix malocclusions. The course of treatment prescribed will be unique to you and your individual needs. But some of the more usual steps that most patients experience are:

Assessment. An orthodontist will assess the present state of your teeth and diagnose if they will develop without orthodontic treatment. A full medical and dental health history, X-rays of the teeth and jaw, a clinical examination, and a plaster model of the patient’s teeth will help the doctor determine your treatment options.

Treatment. The appliances that orthodontists use most often are braces, fixed space maintainers, or specially made and fitted fixed appliances.

Fixed appliances are used when precision is imperative. Most patients can eat normally with these appliances, but it is recommended that they avoid some foods and drinks that may damage the appliance.

Removable appliances can be taken out of the patient’s mouth at any time. They should, however, be taken out only when cleaning, eating, flossing, or if the doctor recommends that they be removed for activities like sports or playing a musical instrument.

Your orthodontist may also use removable retainers, lip or cheek bumpers, splints, aligners (like Invisalign), palatal expanders, and headgear during your course of treatment.

Debanding. The removal of any fixed appliances or the cessation of treatment with removable appliances. Your orthodontist may indicate that you wear a retainer for a period of time after your course of treatment has ended to ensure that your teeth don’t shift from their new positions. Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris say that the general rule for wearing your retainer is, “Wear your retainer for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight.”

Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris and the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics are the orthodontic treatment professionals for braces in Goleta, CA. To schedule a consultation, call: 805.687.7417

Have you recently been fitted for braces in Santa Barbara, CA? The team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics wants to make sure that you know how to effectively keep your braces clean and your mouth healthy to ensure a successful orthodontic treatment outcome.

While you are wearing your braces, food has more spots to hide and collect. You have to be diligent in your daily oral care to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth, and cavities. To obtain the perfect smile you’ve always hoped for (and to impress Drs. Raymond Kubisch and Andrew Ferris during your next visit), follow these ten tips for a healthy mouth from Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics:

 

• One tooth at a time. When you brush your teeth, Dr. Raymond Kubisch  stresses that you take your time with each individual tooth. Focus on each one for at least 10 seconds, and pay close attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces. This way, you are ensuring that every single tooth is being well taken care of.

• It’s all about the angles. The team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics suggests that you brush your top teeth and braces with your brush angled downward, and brush your bottom teeth and braces with your brush angled up. This is the best way to clean them thoroughly.

• The tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most important place to clean, Dr. Andrew Ferris wants you to know that it’s equally important to clean the inner and chewing surface of your teeth, your tongue, and along your gum line (a key spot for plaque buildup). These surfaces need cleaning just as much as the front of your teeth, and though you cannot see it, leaving them unattended will cause damage to your oral health.

• Brush after every meal. Food can easily get caught in your braces and in between your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral health problems. Also, the longer food stays in contact with your teeth, the greater the opportunity for plaque to form. So, Dr. Raymond Kubisch says if you can’t brush after every meal, it is best to thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

• Make a first aid teeth-cleaning kit. Get into the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss with you wherever you go. Design a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your bag at all times to keep your braces and smile happy & healthy.

• Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss. This will help you to keep from breaking your appliances and will also allow for the best possible cleaning job.

• Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. The team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics recommends that all patients, braces or no braces, brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

• Interproximal brushes. Sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes, these cone-shaped brushes come in handy when you need to reach those spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t reach. Invest in one of these to keep your teeth perfectly bright and clean throughout your orthodontic treatment at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics.

• Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some of Dr. Andrew Ferris’s patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader or Superfloss. A floss threader helps you get the floss into those tight places, and Superfloss is an all-in-one product which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces. Test out which one feels the best for you, and be sure to use it diligently!

• Make an appointment with Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics. It is important that Dr. Raymond Kubisch continues to check on the progress of your treatment to ensure that your braces are functioning properly and that you are on track for a successful outcome.

Visit Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris and the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics regularly while receiving orthodontic treatment in Santa Barbara, CA to get a deep, thorough dental cleaning that only an oral health care professional can provide. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics, or if you have questions or concerns about orthodontics or your overall oral health, please call us at 805.687.7417.

Finding the perfect braces provider in Santa Barbara, CA can be a timely and sometimes very difficult process. Ensuring that you’re choosing the right one for you or your child can cause major differences in your treatment plan options. Orthodontists are specialists who treat oral issues related to misaligned jaws and teeth. Most people think of orthodontists when they need braces, and since this kind of treatment is usually in question, it is best to take your time researching orthodontists in and around your area and choose an orthodontist wisely. At Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics, Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris have come up with a few tips for you, to ensure that you choose the right orthodontist and end up with the beautiful smile you’ve been dreaming of.

Ask for Recommendations and Research Online

Usually your dentist is the first to spot any orthodontic issue, and they should be able to recommend a dedicated and impressive orthodontist that he or she knows. Your dentist is likely to recommend the best, but you may also ask around amongst your friends and family members. Usually, candid feedback from actual patients will give you a better idea about the types of orthodontic treatment you can expect. Lastly, you may also want to consult online research before ultimately choosing an orthodontist in Santa Barbara, CA.

