Invisalign®

Invisalign®

Are you considering Invisalign®? Invisalign invisible braces are available in addition to traditional and ceramic braces. With a series of computer-generated clear overlay templates, or aligners, we can gradually move your teeth into their correct positions as subtly as possible.

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are also removable, so you can easily eat, drink, brush, and floss as needed. The aligners are comfortable and have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

This system is available to teen and adult patients with certain orthodontic bite problems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign.

Braces

Braces

Orthodontics is more popular than ever. This popularity is due to the overwhelming success of improved treatments and technology. New technology produces better results with fewer visits and shortened treatment times. In some cases, we can eliminate months of treatment time for individuals. One example of recent improvements is nickel-titanium-alloy archwires. These have replaced the traditional stainless steel wires used in braces. This new technology provides our patients with a temperature-sensitive wire that allows for continuous movement of the teeth over longer periods of time. For our patients, this means enhanced comfort, decreased treatment time and fewer trips to the orthodontist.

Cosmetic improvements are also on the forefront of advances in orthodontics. Popular choices of our patients are ceramic braces, a translucent material that camouflages the brackets on your teeth. Today, brackets are smaller, more comfortable and more durable than older-style braces. The smaller brackets bond directly to the teeth. If you are looking for orthodontic treatment without the “metal-mouth” appearance, you may want to consider clear ceramic braces.

Common Problems | Kupiec Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

Common Problems | Kupiec Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

Loose brackets or bands

Call our office immediately for advice if a bracket or wire is loosened. The bracket may need to be re-fitted. You may have a situation that requires cutting a wire or sliding a bracket off a wire at night or over the weekend. If you need to cut a wire in case of emergency, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office the next business day, so that we may schedule an appointment for you. Please remember that three repairs are included in your treatment fee. After the third, we will charge for repairs.

Wire irritations

Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office for an appointment.

Lost separators

Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.

Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment

During the first week, after your braces are in place and routine adjustments are complete, you will likely feel some pain, soreness, or discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth or heating pad may reduce the soreness in your jaws.

Invisalign Braces

Meet Dr. Karson Kupiec | Kupiec Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

Meet Dr. Karson Kupiec | Kupiec Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry

Karson Kupiec, DDS, MS

Dr. Karson Kupiec is a second-generation orthodontist with multi-specialty orthodontic-pediatric offices in Rancho Santa Fe and Imperial Valley, California. Dr. Kupiec started practicing in 1999 and is focused on delivering the highest level of comprehensive care for adults and children.

Performing in the top 10% of his class during each of his four years in dental school, Dr. Kupiec received his dental degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. Simultaneously, he completed numerous research projects, publishing and presenting them to the International Association of Dental Research. Dr. Kupiec completed his residency at the University of Louisville where he received his Masters degree and orthodontic certificate. Since then, he has been featured in medical radio shows and dental publications as a leader in his industry

Dr. Kupiec is a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, California Dental Association, and the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists. He is also the president of the Imperial Valley Dental Society. The charismatic Orthodontist enjoys being part of the community by sponsoring local sports leagues, school fundraisers and church organizations. His practice hosts on-going field trips for girl scouts and kids from surrounding schools to tour the office and learn about dental care. He lectures at local businesses and schools in San Diego about orthodontics and how kids can implement a lifetime of good oral habits. Dr. Kupiec believes in giving back and has already been on numerous missionary trips to other countries such as Russia, Nicaragua, Mexico, Peru, Belize, Panama and more.

Kupiec Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry are your “Smile Outfitters,” with two facilities equipped with the latest tools and technological advances in the industry. Dr. Karson Kupiec and his staff of expert Dentists are dedicated to creating a positive experience every time you visit a Smile Outfitters office.  In his spare time, Dr. Kupiec enjoys being at home in Del Mar with his three children and spending time outdoors fishing, hiking or flying his plane.