Brushing with Braces: The Best Tips for a Bright Smile!

Learn proper brushing techniques while wearing braces

November 1st was National Brush Day! The best way to celebrate all month long is to make sure you’re equipped with the right tools and techniques to properly brush your teeth. This is even more important if you have braces since you’ll need to take extra care when you brush and floss to ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and your treatment stays on track.

See below to learn more about how to keep your teeth and gums clean during your orthodontic journey. Download a PDF version of these tips.

1. Find a good toothbrush

The brush you use should be flexible so that you can reach every bit of your teeth and gums. You could even take your toothbrushing to the next level with an electric toothbrush!

2. Start brushing on the outside of your teeth

Work your way from one side to the other, using a circular motion to brush each tooth on the outside (i.e., the side you see). Carefully brush around the brackets and wires to ensure that no food particles get stuck.

3. Brush the inside of your teeth

Repeat your circular brushing, this time on the inside of your teeth. While you won’t have as many obstacles to brush around, it’s just as important to do a thorough job on this side of your teeth.

4. Work on the crowns of your teeth

Don’t forget to brush the chewing surface of each tooth! Brushing the crowns of your molars is especially important, as small pieces of food can end up on top of these teeth. Those particles can cause plaque and eventually cavities.

5. Brush your tongue and gums

Once you’re finished brushing your teeth, gently brush your gums and the top of your tongue.

6. Move on to flossing

Floss between each tooth to get rid of any remaining food particles that are stuck between your teeth. You can use a floss threader to get around the wires of your braces.

Celebrate healthy teeth all year long

Prevent cavities and keep your teeth in great health by properly brushing your teeth twice a day (and when you have braces, brushing after meals as needed). And if you need any more information about how to properly brush or floss, don’t hesitate to contact one of our offices! We’d be happy to teach you the techniques you need to keep your teeth and gums in the best health throughout your treatment.

With convenient locations in Albany, Glens Falls, Clifton Park, Latham, East Greenbush, and Schenectady, Adirondack Orthodontics is your trusted orthodontic specialist in the Capital Region. Book your next appointment or free consultation online today to start your journey toward a healthy, beautiful smile.

Download a PDF version of these tips. 

Know Your Orthodontic Options: Braces or Invisalign?

Review the difference between braces and Invisalign.

You’ll consider a variety of factors when deciding what orthodontic treatment best suits your needs, including your budget, lifestyle, and goals. No matter which treatment you select, you can trust that the team at Adirondack Orthodontics will guide you through it at one of our six convenient locations. We’re trusted throughout the Capital Region to provide top-notch braces and Invisalign to New Yorkers.

See the main differences between braces and Invisalign below to start thinking about which option is right for you.

Braces: The Traditional Option

Patients and orthodontists have trusted braces for decades for a good reason: braces straighten teeth and give patients perfect smiles. At the start of the treatment, the orthodontist applies brackets to the teeth. Then, wires are placed to connect the brackets. During each appointment, these wires are tightened to slowly move the teeth into the desired positions.

An affordable choice, braces may work best with your budget. Another advantage of getting braces is that you don’t need to remember to take an aligner in and out; braces go wherever you do! You can also get a fresh look with every appointment by choosing colorful bands that let you express your personality or celebrate the season. And if you choose clear bands, your braces can be less noticeable.

Invisalign: The Best Option

Invisalign has become extremely popular in recent years. In fact, over 15 million people have chosen Invisalign to address their orthodontic needs! This treatment involves a series of clear aligners that slowly move your teeth into the desired positions. Since the aligners are clear when they’re in use, this is the most discreet option. The aligners are also removed when eating, so patients can continue to enjoy all their favorite healthy foods.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we’re proud to have earned the distinction of being a Diamond Invisalign Provider, which means we rank among the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the country!

Braces vs Invisalign: Comparing the Key Factors

  • 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.

See What’s Best for You – Call Us for a Consultation

You can trust that our team will give you the perfect smile with the treatment that works best for you. The best way to determine which one will suit your needs is to call or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We can provide you with an exam and let you know the advantages of each type of treatment and recommend one for you.

With convenient locations in Albany, Clifton Park, Latham, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, and Schenectady, Adirondack Orthodontics is your trusted orthodontic clinic in New York. Let’s work together to achieve your best smile!

Summer Snacks That Are Safe for Braces

Summer is the season when people love to go on vacation and enjoy the sweeter things in life! However, while people undergoing orthodontic treatment can safely enjoy most summer fun, anyone with braces will know that they should be a little more careful about what they eat. 

