Happy National Smile Month!

Celebrate National Smile Month May 17 – June 17.

National Smile Month is an oral health campaign that starts on May 17th and ends on June 17th. The theme of this campaign aligns closely with our philosophy here at Adirondack Orthodontics: “Everyone deserves a healthy smile.” We hope you join us in celebrating this month and promoting the value of a healthy smile. Take a look at some of the key messages we’ll be sharing during National Smile Month as well as ways we work to create a world where everyone has a healthy smile.

Keys to Better Oral Health

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we hope to equip our patients with both the orthodontic treatment they need and the skills to take care of their mouths and smiles for the long haul. We are always seeking ways to help educate our patients and connect them with the resources they need to achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. We encourage you to read through our resources page to find out how to care for your Invisalign aligners or braces and to learn what’s new at Adirondack Orthodontics.

National Smile Month encourages the same, offering some key tips for improving oral health. These tips include brushing your teeth twice a day (once during the day and once at night) with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth by flossing once a day. In addition, limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks (check out this list of foods to avoid!). We recommend being evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7, learn about the benefits of early treatment here! Last, but not least, visit a dentist regularly!

If you need any more information on how to care for your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact our team, or visit our resources page, where you can find answers to many frequently asked questions! 

Supporting Patients in the Capital Region & Beyond

The team at Adirondack Orthodontics believes that everyone deserves a healthy smile. In fact, we have teamed up with two local teens to help make braces even more accessible to families in the Capital Region. Sam and Ben Sosnovsky from Guilderland, NY, were concerned about their teeth and proper dental care from a young age. The twins, at age 12, reached out to Adirondack Orthodontics to start the process of getting their very best smiles. 

Both Sam and Ben were extremely satisfied with their smile results and felt that getting their braces and having their dental work completed prior to high school positively impacted their lives. Wanting others to have the same experience, they then committed to passing their happiness along. By working multiple jobs and saving money, they collected $4,000 to donate to under-privileged area residents who needed dental care but were otherwise unable to afford it. 

The twins reached out to Adirondack Orthodontics to express their passion and dedication to help. Dr. B, impressed by the young men, decided to match their earnings and help distribute it to deserving residents in the Capital Region and beyond. Want to know more? Check out the full article here! 

Just like Sam and Ben, we believe that everyone deserves a healthy smile and we want to do what we can to ensure that happens! We also offer customized, interest-free payment plans and discounts to families in the Capital Region to make sure everyone can achieve the smile they deserve. If anything is standing in the way of your or your child’s orthodontic treatment, please reach out to us. We will work with you to provide you with the best care, no matter your financial situation.

Help Us Celebrate National Smile Month

We would love your help celebrating National Smile Month in 2022! Make sure you put your oral health first by following the care tips above. Just as importantly, spread the word to your family and friends about the care you’ve received at Adirondack Orthodontics. We hope to make the dream of a straight, healthy smile achievable for everyone throughout the Capital Region – and give everyone something to smile about this month! 

Have you already achieved your ideal smile with the help of Adirondack Orthodontics? Let’s see those pearly whites! Post a pic with the hashtag #adksmile so we can all celebrate together. 

The Importance of Early Treatment for Kids

Just in time for National Children’s Dental Health Month, learn how you can help your child enjoy a beautiful smile for life!

Since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, we’d love to discuss one of the best ways to set up your child for success when it comes to the health of their teeth: our early treatment. During this critical time when children are learning and gaining confidence, early intervention is key for addressing any dental issues and possibly preventing the need for more complex orthodontic treatment in the long run.

Find out what early orthodontic treatment entails, who’s a good candidate for it, and more below.

What Is Early Treatment for Kids?

Early orthodontic treatment consists of tackling orthodontic issues from a young age. You’re probably already familiar with the latter stage of orthodontic treatment, which is the traditional adjustment of the adult teeth using clear aligners or braces. Early treatment happens in childhood, when there is a mix of baby and permanent teeth in the mouth, using various orthodontic techniques to correct potential issues early.

