Our Blog

Although teeth seem to be solidly fixed in their sockets (at least they don’t wobble when we chew!), all teeth can easily be moved if Dr. Robert Kubo and Dr. James Kubo and our staff attach brackets and wires to them called braces. In the past, all braces were made of stainless steel, but today’s advanced dental technology gives people the option of wearing transparent, acrylic mouth trays called Invisalign®, or relying on traditional metal braces for correcting malocclusions.

Brackets, Slots, and Arch Wires – Oh My!

When light pressure is consistently exerted on teeth, they will gradually move in the direction of the force. For example, affixing brackets to front teeth and threading a flexible, metal wire through tiny slots on the front of the brackets allows the orthodontist to tighten this arch wire enough to initiate desired movement of teeth. Generally, orthodontic patients visit Kubo Orthodontic Group once a month to have this wire tightened to keep teeth moving in the desired direction.

Tissues surrounding the teeth that experience pressure from arch wires will slowly (and, for the most part, painlessly) stretch, and allow the socket to enlarge so the tooth and its root become looser temporarily. This allows the root to move without causing bleeding or pain. Once Dr. Robert Kubo and Dr. James Kubo and our staff are satisfied with the repositioning of teeth, we will remove the braces and let bone material fill in the socket so that teeth are solidified into their new (and straighter) positions.

Clear Braces vs. Traditional Braces

Both types of orthodontic corrective devices move teeth in the same manner: by applying a continual force against teeth. Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are mouth trays made of hard acrylic material that people wear for at least 23 hours a day. Unlike metal braces, Invisalign can be removed for eating and brushing purposes and the aligners are nearly invisible because of their transparency.

Invisalign aligners are usually reserved for people with gaps between their teeth or whose teeth are only slightly crooked. Traditional metal braces are often necessary when severe malocclusion exists and requires more pressure than Invisalign offers.

Parent’s Point of View 

Engineering and Design – Product. Process. Progress. 

Engineering and product design is fascinating. As a family of engineers, it is interesting to observe and analyze the engineering and design of products; this includes Invisalign. Most people do not pay much attention; but when you invest a substantial amount of hard-earned funds into braces, retainers, or Invisalign, it is always good to know what you are getting. 

I did not know what to expect with Invisalign. I had researched the product but until I saw my first set, it was like a blind date; I did not know what to expect. When I held my first set in my hand, my first impression was the sturdiness of the trays. And when Dr. Kubo placed them on my teeth, they fit like a glove. 

The glove is tight and form fitting, but this is only way to reach the goal of straight teeth. From an aesthetic point of view, no one really notices them. They don’t modify appearance much. They do modify speech, but it simply takes time to get used to talking with them. They do modify daily habits; you get used to having to take them off, eat, and put them back on. They limit my ability to snack because I don’t want to go through the off, rinse, and back on process; but that is not such a bad thing. It’s actually a very good thing. Over all, my attention to my general health and oral hygiene has been more of a priority, which is a good thing. 

Back to the design of the product. The engineering of the trays is solid. The materials are strong and made with precision. The process of producing the tray by scan is efficient and the trays are customized. The tray was much stronger than I anticipated; sturdy and designed for each individual. 

You can see the shift with each tray. As each week passes and I change my tray, the alignment of my teeth improve. The trays reflect the weekly progress. When I peeked ahead at a tray 4 weeks ahead, the tray was closer to being straight. This was the visual I needed to keep going; it’s always nice to see the end goal. The progress is gradual, and the shift is healthy. There is a level of uncomfortableness, but it’s just like the glove is tighter. You get used to it until the next set. Then it may get tight again, but it is worth it. 

Through research and discovery, there are many products out there. After holding my Invisalign and wearing them on my teeth for 8 weeks into the process; I am impressed with the product, the process, and am seeing results. 

We are all stewards of our finances; and as we invest in our orthodontic care, it is a good feeling to know the product we choose is what is best for our children and ourselves. Discovering what is the best product and process is essential. The effort, time and financial investment is worth it.   

We are worth it. The product is worth it. The effort is worth 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 

Quarantine. Missing happy normal smiles. 

