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!

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!

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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.

 

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The Best and Worst Halloween Candy 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.

Halloween candy that tends to do the most damage to braces is anything sticky, like caramel or taffy. Hard candy like lollipops also becomes problematic, as the candy can break and bend your braces. Avoid brands like Laffy Taffy, Airheads, and Sour Patch Kids.

On the other hand, chocolate candy is one of the best sweet treats you can choose when you have braces. While taffy sticks to your teeth and has the potential to damage your braces, chocolate and candy bars like Kit Kat bars and Snickers bars won’t cover your teeth or hurt your hardware.

No matter what kind of candy you consume during Halloween, be sure to take the rights steps to care for your teeth! A toothbrush that reaches around your braces should always be in your arsenal, along with plenty of floss. Each time you consume candy, brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly with water to keep food particles from lingering on your teeth and creating cavities.

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 on Adirondack Orthodontics. We would be happy to help.

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How to Care for Your Braces 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.
• 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.

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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