How Early Can Orthodontic Treatment Begin?

Every patient is different, but we recommend that you bring your child to a board-certified orthodontist by age seven for a personalized evaluation and to formulate a custom treatment plan. Treatment will typically begin as soon as you and the orthodontist agree your child is ready and may include a space maintainer, Invisalign, an expander, braces. The process usually takes 12 months or less.

What Problems Does Early Treatment Address?

Early treatment can help to resolve common orthodontic issues like overbites, underbites, open bites, crossbites, crowding, excessive wear, or protrusion. Treating these issues at a younger age can often keep them from growing more serious, making later orthodontic treatment easier. Sometimes, early treatment can even prevent the need for future orthodontic treatment or extraction altogether.

What Happens After Early Treatment?

After receiving early orthodontic treatment, your child may receive a retainer to keep their teeth in place. After that, we can monitor the growth of their teeth and determine if further treatment is necessary in their case. If it is, rest assured that we will guide you and your child every step of the way.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

While not every child requires our early orthodontic treatment, we recommend that all children come in for a consultation at the age of 7 so that we can take a look at their teeth. Children whose teeth are clearly misaligned or who have habits like thumb-sucking can often especially benefit from early treatment.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we look forward to setting up your child for success. Call us today to schedule a consultation for your child.

Don’t forget that the Times Union’s Best Of voting begins soon! We will be sharing more details on how to vote for your team at Adirondack Orthodontics for Best Orthodontist as voting gets underway.

New Year, New Invisa-Smile

Discreet Teeth Straightening Solutions Customized for You

Perhaps you already made your New Year’s resolutions for 2022. Even if you have, there’s one more that you should add to your list: finally enjoying a straight, beautiful smile. A new year can mean a new you, and there’s no better way to invest in yourself than in improving the health of your teeth. Anyone with crooked teeth, crowded teeth, an underbite, or an overbite may want to consider Invisalign®. By the end of 2022, you could be well on your way to the smile of your dreams!

One in five Americans is self-conscious about their smile. Make sure you take yourself out of that statistic by embracing a personalized orthodontic solution with help from Adirondack Orthodontics.

Invisalign®

One of the best-known orthodontic solutions out there, Invisalign® involves a series of customized clear aligners that straighten your teeth over time. Treatment is carried out under the experienced eye of our certified orthodontist to ensure you’re taken care of along the way. Many patients choose Invisalign because they can remove the aligners to eat and don’t need to worry about brackets and wires.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we are proud to be a Diamond+ Invisalign® provider, which signifies our position as one of the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the country. (This means we have done more cases and have lots of experience)

No matter what the treatment plans we recommend for you and which one you ultimately choose, the team at Adirondack Orthodontics welcomes the opportunity to help you gain the attractive smile and confidence you deserve in 2022. Call our office today to schedule a consultation so that we can discuss what treatment options may be right for you. We proudly serve patients throughout the Capital Region from five convenient locations.

Invisalign vs. Braces

How to Know Which is Right for You

Once you have decided to invest in the health and appearance of you or your child’s smile through orthodontia, next you will need to decide between Invisalign or braces. An experienced orthodontist will be able to tell you which will work best for you, but we always believe in keeping our patients fully informed so that they can choose the option that fits their lifestyle best.

Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of Invisalign and braces.

How Much They Cost

While the costs of both Invisalign and braces vary, Invisalign tends to be the more expensive option. However, it’s important to factor in dental insurance coverage and available discounts before you determine which option is more affordable for you and your family.

How They Look

One of the most common reasons our patients choose Invisalign is that it’s a discreet option. Invisalign comes in a series of clear aligners, while braces involve metal brackets being placed on the teeth for the duration of the treatment. If you want a less obtrusive treatment, Invisalign may be the best option for you.

How They Feel

Moving your teeth into their proper positions, no matter the method, can be an uncomfortable experience. However, braces tend to be a little more uncomfortable because brackets are not just placed on the front of teeth but around the back molars as well. This can result in discomfort inside of your mouth.

