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!
The Relationship Between Orthodontists & Dentists
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
Dentists and orthodontists both contribute to good oral health; each specialist plays a different role in maintaining a patient’s smile. Many prospective patients ask us if they need a referral for our services and if an orthodontist can take the place of a dentist. We encourage you to read on to find out the answers to these commonly asked questions.
The Relationship Between Dentists & Orthodontists
While dentists handle things like routine cleanings, tooth extractions, crowns, and fillings, orthodontists are chiefly concerned with correcting misalignments in the teeth and jaws. Both play an essential role in a person’s oral health, and one cannot replace the other.
Orthodontists rely on dentists to identify teeth and jaw issues so that their patients can seek orthodontic care when needed. Since most people see their dentists regularly, dentists are often the first to notice more complex issues like overbites and underbites, which then are handled by an orthodontist. Furthermore, once you begin your orthodontic treatment, there may be issues that arise that your orthodontist will then refer to your dentist. This reciprocal relationship ensures that patients get the best possible care from the professional best positioned to provide it.
No Referral Required
Many dentists have professional relationships with local orthodontists, and your dentist may recommend a specific orthodontist they trust above others. In the Capital Region, dentists often recommend us to their patients due to our reputation for incredible patient care. If your dentist suggests that you come to us, we would be happy to add you as a patient.
However, it’s important to note that a recommendation isn’t the same thing as a referral, and neither is required to become a patient of ours. Even if your dentist hasn’t recommended a specific orthodontist by name, the team at Adirondack Orthodontics can still serve you! All you have to do is schedule an appointment at your nearest location so that we can get to know you and your needs.
Call Us to Learn More
Turn to the orthodontist trusted by dentists throughout Albany, NY; Clifton Park, NY; East Greenbush, NY; Glens Falls, NY; and Latham, NY: Adirondack Orthodontics! We can get you started with a free consultation and tell you more about the many ways we can tailor our services to meet your needs. New patients are encouraged to visit this page to get a better idea of what to expect on their first visit. We look forward to seeing you.
New Year, New You!
Get the Smile You Want in 2021
Think back to the beginning of 2020 and everything that was on your list of resolutions. It doesn’t require much reflection to realize that what you accomplished may look very different from what you had planned.
For many people, 2020 forced us to think about what’s essential. As you take a moment to appreciate all you did to get through the year, remember to focus on what’s truly important: the physical health and emotional well-being of you and your loved ones.
Start Fresh in 2021
As you make your New Year’s resolutions this time around, pledge to put your health at the top of the list. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we know that the appearance and condition of your teeth directly affect your overall health and self-confidence. We can get 2021 off to a great start by putting together a plan to help you achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted.
January is the perfect time to start, either with braces or Invisalign. This is the time of year when your available insurance benefits are at their highest. Similarly, your FSA/HSA account is full, meaning you can decide exactly how you want to spend it and make the most of your money.
Our caring, compassionate, and professional team is here to assist you in understanding the services you’ll need to correct an underbite, overbite, missing teeth, overcrowded teeth, and more. After a complimentary examination and assessment, we’ll even help you plan out the payments so they stay within your budget.
Love Your Smile, Love Your Experience
No matter what type of orthodontic treatment is right for you, Adirondack Orthodontics provides the Capital Region’s top-rated services, and we’re ready to begin when you are. Use our handy treatment planner to get started or contact us to speak with someone in person. We look forward to giving you the best experience possible and ensuring you have something to smile about in 2021!
Getting A “Perfect 10” Smile Is Easier Than You Think
This post originally appeared in the Albany Times Union.
Do you cover your mouth when you laugh? Do you avoid smiling in photographs because you’re embarrassed about the way you look? Do you avoid smiling most of the time?
Anyone who has misaligned teeth knows the deep psychological and social impact it can have. You feel unattractive, which damages your self-esteem. Some people even avoid parties and other social events because they’re self-conscious about the way they look.
With orthodontic treatment, it’s possible to turn this situation around. And despite common assumptions, it’s not a lengthy process. And it’s more affordable than you think.