It is pretty common knowledge that people with braces should avoid foods that are hard or sticky, as they can get stuck in the brackets, leaving sugar on the teeth and causing tooth decay. Some of the worst foods to eat with braces include caramel, gum, and popcorn. 

If you want to continue enjoying these sweet treats and sticky goodies, Invisalign may be the ideal orthodontic treatment for you, as you can take the aligners out when eating. If you do have braces, however, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the best summer snacks still!  

Here are a few sweet (and savory) summertime treats we’ve put together for your eating pleasure.

Safe Summertime Snacks 

Many summertime favorites are safe to eat with braces. Take a look at just a few: 

  • Fruits – Watermelon, bananas, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and ripe/soft fruit are fine to eat with braces. Plus, these fruits are perfect for cooling down on a sultry day or enjoying while on a picnic!
  • Seafood – Most types of seafood are perfectly fine to eat if you have braces, including fish, crab meat, lobster meat, and more. If you’re someone who craves fresh seafood in the summer, go ahead and indulge!
  • Ice Cream – As long as there are no pieces of hard, sticky candy in the cone or bowl, ice cream is a perfect summer treat for someone with braces. Just be sure to brush your teeth after, like you would with any sugary food.
  • Smoothies & Milkshakes – Perfect after a workout or to cool down on a balmy day, smoothies and milkshakes make it easy to enjoy all the flavors you love without anything getting stuck in your braces!

Plenty of other foods can help you beat the heat and cool down without interfering with your braces. Just remember that some foods should be cut into smaller pieces. And, of course, don’t forget to follow daily tooth brushing and flossing guidelines to take care of your teeth while enjoying the summer!

Foods You Can’t Eat with Braces

Avoid these foods when wearing braces

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.

What Makes Summer the Best Time for Braces?

Great Reasons to Start Your Orthodontic Journey Now

As virtual or in-person school wraps up for so many kids in the Capital Region, parents are looking ahead to summer and helping their kids plan their seasons. Vacations, summer camps, internships, and more may be part of the plan, but have you considered how your child’s oral health factors into the equation?

Summer is the best time to begin orthodontic treatment for the same reasons that it was put off in the first place: kids who were hesitant to take time off from school for orthodontic office visits can more easily fit them into their schedules. Plus, while options like Invisalign give kids the option of a more discreet orthodontic treatment, kids still may prefer to begin their orthodontic journey while not around their peers.

As a parent, you might find that starting your child’s treatment in summer is easier on you, too. First, fitting transportation to and from office visits into your schedule is less challenging in the summer. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we offer virtual consultations, but some visits must take place in the office. Fortunately, we have locations throughout the Capital Region, so you can find the office closest to you. Plus, with the increased free time summer provides, you’ll more easily be able to manage your child’s treatment and make sure they’re taking care of their teeth. From guiding your child on what to eat to checking that they’re wearing their aligner, you’ll have the time to ensure that your investment in orthodontia is paying off with the proper care.

Giving your child a healthy, straight, and beautiful smile has never been easier than with the help of Adirondack Orthodontics. Summer is the perfect time to get started, so be sure to schedule a free consultation soon. We would be happy to find the right treatment for your child and give you essential information about financing and personalized payment options.

Contact Adirondack Orthodontics today to get started! We can’t wait to give your child the confidence they need for the next school year with the best orthodontic treatment this summer.

 

The Health Benefits of Braces

Learn why braces help with more than just aesthetics.

For most people, the decision to wear braces is related to aesthetics. Who wouldn’t want a beautiful smile with straight teeth that can be shown off proudly? It’s important to know that braces also provide a host of additional benefits – including improved health – both in the short term and for years to come.

Improved Daily Care

Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to brush and floss, and effective dental hygiene habits decrease the risk of tooth decay, bone erosion, cavities, periodontal disease, and other issues. Nothing is better for your oral health than proper daily care, and braces are a great way to make that care easier than ever.

Speaking With Ease

Extremely misaligned and gapped teeth can make it difficult to speak clearly. Once your teeth are straightened, the associated speech difficulties will be lessened dramatically or removed altogether.

Enhanced Digestion

You’ve probably heard that each bite of food should be chewed 10, 15, or 20 times before swallowing to make it easier for your body to digest. So, if uneven teeth are causing difficulties with chewing, it may also impact your digestion. As braces straighten your teeth, you’ll be able to chew food properly so your body can break it down efficiently.

Increased Confidence

In addition to the physical benefits, braces have also been shown to increase confidence. If you’ve had crooked teeth, you may have tried to hide your smile in photos and in front of friends. A straight, beautiful smile can give your self-esteem a boost.