How Convenient They Are

Braces are easy to manage because your orthodontist does all the work during your appointment. Invisalign requires you to take the aligners on and off and use them in the correct sequence. However, this also means that Invisalign makes it easy to floss and brush your teeth, and you won’t have to forget any of your favorite healthy foods. Braces require you to limit or stop eating certain foods and maneuvering a toothbrush and floss around the brackets and wires can be difficult.

How Well They Work

Fortunately, following your orthodontist’s instructions will mean that Invisalign and braces are equally effective. When it comes to the end result, you don’t need to choose one over the other.

No matter your budget, lifestyle, and preferences, Adirondack Orthodontics can help educate you on the pros and cons of each type of treatment. Ultimately, your choice should involve not just the factors listed above but the recommendations of our orthodontist after an in-person consultation. After your examination and taking any scans and X-rays, we can provide a recommendation and get you started on your journey to a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule your free consultation today!

Foods You Can’t Eat with Braces

What to Eat & What to Avoid

While you go through the process of aligning your teeth with braces, you need to consider what you eat to avoid any potential problems. Brackets and wires can be dislodged with something sticky, while certain foods may get stuck in your braces, creating tooth decay. Whether you want to maintain your braces or keep your teeth in pristine shape, we recommend avoiding common food pitfalls.

Take a look at just some examples of foods you can’t eat with braces.

Hard Food

Enough force can cause your braces to break, so hard food is a no-go. Carrots and other raw veggies, hard candy, ice, hard cookies, and other hard foods should be avoided.

Sticky Food

Probably the most well-known entry on the no-no list is sticky candy. Caramel, taffy, and gum can create major problems for your braces, not to mention getting stuck on your teeth and creating cavities.

Crunchy Food

Unfortunately, even crunchy food can disrupt your braces. Snacks like hard pretzels and popcorn should be avoided, and even then you should also stay away from nuts and many types of chips.

Other Food

Certain foods are just hard to bite into with braces, especially foods that require you to bite down with your front teeth. Corn on the cob, chicken wings, bagels, beef jerky, and apples are at the top of that list. Pizza crust and large pieces of meat should also be avoided.

The list of items to avoid eating may seem daunting, but there is plenty you can eat while you have braces! Pasta, potatoes, soft breads, most fruits, and cooked (soft) veggies are all safe to enjoy. And, of course, most dairy products are easy to eat with braces and will cause no issues, so continue eating yogurt and cheese. Lastly, if you do want to eat candy, just make sure it’s not hard or sticky, and be sure to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth afterward.

Taking care of your teeth and braces doesn’t have to be a worry. Just plan ahead and think twice before you bite down on anything hard, sticky, or crunchy. And if you have any issues with loose or broken braces, just give us a call at Adirondack Orthodontics.

Types of Invisalign

Find Out Which Type of Invisalign Will Work Best for You

By now, you’ve probably heard about Invisalign, the modern orthodontic system that uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to help you get the smile you want. But what you may not have known is that there are several different types of Invisalign. Your age, the condition of your teeth, and the types of problems you’re facing are all factors that you should consider as you decide which type of Invisalign you’d like to use for your treatment.

Take a look below at the different types of Invisalign to get a better idea of which treatment may be right for you. And when you want to find out for sure, turn to the orthodontic experts providing Invisalign throughout the Capital Region: Adirondack Orthodontics!

Invisalign Lite

With a treatment duration of six to seven months, Invisalign Lite is usually recommended to patients who have mild to moderate problems like overcrowding and alignment issues. If you have a crown or if you want to correct a minor issue, Invisalign Lite may be the right choice for you.

Invisalign Teen

Designed for young adults (teens) whose teeth are still developing, Invisalign Teen aligners come with indicator dots to notify the wearer of when to change the aligner. Candidates for this type of Invisalign may need help with straightening their teeth while setting aside room for teeth that have yet to erupt.

Invisalign i7

Invisalign i7 is the treatment usually chosen for overcrowding. Seven aligners are used over the course of three to six months to correct this kind of mild orthodontic issue.

