How to identify the need for early orthodontic intervention

As parents, it’s important to be aware of early signs that may indicate your child could benefit from braces. Addressing orthodontic issues early can prevent them from becoming more complex and costly.

Here are some key signs to watch for, along with guidance on what early orthodontic treatment can look like for kids.

• Crowded or Spaced Teeth: If your child’s teeth appear crowded or too spaced out, it could be a sign of misalignment that requires correction.
• Bite Issues: Look for overbites, underbites, or crossbites, as these can affect jaw function and facial symmetry.
• Jaw Misalignment: Uneven jaw growth might need attention to prevent issues later on.
• Difficulty Chewing or Biting: These problems might point to bitten issues that orthodontics can correct.
• Mouth Breathing: Regular mouth breathing, not related to allergies or colds, may signal jaw alignment issues.
• Prolonged Thumb-Sucking: Persistent thumb-sucking after age five can lead to shifted teeth and bite problems.
• Speech Challenges: Speech impairments can sometimes result from dental misalignment.

Ensuring your child receives an orthodontic evaluation by age seven, as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists, is crucial. An early assessment can catch potential orthodontic problems, allowing for monitoring and planning of any necessary interventions.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early orthodontic evaluation is not only about aesthetics; it addresses crucial functional problems. Starting treatment early can guide the growth of your child’s teeth and jaw, leading to several benefits:

• Improved Chewing and Speech: Correcting bite issues enhances oral function.
• Simplified Oral Hygiene: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing cavity risk.
• Boosted Self-Esteem: A healthy smile helps increase a child’s confidence.

Types of Orthodontic Treatment for Kids

The two most common orthodontic treatment options for kids include metal braces and Invisalign. Traditional braces are effective for complex corrections and are more comfortable than ever before. Kids may also enjoy “customizing” their look through unique color brackets. Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, are removable, offering flexibility to kids’ eating habits and involvement with sports and other activities.

The Orthodontic Consultation Process

• X-Rays: We will review recent X-rays from your child’s general or pediatric dentist, or conduct a free X-ray ourselves if one is not available.
• Evaluation: A board-certified orthodontist will evaluate and decide if early treatment is right for your child.
• Treatment Begins: If early treatment is required, it can begin as soon as the same day of your evaluation!

For any concerns, schedule an orthodontic consultation today to ensure your child enjoys a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles. Make an early orthodontic evaluation a priority.

Clarifying myths: understanding early orthodontic care for kids

The earlier that your child’s orthodontic issues are addressed, the more likely they are to have a healthy, straight smile that lasts a lifetime. But many misconceptions exist around early orthodontic care. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we would like to demystify this topic to help you make the most informed decision possible as a parent or guardian. Early orthodontic treatment isn’t right for every child, but your child may benefit from this treatment to address their specific dental issues.

We encourage you to read on to learn the truth about early orthodontic care and spot the signs that your child may need it.

Misconception: Orthodontic treatment is only for teens and adults.

In orthodontia as in many other parts of health, early treatment often helps to prevent more severe problems down the line. Treatments like the Invisalign® Palatal Expander System were specifically developed for kids ages six to 10 and work to expand the jaw to make room for permanent teeth. So, right now could be the perfect time to address issues with your child’s jaw and teeth.

Misconception: Early orthodontic care is only right for severe cases.

Your child’s case doesn’t have to be severe for them to benefit from early treatment, and our team can handle everything from minor overbites to major issues like overcrowded and misaligned teeth.

Misconception: Early braces are a time-consuming treatment.

The length of treatment depends entirely on your child’s case. Some treatments can take just a few months!

Misconception: Treatment is painful.

Our team will take every step to ensure your child’s treatment is as easy as possible. In fact, Invisalign’s system is designed for comfort, so your child won’t experience the discomfort from brackets and wires commonly associated with braces.

Signs That Your Child Needs Treatment

As children grow, their teeth can have a significant impact on how they speak and feel about themselves. That’s why early orthodontic treatment can be so essential. Mouth breathing, difficulty chewing, teeth grinding, speech problems, misaligned or crowded teeth, and mouth or jaw pain can be early signs of orthodontic issues and get in the way of your child’s development.

If you notice any of these warning signs, we recommend making an appointment for your child at Adirondack Orthodontics so that we can assess your child’s mouth and jaw to see if treatment is necessary.

Turn to Us with Your Concerns

You want the best care possible for your child, and that’s just what we’ll provide at Adirondack Orthodontics. Phase 1 treatment (orthodontic care for children) can address issues like overcrowding and spacing before they worsen.