Ah the quarantine. Yes, it has affected us all. I am still in shock that it has happened and is still continuing. Everything is surreal in my mind; I cannot wrap around the idea that people all over the world and their families are struggling through this horrible time. My heart and prayers go to everyone going through it. 

My experience through this has been pretty normal. At first, it did not feel much different from a normal break. It was kind of like spring break came early and we just got an extra week off. Then after spring break ended, I feel like it has been different. I know stores are only letting a certain amount of people in. I know that everyone is exhausted of staying inside and not being able to see friends or socialize. I mean, I get it; I am too. 

I would even say I miss school a lot. Being without school has made me realize how much I miss it. I cannot imagine how it is affecting parents and adults. I have heard that many companies cannot afford to have workers anymore so parents of children, college students, and others are losing their jobs to this terrible incident. 

I know Dr. Kubo is taking great care of his co-workers and is still in business. This makes me happy knowing that there are still places that are still working around this situation they were put in; and still doing their job. I know it is hard, but I think they are doing a great job. 

For a time, I had to wear the same retainers because Dr. Kubo was trying to figure a way around all of this. Eventually, he came up with a curbside pick-up and is just having customers pick up their next set of Invisalign by driving by and getting what they need. This is very efficient and I think it can work well for the clients; it has worked well for my mom and me. 

Once I got my new set it was like back to normal. I change them and keep them clean; then change them the next week. I am sad that I did not get to see any of the normal happy smiles I usually see in the office, but I know they are working through this to provide for their own families and make the best of this quarantine life.

The idea for Earth Day was the brainchild of Gaylord Nelson, a senator from Wisconsin. He envisioned an Earth Day that would be a kind of environmental teach-in. The first Earth Day celebration took place on April 22, 1970, and a surprising 20 million people participated on that day. Ultimately, it became the largest organized celebration in US history.

Earth Day Over the Years

Over the years, the recognition of the day, and the number of people celebrating it all over the world, turned Earth Day into an international celebration. Because it is celebrated throughout the world, it is not only the largest international environmental observation, but it is also more widely celebrated than any other environmental event in the world. Today, Earth Day is celebrated in 175 countries where over 500 million people participate in celebrations.

The Earth Day Movement

The Earth Day movement is credited with developing the idea that people should “think green”. It encouraged congress to enact laws, including one that resulted in the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. It also inspired the passage of the Endangered Species Act.

The Five R's and Their Importance

• Reduce – Reduce by avoiding unnecessary purchases. Reduce your use of materials that wind up in landfills. Reduce the use of chemicals around your house. Reduce your use of disposable bags, plates, cups, eating utensils, and batteries.
• Reuse – Instead of using plastic bags for your groceries or purchases, bring your own reusable bags. When you go to buy coffee at Starbucks, take a travel mug so you don't have to get your coffee in a disposable paper cup. Instead of storing food in disposable refrigerator containers, buy containers that can be washed and reused. Don't use regular batteries. Whenever possible, opt for rechargeable batteries that you can reuse.
• Recycle – Most cities offer a recycling program to collect used bottles, cans, and newspapers. Recycling includes collecting recyclable materials that would otherwise be considered waste, sorting and processing recyclables into raw materials such as fibers and manufacturing raw materials into new products.
• Re-buy – Make an effort to purchase things that are made through recycling. When purchasing furniture, look for items that are made from reclaimed wood. When buying paper for kids school work, computer printer paper, holiday cards, or anything else, make a point of purchasing recycled paper products. Instead of buying clothing at full retail price, shop for second hand clothing. You will save a lot of money by doing so!
• Rethink – Rethink the way you do things so that you do them in an eco-conscious way at all times. Instead of driving to work alone, consider taking the bus or going in a carpool. Walk or ride your bike when you're only going a short distance. Plan your shopping trips and errand runs so that you can do everything on one day, and do it in a way where you can save time and gas.

Other ways to "think green" include growing your own food, composting yard waste and food scraps, or by participating in local recycling programs. Join a group like Freecycle so you can share your unneeded and unwanted possessions with people who can use them. Likewise, you'll be able to get things you need or want for free.

