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Most of our patients at Orthodontics Unlimited by Dr. Kuruvadi & Associates will need to wear rubber bands at some point during their orthodontic treatment. The main reason our patients are instructed to wear rubber bands is to correct their bite. If your teeth do not fit together properly, Dr. Sanjay Kuruvadi will recommend that rubber bands be used. Dr. Sanjay Kuruvadi may also recommend using rubber bands to close or open spaces.

Rubber bands are a critical part of your treatment, and wearing them as Dr. Sanjay Kuruvadi and our team recommend will help move your teeth into the desired position. Dr. Sanjay Kuruvadi may ask you to wear your rubber bands full time, meaning that they should only be taken out when you brush and floss your teeth three times a day. Other times, you may be asked to only wear them part-time, like only during the day or only during sleep.

If you still have any questions about orthodontic rubber bands, we invite you to give us a call or ask us during your next adjustment appointment. Remember, wearing rubber bands as prescribed by Dr. Sanjay Kuruvadi is an important step during your treatment, and can reduce the time you have your braces. If you lose your rubber bands or run out, stop by our Chula Vista or El Cajon, CA office and pick up more!

Now that many of the schools in Chula Vista or El Cajon, CA are back in session, Dr. Sanjay Kuruvadi would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs, sports, and family duties to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Orthodontics Unlimited by Dr. Kuruvadi & Associates this fall. In order to accommodate all of our patients’ busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with a convenient appointment time.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you’re unable to make your regularly scheduled appointment with Dr. Sanjay Kuruvadi and our team. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

We’ll see you soon and hope summer is winding down nicely for you and your family!

These days it's becoming more and more common to see adults at our Chula Vista or El Cajon, CA office getting their teeth straightened with Invisalign clear aligners — that is, if you can see them! Treatment with Invisalign is effective and aesthetically pleasing for all ages, but adults have certainly taken to them.

For some it may be to overcome the stigma that "braces are just for kids," but for others it may be the displeasing appearance and discomfort of traditional braces. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, from 1994 to 2010 the number of adults 18 and older getting braces increased by 58 percent, from 680,000 to 1.1 million annually. Many of these adults opt for Invisalign because of how discreet they are and since they don't need to avoid any foods or make dietary changes like you do with traditional braces.

The benefits of getting your teeth into proper alignment are many, and so are the advantages of Invisalign. By following your individual course of Invisalign treatment, you can expect to enjoy the following benefits over traditional braces:

• The total treatment time is more precise with Invisalign since your treatment is modeled by a computer, as compared to traditional braces where it is really just an estimate.
• You'll need to make fewer trips to our Chula Vista or El Cajon, CA office since you can change your trays on your own every few weeks or as prescribed.
• There's less risk to the health of your tooth enamel since there is no need to place brackets on your teeth.
• Invisalign aligners are clear and practically invisible, so most people won't even know you're wearing them!

If you're interested in Invisalign treatment, please let Dr. Sanjay Kuruvadi know. We'd be happy to help you on your journey to a straighter, healthier smile!

A vital step in your oral health routine is flossing. We hope our patients at Orthodontics Unlimited by Dr. Kuruvadi & Associates maintain good oral hygiene, including daily flossing between each visit to our Chula Vista or El Cajon, CA office. A toothbrush is not always enough to get to the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. When food remains between your teeth, bacteria starts to grow and will break down your enamel. This is where flossing comes in!

Should you floss before or after brushing?

Whatever your personal preference, you may floss before or after you brush your teeth. When you floss first, you can brush away any leftover dislodged food debris from your teeth. On the other hand, when you brush first, you will loosen the plaque between your teeth, which makes flossing more effective.

The essential aspect is that you floss thoroughly by using a fresh strand of floss and make sure to get between every tooth. Even if your teeth look and feel clean, don’t skip flossing or plaque will begin to build up on your teeth.

When is the best time to floss?

Although you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, Dr. Sanjay Kuruvadi and our team recommend flossing your teeth thoroughly once a day. Many people prefer to floss before bed, so that plaque doesn’t sit between their teeth all night.

What kind of floss should I use?

You may choose between interdental cleaning picks or flexible floss strands to perform your daily flossing routine. If you have permanent oral appliances or restorations, be sure to follow the flossing instructions provided to you.

Do you need help flossing?

If you’re having trouble flossing or have questions about which floss is best for your teeth, contact our Chula Vista or El Cajon, CA office and we can provide you with support. Be sure to keep up with your daily flossing routine, and we will see you at your next appointment!