Imagine being treated with a set of braces that are virtually undetectable.

That’s the beauty of Invisalign clear aligners. Treatment with Invisalign costs around the same as treatment with traditional braces, but Invisalign is more discreet, more comfortable, and more easily cared for than metal braces. Being treated with Invisalign in Santa Barbara County, CA by Dr. Kubisch and Ferris of Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics can correct a patient’s orthodontic issues without anyone ever noticing that they are wearing braces.

Invisalign instead of metal braces.

Image and self-esteem are critical personal issues for children, teens, and adults with a less-than-perfect smile. Dr. Kubisch and Ferris say that the real appeal of Invisalign clear aligners is the freedom to eat and drink whatever you want without worrying about damaging your dental work. Invisalign clear aligners are removable by the wearer, making cleaning, eating, and active pursuits more comfortable. When consuming acidic drinks such as soda and orange juice, Dr. Kubisch and Ferris always recommends removing your Invisalign to prevent the acids from getting trapped in the aligners and damaging one’s teeth.

Traditional braces are fixed.

That means they can’t be removed by the patient, and the various metal parts associated with metal braces can cause irritation in the mouth. Invisalign trays are made of clear plastic and can be removed and replaced as necessary. They require only a few simple cleanings each day. Invisalign is more comfortable and easier to care for than traditional braces.

Follow the instructions.

Pre-teens being treated with Invisalign risk interrupting the progress of their treatment by forgetting to wear the appliance. An Invisalign patient is afforded the opportunity to remove the trays before eating, and a pre-teen patient may forget to replace them in their mouth afterward.

Assuming your pre-teen is qualified for treatment with Invisalign, make sure too that they understand how to wear, clean, and store the Invisalign trays. For some pre-teens, it is easy to follow instructions at home, but in school your child may forget some of the responsibilities that come with being treated with Invisalign. With conscientious care and application, your pre-teen’s treatment with Invisalign will ensure a great set of healthy, straight teeth that will serve them well for a lifetime.

Invisalign works well for adults and teens, but only a professional like Dr. Kubisch and Ferris can help you decide if Invisalign treatment in Santa Barbara County, CA is the correct course of action to take in regard to your child’s orthodontic care. To learn more about treatment with Invisalign, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kubisch and Ferris, call Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics at: (805) 964-4786

The post Can Pre-Teens Get Invisalign Too? appeared first on Kubisch & Ferris.

Imagine being treated with a set of braces that are virtually undetectable.

That’s the beauty of Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign costs around the same as treatment with traditional braces, but is more discreet, more comfortable, and more easily cared for than metal braces. Being treated with Invisalign in Santa Barbara, CA by Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris of Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics can correct a patient’s orthodontic issues without anyone ever noticing that they are wearing braces.

Invisalign instead of metal braces.

Image and self-esteem are critical personal issues for children, teens, and adults with a less-than-perfect smile. Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris say that the real appeal of Invisalign clear aligners is the freedom to eat and drink whatever you want without worrying about damaging your dental work. Invisalign clear aligners are removable by the wearer, making cleaning, eating, and active pursuits more comfortable.

Traditional braces are fixed.

That means they can’t be removed by the patient, and the various metal parts associated with metal braces can cause irritation in the mouth. Invisalign trays are made of clear plastic and can be removed and replaced as necessary. They require only a few simple cleanings each day. Invisalign is more comfortable and easier to care for than traditional braces.

Follow the instructions.

Pre-teens being treated with Invisalign risk interrupting the progress of their treatment by forgetting to wear the appliance. An Invisalign patient is afforded the opportunity to remove the trays before eating, and a pre-teen patient may forget to replace them in their mouth afterward.

Assuming your pre-teen is qualified for treatment with Invisalign, make sure too that they understand how to wear, clean, and store the Invisalign trays. For some pre-teens, it is easy to follow instructions at home, but in school your child may forget some of the responsibilities that come with being treated with Invisalign. With conscientious care and application, your pre-teen’s treatment with Invisalign will ensure a great set of healthy, straight teeth that will serve them well for a lifetime.

Invisalign works well for adults and teens, but only professionals like Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris can help you decide if Invisalign treatment in Santa Barbara, CA is the correct course of action to take in regard to your child’s orthodontic care. To learn more about treatment with Invisalign, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris, call Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics at: 805.687.7417

The post Can Pre-Teens Get Invisalign Too? appeared first on Kubisch & Ferris.