There’s no question that braces offer far-reaching advantages. If you have problems speaking, chewing, brushing or flossing, or if you’re embarrassed by your smile, call us at Adirondack Orthodontics and schedule your complimentary consultation today. We’d love to help you enjoy the functional, attractive smile you’ve always wanted!

The Best and Worst Halloween Candy for Braces

Protecting Your Smile: Evaluating Halloween Candy Choices for Braces

Everyone should be able to enjoy the candy they get when trick or treating, including those with braces! Yet certain kinds of candy can jeopardize the health of your teeth and the state of your orthodontia. Taking care of your teeth is essential, especially when you’re investing in braces and the long-term beauty of your smile. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you bring home your candy haul this Halloween.

Understanding the Risks

Before diving into the specific candies, it’s essential to understand why some treats are problematic for braces. Braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands that are delicate and susceptible to damage. Hard, sticky, or chewy candies can easily get lodged in braces or cause brackets to break. Additionally, biting into hard candies can put excessive pressure on the braces, leading to discomfort or even damage to the teeth.

The Best Halloween Candy Choices

Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious Halloween treats that are safe for braces. Soft chocolates, such as milk chocolate bars or peanut butter cups, are generally a safe option as they melt easily in the mouth and are unlikely to damage braces. Similarly, treats like marshmallows or soft caramels can be enjoyed in moderation.

Another excellent choice for brace wearers is sugar-free gum. Not only does sugar-free gum satisfy the craving for something sweet, but it also promotes saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria from the mouth.

Proceed with Caution

While some candies are safer for braces, it’s essential to consume them with caution. Even softer treats can still pose a risk if not eaten carefully. For example, while chocolate is generally safe, avoid bars filled with nuts or crunchy ingredients that could potentially damage braces. Similarly, soft caramels should be enjoyed sparingly to prevent them from sticking to the brackets or wires.

The Worst Offenders

On the other end of the spectrum are candies that should be avoided entirely by those with braces. Hard candies, such as lollipops, jawbreakers, or candy apples, pose a significant risk of damaging braces. Biting into these hard treats can cause brackets to break or wires to bend, leading to discomfort and potential delays in orthodontic treatment.

Sticky candies, like gummy bears, taffy, or caramel candies, are equally problematic. These candies have a tendency to get stuck in braces, making them difficult to remove and increasing the risk of tooth decay and other oral health issues.

Tips for Enjoying Halloween with Braces

While it’s important to be mindful of candy choices, it doesn’t mean brace wearers can’t enjoy Halloween festivities. Here are some tips for a braces-friendly Halloween:

  1. Plan Ahead: Before heading out for trick-or-treating or attending Halloween parties, make a plan for which candies are safe to enjoy with braces.
  2. Moderation is Key: Enjoy treats in moderation and avoid overindulging in candies that could potentially harm braces.
  3. Brush and Floss: After indulging in Halloween treats, be sure to brush and floss thoroughly to remove any lingering candy particles and prevent tooth decay.
  4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help wash away sugar and food particles from the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities and other dental issues.
  5. Attend Orthodontic Check-ups: Regular visits to your orthodontist are crucial for ensuring that your braces are in good condition and that your treatment is progressing as planned.

Have a fun and spooky Halloween!

Follow these tips this Halloween – and any time you eat something sweet – and you’ll be equipped to take care of your braces. If you have any questions about how to brush, floss, or generally care for your teeth and braces, call Adirondack Orthodontics. We would be happy to help.

How to Care for Your Braces This Summer

Don’t forget to prioritize braces care this summer!

Summer is the perfect time to take a vacation, as long as you’re not taking a break from your orthodontic care routine. Changing your daily routine can cause you to fall into bad habits, but planning ahead can keep things on track. Follow these care tips while you’re on a vacation to keep your smile healthy and your treatment plan humming along.

Visit Us First

Stop by our office for your routine appointment and ask us for any supplies you might need during your time away.

Pack Supplies

Bring your toothbrush and floss, as well as plenty of rubber bands and any pain medicine you may need.

Brush & Floss

Remember to take care of your daily brushing and flossing.

Eat the Right Food

As usual, stay away from hard and sticky food like gum, popcorn, pizza crust, and candy. Review our guide to foods to avoid with braces here! And don’t forget to pack some refreshing summer snacks with braces!

Don’t Panic

If you lose your clear aligner tray, simply use your previous or next tray and get a replacement when you come back.

We hope you enjoy your summer!

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we encourage you to plan ahead before your summer vacation. Thinking ahead will enable you to have a fun, worry-free summer while still adhering to your orthodontic treatment plan.

Even if you do run into an issue like a lost separator, wire irritation, or general discomfort, call the team at Adirondack Orthodontics. We’re always standing by to answer your questions and help you care for your teeth.

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