No matter your age, here’s how you can have a perfectly straight set of pearly whites that you can show off for a lifetime.
The metal mouth myth
You don’t have to get a mouthful of metal brackets to straighten your teeth. This misconception often keeps people from pursuing the beautiful smile they want.
Technology has improved dramatically over the years, allowing for faster, more efficient treatment and a wider range of braces. During your first orthodontic visit, the doctor will ask about your goals, your concerns, and your lifestyle. From there, he can recommend an appliance that best suits your needs.
If you decide to go the traditional route, know that metal braces have become sleeker and more comfortable. Orthodontists also have the option of using clear ceramic braces and products such as Invisalign.
If you’ve had braces or other dental work in the past, you may remember the orthodontist packing your mouth full of goop to get an impression of your mouth and bite. Today, orthodontists use digital scanners to get an accurate impression. No more goop!
Adirondack Orthodontics, for example, uses iTero Scanners to take 3D images of your teeth and bite. The technology provides improved diagnostic information and eliminates molds (e.g., goop). The procedure more comfortable and you and your dentist can see your teeth in 3D.
Perfect smile options
What’s the best time to correct your smile? As early as possible.
Even if your child still has baby teeth, she can still start treatment for a perfect smile. Not all children need early treatment, but an orthodontist can determine whether your child’s dental environment is developing normally.
If your child does need treatment, it can begin as early as age six or seven. At this age, the jaw is still growing, which makes it easier to address issues such as crowding.
Two of the most important issues to address early are crossbites (tooth or teeth point inward) and protruding front teeth. Crossbites can cause jawbones to grow unevenly while protruding front teeth risk fracture or injury.
An orthodontist can correct these and other issues relatively easily with the following treatments:
- Dental modification – to regain lost space from premature tooth loss or maintain space from premature baby tooth loss.
- Elimination of habits – tongue thrusting and thumb-sucking, for example.
- Skeletal modification – crossbite correction, underbite correction, and excessive overjet correction.
Comprehensive Treatment
Teenagers and adults can receive comprehensive treatment, which often means some type of braces. Metal braces are the most common type of braces because they correct a wide range of issues, including:
- Over/underbites
- Crooked teeth
- Improperly aligned teeth
- Gapped teeth
During the installation procedure, an orthodontist applies brackets to your teeth’s surface. Metal wires connect the brackets. Over time, continuous pressure from the tightened wires moves teeth into position.
The metal braces of today are smaller and lighter than before. Teens can even get colored ties to suit their fun personality.
Clear braces work much like metal braces. Instead of metal brackets, however, the orthodontist uses clear porcelain or ceramic.
Adults and teens alike appreciate the discrete nature of clear braces. They’re not invisible, but they’re less obvious than metal.
Clear aligners have become a popular perfect-smile option for teens and adults alike. Invisalign is the most common and recognized brand, currently treating more than 2.5 million patients worldwide.
Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a sequence of clear retainer-like aligners that fit over the teeth. Over time, the appliances move teeth to their optimal positions.
You need to wear the aligner 22 hours a day, taking them out only for meals and to brush your teeth. Teen aligners have blue compliance indicators to make sure they’re wearing them enough.
Like regular braces, you’ll schedule checkups every six to eight weeks. The average treatment time is only one year.
How Adirondack Orthodontics can help
Ready to start smiling again? Visit Adirondack Orthodontics, with offices in Albany, Clifton Park, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, and Latham, New York.
Adirondack Orthodontics offers a wide range of treatment options for kids, teens, and adults. Led by Dr. Sergey Berenshteyn, Adirondack Orthodontics combines advanced technology with friendly service to create healthy smiles daily.
The Health Benefits of Braces
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!
Considering Invisalign? There’s Never Been a Better Time
If you’ve dreamed of straightening your smile, improving your health, and raising your self-esteem, now is a great time to get started. Why? With a number of advantages well-suited to the current environment, Invisalign is the perfect choice for treatment.