Call our office today to make an appointment for your child and set them up for the healthy smile they deserve!

Begin 2025 with confidence

Not everyone makes an official list of goals for the year ahead, and that’s ok! Some people prefer to go with the flow and take life as it comes. But even if you don’t have a list of things to accomplish this year, you should still make sure every year involves care for your mental and physical health.

An important part of this is tending to the health of your smile. If you want a straight, healthy smile that gives you confidence, consider orthodontic treatment early this year. By the time 2026 rolls around, you could have the smile of your dreams!

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we take the stress out of the process by providing a free consultation for each patient. Keep reading to learn what to expect.

Complimentary Consultation

Our initial consultation will set you up for affordable orthodontic treatment tailored to meet your needs. The first appointment will be completely free for you and will include the following:

• X-Rays & Photos: We will use state-of-the-art technology to take X-rays and photos of your teeth.
• Evaluation: One of our trained and professional orthodontists will provide an examination and assess your X-rays and photos.
• Treatment Options: The orthodontist will discuss treatment options and help you understand which ones may best suit your needs.
• Coordination: Working with our coordinator, you will come up with a financial plan that works with your budget.

Once we’ve created a plan that covers everything, we won’t delay starting your treatment. In fact, depending on the course of treatment recommended and what you decide, your treatment could start during your very first visit!

Orthodontic Care That Fits Your Budget

Adirondack Orthodontics is proud to participate with most insurance plans and provides a variety of financing options. We work with CareCredit and offer a family discount, teacher discount, military service member discount, and more. We do everything we can to make your treatment as affordable as possible.

When you visit for your free consultation, be sure to bring your insurance card (if you have insurance) and fill out our health history form. If you have any questions, reach out before your appointment. We’d be happy to give you the answers you need to ensure your consultation goes as smoothly as possible.

Schedule a Consultation Today

The smile of your dreams is closer than you think. Make an in-person or virtual appointment at one of our locations to start your journey. We have six locations throughout the Capital Region for you to choose from. We look forward to serving you, so schedule your appointment today!

Debunking myths and unveiling truths about adult orthodontic treatment

Everyone deserves a straight, healthy smile that gives them confidence and helps them look and feel their very best. While many people are fortunate enough to receive the dental and orthodontic care that will give them that smile in their youth, that doesn’t always happen.

Whether you never had braces in your younger years or your teeth have changed throughout adulthood, orthodontic care may be the answer. After all, there’s no such thing as being too old for a healthy smile.

Read below to learn the truth about some of the most common misconceptions about adult orthodontics. And remember: no matter your age, you can get the orthodontic care you need and deserve with help from Adirondack Orthodontics.

Myth: Orthodontics are only for kids/teenagers.

Fact: Orthodontic care is for adults, too! While orthodontic treatment such as braces is commonly associated with children and teenagers, adults of all ages are increasingly opting for treatment to improve their smile and boost their confidence.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment appears unprofessional.

Fact: There is nothing unprofessional about taking control of your health and working toward your goals. However, if you want a more discreet option, clear aligners like Invisalign can help you achieve the smile of your dreams with no one at work being the wiser.

Learn more about elevating confidence with Invisalign on our blog.

Myth: Braces are too painful.

Fact: These days, options like Invisalign make orthodontic treatment more comfortable and convenient. If you’re worried about the feeling of brackets and wires, Invisalign’s series of clear trays may be the right fit for you.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment is too expensive.

Fact: At Adirondack Orthodontics, we work with most insurances and can help create a payment plan that works for you. We even have some exclusive offers that you may be able to take advantage of!

Myth: Orthodontic treatment takes longer for adults.

Fact: Your age doesn’t dictate how long your treatment will take! The duration of your treatment depends on your teeth. We can give you more information about the estimated length of your treatment during your initial appointment.

We hope we’ve debunked your misconceptions about adult orthodontic treatment. It’s never too late to get the orthodontic and dental care you need! If you have any other concerns or you’re ready to schedule your free initial consultation, reach out to our team today. Adirondack Orthodontics is proud to have numerous locations to serve you.

Maximize comfort and results with Invisalign guidance

Invisalign is one of the most well-known orthodontic treatments, and for good reason. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners, or trays, to slowly move your teeth into the desired positions. Discreet and more comfortable than braces, Invisalign allows you to go about your day with minimal disruption.

If you plan to straighten your teeth with Invisalign or you’re currently undergoing treatment, take a look below at some important tips for wearing and caring for your trays!