The Menu

Foods that could damage traditional braces during eating are not an issue for Invisalign wearers because the trays are removable for meals. They are put aside while eating and are not affected by the food being consumed. When a patient progresses to a new set of Invisalign aligner trays, eating softer foods like pasta, eggs, or yogurt can ease any discomfort associated with chewing that might occur during the adjustment period to the new trays. Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris remind patients to be sure to brush and floss after each meal and before refitting the aligner trays. Sticky or sugary foods can cling to the surfaces of the teeth and promote tooth decay. Refitting the Invisalign trays after eating and not cleaning the teeth immediately will trap this food debris and create an environment for cavities and tooth decay.

The Accompaniments

Invisalign wearers are encouraged to remove the trays before consuming something that might stain them. Smoking and drinking wine while wearing Invisalign clear aligners is not recommended and may permanently stain the trays. Invisalign is made of a clear thermoplastic and is sensitive to heat. Hot liquids may distort the shape of the Invisalign aligner and affect its ability to perform as prescribed.

The Clean Up

Invisalign clear aligner trays are removable by the wearer for brushing, flossing, cleaning the trays, as well as for eating. Because you won’t be wearing your orthodontic appliance during your meal, you can eat as you normally would. Because the trays fit over the surface of the teeth, any food debris already there can cause more damage to the tooth’s enamel. It is important for the wearer to clean their teeth after eating and refitting the Invisalign tray.

Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris, and the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics in Goleta, CA help their patients achieve the most functional, straightest, and healthiest smiles possible using Invisalign clear aligners. For more information about how Invisalign can help you, call: 805.687.7417

The post What Foods Can I Eat with Invisalign? appeared first on Kubisch & Ferris.

• Has your child lost all of their baby teeth? While it is possible for orthodontic appliances to be started when a child still has all of their baby teeth, Dr. Raymond Kubisch recommends waiting until the child only has adult teeth so that they can all be aligned together and permanently.

• Have their molars grown in yet? When molars are already present in a child’s mouth, they then can be aligned with the rest of the teeth, which equates to a straighter smile at the end of treatment.

• Are there any serious problems in the mouth? About the age of 7, the mouth is often well developed and the baby teeth are beginning to fall out to make room for adult teeth. Dr. Andrew Ferris suggests to schedule an appointment with Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics around this time so your child’s teeth can be evaluated. Dr. Raymond Kubisch will evaluate your child’s teeth and discover if your child’s teeth are at the right time for braces (or if there are any problems that will become more serious in the future).

• Has your child met with an orthodontist? If your child does not meet with an orthodontist, he or she is not ready to get braces. Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics can give a full review of your child’s teeth and determine what type of braces would be best and when the ideal time to start treatment would be.

While anyone from the ages of six to one hundred can get braces, each patient is unique and must begin treatment at a time that is most appropriate for them. Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris of Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics in Santa Barbara, CA is happy to consult with each patient individually. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at: 805.687.7417

The post When Can My Child Get Braces? appeared first on Kubisch & Ferris.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners are plastic trays that the patient “updates” every two weeks to gradually straighten teeth. Each new aligner is straighter than the last and molds your teeth into a gradually straightened position. Each set of Invisalign or Invisalign Teen trays is made specifically for the patient’s teeth using advanced 3-D technology. These aligners are virtually invisible to anyone but the wearer.

What is Invisalign Teen?

Invisalign Teen works just like adult Invisalign, but Invisalign Teen has a method to help Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris know how often you are actually wearing your aligners. A small dot on the back of only the Invisalign Teen aligners changes color from blue to clear or white the more often the tray is worn. This dot is not included on adult Invisalign trays because it is assumed that adults are responsible enough to wear their aligners for the prescribed amount of time. The team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics recommends that Invisalign aligners be worn for at least 22 hours each day.

A difference between Invisalign and Invisalign Teen is the number of replacement aligners provided. Because of the active nature of a teen’s lifestyle, more replacement aligners are provided with Invisalign Teen, just in case a set gets broken or lost.

Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign or Invisalign Teen in Santa Barbara, CA has no real differences in terms of treatment. They are both similar in shape, material, treatable cases, and treatment, but Invisalign Teen is designed for the active teen.

Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris of Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics are experts in treatment with Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. For more information, contact Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics today at: 805.687.7417

The post What Is the Difference Between Invisalign and Invisalign Teen? appeared first on Kubisch & Ferris.

Braces are made with three basic parts: a bracket, a bonding mechanism or band, and an archwire. These all work to help with improving the development of your teeth, bite and jaw. If you’re experiencing a difference in the function of your braces, such as a loose brace or bracket, your braces may be broken and thus aren’t delivering the effective treatment your teeth need. The team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics in Goleta, CA are experts in informing and guiding patients on how to keep their braces in good working order and on track to deliver the best treatment outcome possible.

What can cause harm to my braces?