Expertise and Knowledge

While looking for the best orthodontist in Santa Barbara, CA, you will obviously consider the level of knowledge and expertise of the person. Luckily, there are ways for determining their expertise and accomplishments. All orthodontists have to complete additional two to three years of training after dental school to qualify.

The orthodontist that you choose should also offer various choices for your orthodontic treatment. At Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics, we not only offer different braces types, but we also offer Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris are Certified Invisalign Providers and have been helping patients achieve their dream smile for years now!

First Consultation

After you have shortlisted a few orthodontists, it is best to go for the first consultation to acquire an idea about the type of person you will be working with. Most orthodontists provide free initial consultation and some even provide free X-rays. If the orthodontist is impatient and is not eager to answer all your questions, it is best to find someone else. If the orthodontist has a large practice, you may have to talk to the manager or patient liaison person.

Cost of Treatment

Apart from expertise and skill, the other main point to consider while choosing the best orthodontist in Santa Barbara, CA is how much the orthodontic treatment is going to cost you and any payment options that are being offered. When the treatment involves braces it is usually quite expensive, and you will want a payment plan that you can afford. Most orthodontists provide plans of monthly installments that are spread over the period of treatment. However, inquire about the different payment plans that are on offer before you make a decision.

Treatment Avenues to Take

Braces have progressed considerably during the past decade and there are now several types to consider. When you’re choosing the best orthodontist in Santa Barbara, CA, make sure you have access to all the latest treatment routes to take. The orthodontist should not be trying to sell you the most costly product, but rather discuss the advantages and disadvantage of various doors to open so that you can make an informed and suitable choice.

If you’re ready to start treatment with Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris or want to learn more about Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics in Santa Barbara, CA, then call us today at 805.687.7417.

 

If you’re considering getting braces for yourself or your child, then you should also be contemplating the cost. In 1980, the average cost of orthodontic treatment was around $2,000, or about $5,700 today after inflation. That’s comparable to today, as the average cost of traditional metal braces ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on your insurance plan, choice of orthodontist, and treatment time. Today, Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris of Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics are here to explain what’s behind the price of braces near Goleta, CA.

Variations of Braces

Although metal braces have been the #1 choice for treatment for several years, there are now even more options to choose from. Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris say that many of his patients in Goleta, CA choose these options because the span of orthodontic treatment may be shorter, or because they don’t want the “train track” look. These options vary in cost due to the process of putting them on, the cost of materials, and what your orthodontist will charge.

Metal Braces

As discussed before, the national average price of metal braces ranges from about $3,000 to $7,000. These are the traditional braces that are most commonly used, and are easily the most recognizable. Yet many patients opt-out of metal braces because they don’t like the look that comes with them.

Ceramic Braces

Like metal braces, ceramics are adhered in the same way, and perform the exact same function. However, these use tooth colored or clear brackets and wires to blend in with the teeth, reducing visibility. But, ceramics can sometimes be more expensive than metal with the national average of ceramic braces ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 and the Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics associates say that they can stain easily if not taken care of properly.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces, or braces adhered to the back of the teeth, are by far the best option if you want to keep your treatment concealed. Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris mention that these are usually the most expensive, with the national average price of treatment fluctuating from $8,000 to $10,000. Because of the procedure, your insurance company may choose not to cover this method of treatment because of its’ cost.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners like Invisalign, according to the national average, usually cost anywhere from $4,000 to $7,500. These are a great option because they’re almost invisible, and you can take them out to eat whatever you want. Although one of the best options for concealment, these will not work for serious dental problems. They can be lost easily and costly to replace, treatment time may be extended longer than normal, and they are only available to teens and adults, not children.

Insurance

If you have dental or health insurance, then you should consult with your orthodontist before receiving any type of treatment. Many insurance companies won’t pay for treatment if the patient is over 18, but you may receive partial coverage if under 18. One Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics colleague says that it’s always possible for you to purchase supplemental orthodontic insurance if your health plan doesn’t cover braces. Make sure to ask about the percentage that they cover; a common figure in Goleta, CA is 50% with a $1,500 lifetime maximum per child. Beware, if you change your insurance plan after the application of your braces, the insurance company may consider it to be a pre-existing condition, which will force you to pay out-of-pocket.

Make Braces More Affordable

Many orthodontists offer a payment plan to reduce the amount owed. Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris agree that the best way to estimate the cost is to plan ahead and receive a consultation early on to determine if you will need braces, then you are enabled to create a budget for the future. Additionally, you may be able to receive treatment from a dental or orthodontic school for a reduced price- as long as you don’t mind a student poking around in your mouth while a professional supervises.

While the national averages for the different types of braces are listed above, each price differs depending on the individual patient and the individual orthodontist. Factors such as the amount of work needed, the treatment time, the Insurance company, and the payment plan all affect the final cost of orthodontic treatments. The only way to know exactly how much your treatment is going to cost is to set up an appointment with Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics in order to discuss an individual plan which works for you.

Through any and all of these means, Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris and the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics can help any patient achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they deserve. For more information, or to plan a complimentary consultation, visit Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics, the best orthodontists in Goleta, CA, or call 805.964.4786 today!