Invisalign Full

Known for treating more advanced orthodontic issues, Invisalign Full generally takes around 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the problems. This type of treatment is usually chosen by adults who need aligners for their upper and lower teeth.

No matter the severity of your overcrowding or misalignment or how far you are from your ideal smile, Invisalign has a comfortable, discreet option you can choose to get the perfect smile. As always, your team at Adirondack Orthodontics would be happy to provide a full clinical examination and help you decide which treatment to choose. We can even go over the cost and financing information so you can make a plan to achieve the straight, beautiful, and healthy smile you’ve always wanted!

Schedule your free Invisalign consultation today!

The Basics of Phase One Orthodontics

How Early Intervention Can Set Your Child Up for Dental Success

From ages one through seven, the formation of the teeth and jaw play an important role in how your child speaks and chews. Since these are essential skills, our team provides a treatment that will allow us to intervene early to identify any major orthodontic issues and stop them in their tracks: phase one orthodontic treatment.

What is phase one orthodontics?

Phase one orthodontics is the process by which children aged 6 or younger work with a board-certified orthodontist to address issues with their teeth and jaw before these problems worsen. This phase usually takes around 10 to 14 months and begins with a complimentary consultation.

What treatments are involved?

The treatments involved in phase one depend completely on the patient’s dental issues. During the first phase, we will address your child’s issues with treatments such as Invisalign, a space maintainer, tooth removal, braces, or an expander. During the treatment, we will be sure to look for tooth eruptions, missing teeth, and other issues.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

Phase one allows us to take a look at your child’s teeth and jaw, identify any issues, and prevent problems from worsening. Simply put, phase one can prevent the need for more complicated orthodontic solutions later on.

Who needs this treatment?

Children aged six or younger who are experiencing major developmental issues with their teeth, including an overbite, underbite, crowding, protrusion, and more. Children who suck their thumb till the age of five may be good candidates, since this can affect the formation of the roof of the mouth.

How do I get started?

Phase one orthodontics isn’t the right fit for everyone. The best way to find out if your child would benefit from this treatment is to call on the team at Adirondack Orthodontics to schedule an appointment. We can identify any alignment issues during a completely free, no-obligation consultation.

Set your child up for dental success by contacting the team at Adirondack Orthodontics today! We have locations throughout the Capital Region to serve you.

5 Tips for Finding an Orthodontist

How to Choose an Orthodontist

Orthodontia is an investment, and as with any other investment, you’ll want to make sure you’re picking the best version possible. Choosing an orthodontist can seem intimidating, but we’ve compiled a list of what to look for in an orthodontist to make the process as easy as possible for you.

1. A Variety of Payment Options

While cost is obviously one of the most important considerations when pondering orthodontic treatment, it’s much better in the long run to choose the right orthodontist rather than a cheap DIY alternative that could go wrong. Finding a practice that offers several different payment options and financing can ensure you can afford the treatment you need for yourself or your child. You should also select a participating provider for insurance purposes.

Learn more about your options at Adirondack Orthodontics here! We are a participating provider with most insurances and can work with you to create a customized payment plan.

2. Convenient Scheduling & Location

Most orthodontic treatments take place over the course of months, involving multiple visits to the office. Make sure your orthodontist is conveniently located near your home and that they offer flexible scheduling.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we have offices in Albany, Clifton Park, Latham, East Greenbush, and Glens Falls, and each location has convenient scheduling options!

3. Education & Experience

If you’re wondering how to choose a good orthodontist, experience and education are important indicators. Your orthodontist should be board certified and a member of the American Dental Association and the American Board of Orthodontics. They should also have years of experience and stay up to date on the latest industry advancements.

Here at Adirondack Orthodontics, we have Dr. Sergey Berenshteyn, the fully certified and experienced orthodontist you can trust in the Capital Region. We are also proud to be a Diamond Provider with Invisalign.

4. Consultation Options

The right orthodontist should offer you a free consultation, in which they assess your smile goals and tell you about what treatment plan will work best for you. After all, you deserve a chance to get to know the practice and learn more about your options before you’re asked to pay for any service.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we always offer free, no-obligation consultations! Click here to schedule yours today.