Earth Day teaches people that the planet belongs to everyone, so everyone is equally responsible for protecting it. Although Earth Day is an environmental celebration, our team at Kubo Orthodontic Group wants to remind you that you don't have to wait until then to make changes that will allow you and your family to live a greener life.

Happy Earth Day from the team at Kubo Orthodontic Group.

Parent’s Point of View 

Kubo legacy - multi generations family of orthodontists - multi generations patients 

Legacy. According to the Cambridge dictionary, legacy is defined as something that is a part of your history or that remains from an earlier time. When we first began to research Orthodontic care; the staff at Kubo Orthodontics impressed us. From the very first interaction, to our first appointment it was definitely the people who went above and beyond. 

There was a professionalism that was superior. There was consistency in high standards. There was efficiency. Each person knew their role and did their job with excellence; from scheduling, to dental assisting, to finances; the standard was high. Exceptionalism is rare. 

Over a few conversations, I discovered the Kubo family legacy. The Kubo’s had a distinctively respected past, a history dating back to the beginning in 1949. It was then, that Kubo Orthodontics was born and Jim and Bob have carried the traditions that their father established. 

Over 70 years of family legacy. This is something special; a father establishing a well-respected orthodontist  practice in the 1940’s and his two sons carrying on his legacy in 2020 and going forward. 

While waiting on the bench for my daughter, a mother began to tell me how she was a patient many years ago and she is now bringing her two sons in for orthodontic care. Multi generation of doctors; and multi generation of patients. This is the Kubo legacy. Over 70 years of healthcare and contributions to the Central Valley. 

Experience and excellence is a must when it comes to healthcare. Assurance and confidence in treatment is what we all desire. 70+ years of consistency is impressive. I thought I was just getting straight teeth; but it is much more than that. It is knowing that there are great people doing great things for us and the next generation. 

As parents, we have a responsibility to surround our children by the finest. And if multiple generations of families have relied on the Kubo’s for over 70 years, that is essential evidence. It demonstrates high standards and consistency. 

A legacy is established by the great people within it; and when you know you are surrounded by good people, there is a palpable feeling of reassurance. 

The industry of orthodontic care has changed over the past 70 years; and as technology continues to shift, methods and treatment plans will evolve. 

Orthodontic care has changed, but have people changed over the past century? 

70 years ago a great person was a great person. And 70 years from now, a great person will be a great person. 

Over 70 years of exemplary service is rare. Over 70 years of great people is even more rare. 

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 

Most un-chaotic place. Good Vibes. Good People. 

This appointment was more of a fun one for me. It was the first time I was going to get bands on my teeth. We went in the morning this time because we planned this appointment well in advance. I couldn’t wait for something new to happen to my teeth. 

We arrived and walked in. Everything seemed familiar like this was the hundredth time I’ve done it. I walked in, signed in, and sat down. I always love the choice of music. The one thing I really like about the rooms, is the people inside never fail to make you feel comfortable. 

I feel like the vibes are always really good when you come in. I think that it is the most un-chaotic place; it’s just quiet and peaceful. They called us back and it was really quick. We headed back and I sat down, waiting to be called to my seat. 

They eventually called and had me sit in one chair and my mom right next to me. I couldn’t hold my excitement anymore. I just wanted to know what bands felt like. I feel like I had many stories about people hating bands and how tight they were, but the weird thing was I was more excited than I was dreading it. 

They had me lay back and check if I had any brackets missing. They saw I did not, so they continued with the procedure. Dr. Kubo came and started adding these metal things to my teeth that would hold the band. He explained all the steps to me and why they were needed. He put them on my teeth and it was nothing like I was expecting. It was not tight at all. I just felt the bands in my mouth but I didn’t feel the tightness like everyone tells me about. 

I looked in the mirror and I could barely see them because they were clear. After Dr. Kubo left to go work on my mom, the lady explained that my teeth might feel a little tender after and I can eat whatever but just be careful. She gave me a bag of bands and told me to change them every now and then to keep the tightness intact. 

Then I grabbed my stuff while my mom was finishing up. We went back to the front desk ladies after saying goodbye to Dr. Kubo. They were nice, as always; then we walked out. When I got to school, no one noticed I had bands; I had to point it out to them. After a while, my teeth were a little tender; but I knew it was all worth it in the end.