Remove Your Trays to Eat

While braces stay in place for the duration of your treatment, Invisalign trays can and should be removed while you eat. Removing your trays is especially important if you’re eating foods like hard nuts, sticky candy, apples, and pizza crust. And don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth after eating!

Take Care of Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth is important even when you’re not undergoing orthodontic treatment, but it’s even more important when you are. Be sure to brush your teeth before you put your aligner trays in and after you take them out. Failing to brush your teeth can leave food particles caught between your teeth and encourage the growth of bacteria that can cause issues like tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease.

Keep Your Aligners Clean

Clean your Invisalign trays twice a day, just like you brush your teeth. You can purchase Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or simply wash your aligners with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Once you’ve brushed every surface of the trays, give them a good rinse.

Store Your Trays with Care

Invisalign trays should be worn approximately 20 to 22 hours a day, which leaves time for eating meals and caring for your teeth. When you need to remove your trays for any reason, be sure to wash them and store them in the case we’ve provided for you. The case will protect your trays from damage and help you keep track of them.

Turn to the Team at Adirondack Orthodontics

If you’ve damaged your Invisalign trays or you have any questions about taking care of them, be sure to contact our team at Adirondack Orthodontics. We’re here to provide you with top-notch orthodontic treatment as well as education about how to properly care for your teeth during the process.

Get the most out of your health savings or flexible spending account

As the year winds down, it’s crucial to evaluate your finances, particularly the funds held within your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). These accounts are valuable tools for managing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, offering significant tax advantages. Yet, they also have restrictions, most notably the “use it or lose it” policy for FSAs. This stipulation means that unspent funds may be forfeited at the year’s end, though many FSAs offer a grace period extending into mid-March of the following year. This article explores how these accounts can be optimally utilized for orthodontic care, ensuring your investments contribute to both your health and financial wellbeing.

Understanding HSAs and FSAs

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) differ not only in structure but in application. HSAs are companion accounts to high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), allowing you to set aside pre-tax income for future medical expenses. Contributions roll over annually, offering continuous savings potential. FSAs, typically employer-sponsored, provide similar tax benefits but with annual forfeiture of unspent funds, save for a possible grace period or limited carryover options.

Orthodontics: A Smart Investment for Your HSA/FSA

Orthodontic treatment is often an investment. Utilizing an HSA or FSA can alleviate the financial burden by covering costs related to braces, Invisalign, retainers, and other necessary procedures. November is the perfect time to use the rest of your money to invest in a healthy smile.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we can help you put those dollars to work. Here are a few spending options:

Clear Your Balance

Paying off outstanding balances reduces financial stress and frees both your mind and finances for the upcoming year. Any amount in your FSA or HSA can contribute to settling these balances, easing your financial commitments.

Enhance & Protect Your Smile

Once orthodontic treatment concludes, maintaining results is paramount. Investing in our Smile Protection Plan safeguards your orthodontic investment, providing you with the whitening kits and retainers you need to keep your smile white and bright.

Buy a New Invisalign Case

Whether your current Invisalign case is old and worn out or you simply want one that better reflects your style, you can use your FSA/HSA towards this purchase.

Act Quickly – Call Us Today!

Now is the perfect time to ensure you make the most of your FSA/HSA before you can no longer use it. The team at Adirondack Orthodontics can help you put your money to work, no matter your orthodontic goals. Contact us online if you’d like to schedule an appointment or utilize any of the above options. We look forward to helping you access the orthodontic services you need at a price you can afford!

Learn how to floss correctly when wearing braces

During orthodontic treatment, maintaining proper oral health habits like brushing and flossing is essential. After all, if you’re investing so much in a healthy smile, you’ll want to make sure you take good care of it! While most people know to regularly brush their teeth, many put off flossing until right before an orthodontic or dental appointment. Unfortunately, failing to floss can result in a dangerous buildup of plaque, which could cause a cavity.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we aim to equip our patients with dental hygiene knowledge so they can take better care of their teeth. If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment and you’re not sure how to floss your teeth when you have braces, we can help! Keep reading to learn more.

The Importance of Flossing with Braces

The primary aim of flossing is to remove plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—from the areas between your teeth that aren’t reached by brushing alone. This task becomes even more essential when you have braces, as brackets and wires can obstruct easy access to these regions, increasing the chances of significant plaque buildup and potential tooth decay. Effective flossing is not just about maintaining aesthetics; it involves preventing long-term oral health complications.