5. Trusted by the Community

One of the best ways to narrow down which orthodontist is right for you is to find one with a great reputation in the community. Online reviews make this easier than ever, and we have plenty to share with you! Take a look at what our patients are saying on our Reviews Page .

Once you’ve read over our suggestions on how to find a good orthodontist, call on the team at Adirondack Orthodontics. We understand that you want to know how to choose the right orthodontist because you take your dental health seriously, and we’re here to offer trustworthy service and convenience you won’t find elsewhere in the Capital Region.

Give us a call today or schedule a free consultation online.

Don’t Pay the Price for Bad Orthodontia

Presenting Our New Express Aligner Treatment Program

The team at Adirondack Orthodontics is always searching for orthodontic solutions that fit your lifestyle and budget. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a troubling rise in the use of direct-to-consumer (DTC) orthodontic treatments that have caused severe oral health issues. To provide a better alternative, we’re proud to offer our patients our Express Aligner Treatment program .

The Problem with One-Size-Fits-All

Some DTC treatments can create expensive oral health issues because they offer a one-size-fits-all approach. Unfortunately, one-size-fits-all just doesn’t work with orthodontia. Teeth can only move insofar as the gums and bones allow, and everyone’s situation is different. Aligners made without the supervision of a specialist can result in bite problems, tooth and gum loss, pain, and other structural issues with the bones and gums like TMD, traumatic occlusion, and periodontal breakdown.

Your smile is unique, and your treatment should be, too.

There’s a Better Way

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we offer the convenience of discreet aligners delivered right to your door without making you roll the dice on your oral health. Our Express Aligner Treatment program starts with an initial consultation, so the treatment is tailored specifically to you.

All of our treatments are customized and supervised by a board-certified orthodontist who can provide remote consultations to ensure the treatment is progressing as it should. Whether you want rapid results or you care more about convenience and cost, our Express Aligner Treatment program will make you smile.

Save Money, Now & in the Future!

While you may be tempted by the price tag of some DTC aligners, the initial and long-term costs of our Express Aligner Treatment program are lower than you’d think. We can minimize the cost of your treatment with insurance, and we offer flexible payment plans that can be tailored to meet your needs. Plus, with our treatments, you won’t have to visit an orthodontist to correct the issues caused by a DTC aligner!

Begin Your Treatment Today

Adirondack Orthodontics is a Diamond Invisalign Provider with five convenient locations throughout the Capital Region. We are also FSA/HSA approved. Whether you want an in-person or virtual appointment, we would be happy to help you schedule a consultation to get started on your Express Aligner Treatment treatment. Give us a call today to get started or request an appointment online!

Top 5 Ways We Keep Orthodontia Affordable

Cost & Convenience

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we make it possible for everyone to have a beautiful, healthy, and straight smile. We start by working with you to create a customized payment plan and educating you about all of your insurance and payment options. If you have any questions along the way, we’re always here to help! Take a look below at the top ways we aim to make our services as affordable and accessible as possible.

1. Financing

Financing options such as CareCredit can give you the opportunity to use a paid-in-full discount with no money down and 0% interest financing.

2. Easy Pay Options

Pay your bills from the convenience of our website and take advantage of autopay to make the process as simple as possible.

3. Insurance

Make sure we’re a participating provider with your insurance, which will give you access to the best prices. We also offer special financing if we are out of your network.

4. Adjustable Payment Plans

We understand that life happens and your financial situation may change. If you start an orthodontic treatment plan and something impacts your ability to keep up with bills, be sure to contact us. We will come up with a solution that works for everyone!

5. Special Offers

Occasionally we pass on additional savings to our patients in the form of special offers. When you begin discussing your orthodontic care and financial plan with our team, we can tell you more about our current offers.

No matter your budget or insurance, the team at Adirondack Orthodontics wants to make financing, payment, and insurance as simple and seamless as possible. We would love to build a payment plan that works for you.

Give us a call today and let us make your treatment affordable and accessible!

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