• Hard candies
• Ice cubes
• Gum, gummies, and other hard or sticky foods
• Injury to the face

There are several factors that can ultimately cause damage to your braces and prevent them from working as designed. The team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics know that sticky substances such as gum or hard foods can cause damage to the brackets and/or the wires of your braces. When adjusting to a newly fitted set of braces, it’s important to stay proactive and keep them safe, for instance, by eating softer foods at least initially. Stay aware of what foods you’re eating and what activities you are participating in. Not only will this keep your braces safe, but it will ensure your continued oral health, as well.

Some signs that your braces need to be fixed.

• Loose or missing bracket
• Broken or loose wire
• Severe discomfort or pain in your teeth, mouth, and/or jaw

Ways to avoid pain while wearing braces.

• Create a softer food diet (e.g., pasta, soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and other soft stuff).
• Rinse with warm salt water 2-to-3 times a day.
• Consult with your doctor and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed.

It’s normal to feel discomfort in and around your mouth while wearing braces, especially if they’ve been newly fitted. This pain doesn’t necessarily mean your braces are broken or ill-fitting. However, Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris say that if you continue to experience pain in your teeth, mouth or jaw, call your orthodontist immediately.

Don’t wait.

If you are an orthodontic patient and you think you’re experiencing a problem with your braces, waiting for your next appointment with your orthodontist may do more harm than good in the progress of straightening your smile. Don’t wait. Call Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris and the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics in Goleta, CA, at: 805.687.7417

The post How to Avoid Longer Treatment Time with Braces appeared first on Kubisch & Ferris.

• Mason Jar Flower Vase: Getting your mom flowers is sweet. But to make it extra special, why not add a hand painted jar. Head to your local craft store and pick up a mason jar and acrylic paints in her favorite colors. Now start painting! Allow the paint to dry completely between each coat, which usually takes a few hours. In the meantime, head out to the florist and grab a bouquet of your mom’s favorite flowers. Once the vase is painted and done, feel free to add some glitter, ribbon, etc. Gift idea number one = success.

• Canvas Art: There are a million things that you can do with a blank white canvas. After a quick search on Pinterest, we found tons of ideas. Using painter’s tape, you can easily create bold and neat shapes, or spell out words. Place the tape down wherever you want before you paint. Maybe create an abstract design, spell something out, or create a pattern, the options are endless. Then scratch down on the tape to ensure that no paint will smear under it. Then start decorating! Once the paint, markers, etc. is dry, carefully peel up the tape to reveal your masterpiece!

• Personalized Mug: If your mom loves coffee or tea, this is the perfect go-to present. All you need is a blank white mug, oil-based Sharpies (make sure they are oil-based because regular Sharpies might easily wipe off), and an oven. Plan out how you want to decorate the mug. If you can’t decide or need some inspiration, check out some mugs on Etsy or do a quick Google Image search. Once you’ve decided on a design, start drawing on the mug with your Sharpies. Be careful to not smudge the wet ink. Also, the darker color, the more likely they are to pop. Lighter colors tend to blend into the white and become less noticeable over time. Next, let the ink dry overnight or at least for a few hours. If you want, you can go back over the design once it is dry to ensure that it doesn’t wear off as easily over time. Once that is dry, put your mug into the oven before you even turn it on. Once it is in the oven, turn it on to 350 degrees and bake it for a half hour. Once the half hour is up, leave it in the oven to cool completely, this keeps it from cracking or getting damaged from the heat. Now, you have the perfect mug to give your mom this Mother’s Day! Just make sure that your mom knows the mug should be hand washed to preserve the design, no dishwasher!

Now it’s time to start planning! Hopefully these ideas help you decide on the perfect gift for your mom this Mother’s Day. From the team here at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics, we would like to wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day!

If you’re looking for an orthodontist near Goleta, CA, Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris have you covered. Call the Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics office today at 805.687.7417 to make an appointment or to learn more!

The post DIY Mother’s Day Presents appeared first on Kubisch & Ferris.

What’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

Surprisingly, there are actually more differences than similarities between an orthodontist and a dentist. All of us orthodontists require extra schooling and more experience within the dental field. A parallel situation would be to look at a doctor versus a surgeon; all surgeons can be doctors, but not all doctors are surgeons. The doctor must have decided to take special training to become a surgeon in a particular field. So if a dentist has determined their patient has a malocclusion, he/she will have to refer them to us orthodontists for treatment.

What do they provide?

Dentists typically deal with:

• Crowns
• Bridges
• Veneers
• Gum Disease
• Tooth Decay
• Tooth Whitening
• Root Canals

Orthodontists typically work to correct:

• Underbite
• Overbite
• Crowded teeth
• Misaligned teeth

Orthodontists work to correct these problems through several treatment plans, the most common orthodontic treatment options being both braces and Invisalign.