Utilize a Water Flosser

A water flosser is a helpful tool for getting those hard-to-reach areas. In fact, according to a study, the Waterpik™ flosser in particular was found to be three times as effective as string floss for orthodontic patients! Your water flosser should come with instructions, but here are a few simple things to remember:

• Fill the water reservoir
• Insert the tip into the handle
• Change to your desired pressure
• Place the tip of the flosser in your mouth
• Turn on the flosser and aim it at the gum line. Then work your way around the tooth, being sure to tend to the brackets and the areas between teeth

Floss By Hand

If you’re used to flossing by hand or a water flosser is cost prohibitive, flossing manually is always an option! A floss threader is affordable and can assist you with flossing with braces. Use the floss threader to help you get the floss behind each wire. Once it’s there, wrap the end of the floss around one finger on each hand. Then, simply floss as you always have; use a “C” motion to get between the teeth and up by the gums to remove food particles.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Flossing with braces may be difficult initially, but several solutions can ease the learning curve:

• Patience is Key: It might take longer to floss when you have braces. Devote this extra time to encourage thorough cleaning as hasty techniques may damage the wires or irritate your gums.
• Gentle Method: Always handle your floss with care to avoid snapping it into your gums. Such rigorousness can lead to discomfort or tears around your braces.
• Consistency and Routine: Incorporate flossing into your regular oral hygiene routine. Aim to floss daily, ideally at night, to remove any remaining particles accumulated during the day.

Get the Healthy Smile of Your Dreams!

The team at Adirondack Orthodontics is standing by to give you your ideal smile. But we can’t do that without your help. Make sure you floss each day, in addition to brushing your teeth, to keep your teeth healthy and plaque-free. If you have any further questions about how to floss, reach out to us. We’d be happy to help!

For more dental hygiene advice, review our guide on how to brush your teeth with braces.

Embrace change with a new smile

Autumn is here, and there’s no better time to consider starting adult orthodontic treatment! Between the cozy fires, changing leaves, and festive pumpkin spices, fall is a season of transformation, making it perfect for embarking on your journey to a new smile. Here are some compelling reasons why fall is a great time to start your orthodontic treatment.

More Availability and Convenience

With the kids back in school and summer vacations coming to an end, fall gifts you with more personal time. This added availability makes it easier to schedule and keep up with orthodontic appointments. Fall gives you the space to focus on your own healthcare needs, including visits to your orthodontist.

Preparation for the Holidays

Starting your orthodontic treatment now means by the time the holiday season rolls around, you’ll already be adjusted to your braces or Invisalign. The initial discomfort will be behind you, meaning you can dive into your holiday bucket list without any interruptions.

Optimal Health Management

Aligning the start of your orthodontic treatment with the beginning of the fall season gives you ample time to properly manage and incorporate new oral care habits into your daily routine. Orthodontic treatments require particular attention to cleaning and routine check-ups; fall sets a calm pace that can help you get into the habit of maintaining increased oral hygiene.

Learn more about brushing with braces or cleaning and maintaining your Invisalign aligners on our blog.

Looking Ahead to Next Year

Starting in the fall not only gives you a head start before the holidays but also primes you for a stunning transformation to greet next summer! It’s the perfect time frame to notice significant progress and give yourself a confidence boost as the year ends and a new one begins.

Align Your Start with Insurance Benefits

Fall also coincides with the end of the calendar year. This is a critical period for utilizing any remaining dental insurance benefits or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars. Many insurance plans operate on a calendar year basis, so starting your orthodontic treatment in the fall allows you to maximize these benefits and possibly even double up on your coverage when the new year begins.

Easy Scheduling and Less Wait

Orthodontists tend to be busier during the summer months due to families trying to fit treatments around their schedules. The pace typically slows down in the fall, making it an excellent time to start treatment with potentially shorter wait times and more flexible appointment availability.

Building Healthy Routines

Fall signifies a return to routine for many families, making it an ideal time to integrate new care habits necessary for orthodontic treatment. With school schedules back in place, it’s easier to establish a consistent, effective oral care routine that complements your orthodontic process.

Let Us Help!

Get started on your journey to a perfect smile by scheduling a free consultation with Adirondack Orthodontics online. Our convenient locations in Albany, Clifton Park, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, Latham, and Schenectady, NY help kids and adults achieve straight, beautiful smiles.

Discover 10 fun facts about Adirondack Orthodontics

Happy National Orthodontic Health Month from the team at Adirondack Orthodontics! To celebrate this important month, we decided to share fun facts about our practice with you.

1. Blue Diamond+ Status

We’re proud to set ourselves apart as a top tier Blue Diamond+ Invisalign provider. This means that we’ve treated over 10,000 cases, putting us in the top 1% of Invisalign providers in North America.

2. Highly Specialized Team

Our team of orthodontic specialists are extensively trained in the field and have been recognized for their expertise and excellence. For example, Dr. Berenshteyn was named one of the Capital Region’s 40 under 40 by the Albany Business Review in 2019.

3. Lifetime Smile Guarantee™

We keep patients smiling – for good. We provide a Lifetime Smile Guarantee™: once you complete your treatment with us, your smile is 100% guaranteed for the rest of your life.

4. ABO Certification

Our orthodontists are board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). This extensive process requires measurable accomplishments in patient care with a vetting process by the examining board. Only one-third of orthodontists hold this certification!

5. 10,000 & Counting

We have transformed over 10,000 smiles since opening for business, making us your trusted partner for quality orthodontic treatment.

6. Treating All Ages

It is never too late to start orthodontic treatment, and our patients come from all stages of life. We love transforming smiles for patients as young as 5 and for those as old as 85.

7. Getting Involved with the Community

We believe in making our community a better place to live. In addition to providing the area with amazing orthodontic treatment, we are sponsors of several sports and dance leagues in the area, including Shen track, South Colonie girls softball league, the Robovines, and more.

In 2019, we provided the largest-ever donation of orthodontic treatment, treating 25 underprivileged children in our area.

8. Flexible Financing

Our patients can take advantage of insurance benefits, financing, and custom payment plans to help them afford the orthodontic treatment they need.

In addition, we offer discounts on treatment to families with multiple patients, teachers, Military Service members, and more!

9. Best of the Capital Region

The Times Union’s Best of the Capital Region user poll allows members of the community to rate their preferred orthodontist – and we’ve been ranked in the #1 spot for the last five years in a row!

10. Multiple Locations for Your Convenience

Our six offices ensure you can find convenient orthodontic treatment no matter where you are located. Schedule your next appointment in Albany, Clifton Park, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, Latham, or Schenectady.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the team at Adirondack Orthodontics. These are just a few of the reasons our patients love turning to us for all their orthodontic needs! If you’re ready to join them and celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month by improving your oral health, please book your consultation today.

Achieve your dream smile in time for your wedding day

Your wedding day should be absolutely perfect, from the venue and clothing to the flowers and cake. And when you look back on photos of your special day, you should remember how amazing you looked and felt. While you are making wedding day decisions, there’s another crucial element that takes a little more planning but will make you or your future spouse feel beautiful, inside and out, long after your wedding day: a straight, healthy smile.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we believe that every bride (and groom!) deserves the gift of a perfect smile, and with Invisalign, we can help you achieve just that in as little as six months.

5 Reasons to Say ‘I Do’ to a Straighter Smile

Invisalign is a revolutionary teeth-straightening system that uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to move your teeth into the desired position. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is nearly invisible, making it the perfect choice for future brides or grooms who want to straighten their teeth discreetly.

• Aesthetic and Discreet: With clear, virtually invisible aligners, Invisalign allows you to straighten your teeth without the noticeable wires and brackets of traditional braces. You can smile confidently in all your pre-wedding photos and events.
• Affordable with Financing: Invisalign is more affordable than ever, especially with easy financing options like CareCredit. We participate with most insurances and also offer special promotions, including $1,000 off treatment for engaged couples!
• Efficient and Effective: Many Invisalign users achieve their desired results in just six months. By starting your Invisalign journey well before your wedding day, you will have plenty of time to perfect your smile. If for whatever reason your treatment isn’t 100% done by the time of your wedding, we have options to have  attachments removed for the wedding day and put back on after!
• Confidence Booster: A beautiful smile can significantly boost your confidence, allowing you to shine on your special day. Invisalign helps you achieve that perfect wedding smile, ensuring you feel your best from the inside out.
• Comfortable and Convenient: Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth. They are comfortable to wear and removable, making it easy to maintain your oral hygiene and enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions.

Have the Unforgettable Day You Deserve

Starting your Invisalign journey is simple. During your initial consultation at our office, we will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Imagine walking down the aisle with a smile that radiates joy and confidence. With Invisalign, you can turn this dream into a reality. Don’t wait—schedule your consultation with our office today and take the first step towards the wedding gift of your dreams: a healthy, beautiful smile!