What You Need VS. What You Don’t

While a dentist can be qualified to offer orthodontic care in addition to extractions, TMJ treatments, and fillings, putting your smile in the hands of an orthodontist can better balance the procedures you need. Orthodontists help with crooked teeth, but they help patients with other matters as well. These include underbites and overbites, crossbites, spaces between teeth, overcrowding of teeth, and the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. Other problems with the jaw should also be taken care of by an orthodontist.

Any Questions?

If you’re still curious about the differences between dentistry and orthodontics, then feel free to call Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris and the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics. They can assist in answering any questions that you might have about orthodontics in Santa Carbara, CA. So what are you waiting for? Contact us at 805-687-7417 today to schedule an appointment and get the beautiful smile that you deserve, today!

The post Dentist or Orthodontist? What’s the Difference? appeared first on Kubisch & Ferris.

Many treats can cause destruction for those who have braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances. Certain treats can be the cause towards potential damage that can delay orthodontic treatment. Learn about what treats you can eat, what you should avoid to protect your teeth and gums, and what you can do to obtain the best oral health.

5 Tips for a Healthy Smile this Valentine’s Day:

• Avoid those hard, sticky, or chewy candies: You’ll find that these candies will stick to your mouth, making it more difficult for you to fully clean your teeth properly.
• If you are going to eat candy, stick to the melt-in-your-mouth chocolates: These tasty treats are just as enjoyable as any, and they are safer towards your overall oral health.
• Clean your teeth after every meal: If it isn’t possible to brush your teeth right away, rinse your mouth with a glass of water to rid your mouth of any leftover food and sugar. However, it is still extremely important to find time to brush your teeth later to get rid of the rest of the food and sugar.
• Remember to keep a healthy routine to maintain a clean looking mouth: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily in order to keep the development of your teeth and mouth bright and strong.
• Stay away from sugary drinks, such as soda: Drinks that contain sugar tend to contribute to the discoloration of your teeth and destroy tooth enamel and its protective outer layer. Some examples of healthier drinks are water, milk, and tea which all can be enjoyed instead of soda.

If you are new to the game of braces and orthodontics, you may be tempted by the candies that were once so easy for you to eat. However, on this Valentine’s Day, you have to be weary of what can do more harm than good to your mouth. Eating hard, chewy, and sticky candies such as Jolly Ranchers, lollipops, gum drops, popcorn, and caramel may not be as simple as it used to be. Consumption of these goods are not good for your dental care, and can be very difficult to clean off of teeth.

Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics wants to make sure your Valentine’s Day is filled with happiness and love and nothing should get in the way of this, especially your teeth. By following these five simple tips you should have a healthy and happy smile to brighten up your day. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics in Goleta, CA, contact our office by visiting or calling 805.964.4786 today.

The post 5 Tips for a Healthy Smile on Valentine’s Day appeared first on Kubisch & Ferris.

Most people know that basic orthodontic treatment makes your teeth stay strong, healthy and well-aligned, but they are often reluctant due to the prospect of having to wear unsightly and uncomfortable braces for a long period of time. The good news, is Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris near Montecito, CA can provide the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted without braces at all!

If used properly, Invisalign Teen, the clear alternative to braces for teenagers, can be used to treat many different types of orthodontic cases.

Before you decide to start treatment with Invisalign near Montecito, CA, it’s important to ask Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris and the team at Kubisch and Ferris Orthodontics several important questions:

1. Are you certified by Invisalign Teen?
2. How long have you been using Invisalign Teen to treat your cases?
3. Do you prefer to use Invisalign Teen or braces in my/my child’s case?
4. Do you use the latest advancements in technology to obtain the best results with Invisalign Teen?
5. Do you have any before and after pictures of your patients who used Invisalign Teen?

Invisalign Teen treatment is very innovative in comparison to traditional braces, due to the fact that they are more comfortable and very convenient. Since it is relatively new to the field of orthodontics, it’s important to choose an orthodontist like Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris who has quite a few years of experience using this method to straighten her patients’ teeth. This high-tech system revolves around creating precise scans of your bite using our 3D computer imaging system. We will design personal Invisalign aligners at the Kubisch and Ferris Orthodontics office via computer, and gradually shift each tooth individually until they are perfectly aligned.

Due to our experience with Invisalign Teen near Montecito, CA, we find that treatment with it is typically as effective as regular braces in the most frequent orthodontic issues we treat at Kubisch and Ferris Orthodontics. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris and the team, call us today at 805-687-7417.

The post Tips for Choosing an Invisalign Teen Provider appeared first on Kubisch & Ferris.