Fewer office visits, with continued monitoring
Start with fewer visits to the office. During the course of orthodontic treatment, an Invisalign patient will typically make 4 to 8 office visits, as compared to 12 to 18 visits for those with traditional braces. If you’re concerned about being out in public during the COVID-19 pandemic, Invisalign is a great way to minimize the time you spend in the office.
Importantly, even though you’ll make fewer office visits, you’ll continue to be monitored regularly by a doctor. With Invisalign, virtual appointments work well in between office visits as a way to track progress and adjust treatment, if needed.
Doctor-directed care, a faster process
By working with an educated, trained and skilled orthodontist, a patient is receiving doctor-designed and directed care. This approach is far superior to do-it-yourself treatment, which includes only token participation by a professional. You wouldn’t trust your physical health to an online provider; why would you consider it with something as important as your oral health?
In addition, Invisalign can often help you achieve your goals fastest. As compared to traditional braces, Invisalign has at most the same treatment duration, and in many cases, can successfully conclude the process faster.
Keep in mind, traditional braces remain an absolutely safe and effective way to straighten teeth. Since reopening in June, our offices are following all applicable health protocols to ensure appointments are conducted safely, and we have had no issues with in-office treatment. Still, we know some patients want to limit outside exposure, and if that’s you, Invisalign is a great alternative.
The Invisalign advantage
Adirondack Orthodontics is one of the Capital Region’s leading providers of Invisalign treatment, and if you’re interested, we’d love to talk to you. We invite you to learn more about Invisalign by clicking here, or to set up a complimentary consultation by calling us at (518) 512-3001 or contacting us online. We look forward to seeing you soon!
How the COVID-19 Crisis Has Transformed Dental Visits
This post originally appeared in the September/October 2020 Capital Region Living Magazine. Written by Beth Krueger.
Remember when your dentist’s office would call you before an appointment, reminding you to arrive on a predetermined date and time with your insurance card in hand? On that date, you would’ve taken a seat in the busy waiting room next to other patients. Now because of the COVID-19 crisis, that process is no more. So, what are dental appointments like nowadays?
Luckily, dental professionals who work in offices or clinics are trained in infection-control protocols (such as sterilizing equipment, sanitizing surfaces, and changing disposable items) anyway, so they were a step ahead of the game when COVID hit. Of course, additional procedures have since been put in place to protect both the onsite dental team and its patients. In New York State, for example, dental offices could only perform emergency care at the outset of the pandemic but were then authorized to fully reopen on June 1.
“Dentists have a long history of infection control and take extreme care to assure the safety of patients, doctors, and staff,” says New York State Dental Association Executive Director Mark J. Feldman. “With the experience, knowledge, and equipment gained over the past several months, dentists are well-prepared to safely serve their patients. We encourage you to visit your dentist, as your oral health is vital to your overall health.”
Dr. Sergey Berenshteyn, owner of Adirondack Orthodontics—which has offices in Albany, Latham, Clifton Park, East Greenbush, and Glens Falls—notes that his dental service “has always adhered to all relevant infection control protocols and procedures and required all clinical staff to do the same. Out of an abundance of caution and in keeping the health and safety of our patients and staff first and foremost, we have further expanded those efforts during the pandemic.”
Whereas that call you used to get before your appointment may have asked you if there were any updates to your medical history since your last visit, these days you might be asked questions about your current health, whether you’ve been exposed to (or tested for) the COVID-19 virus or if you’ve taken any recent trips. You also may be reminded to wear a mask while in the office except (obviously) during your dental procedure. The office may even ask you to call when you arrive in the parking lot, so it can limit the number of patients it has onsite at one time.
Now, imagine that you’re in your dental office. It’s entirely possible that you could be asked to use the available hand sanitizer as you enter, have your temperature taken, or review any pre-visit questions. You could also be handed paperwork on a clipboard, along with a sanitized pen, that you either take with you or deposit in a cup after use. Those magazines, toys, and other items you might’ve handled months ago in the waiting room? They’re likely all gone. And there might also be fewer chairs or some space cordoned off between chairs to promote social distancing. The dental team itself could be wearing different masks, face shields, and gowns, depending on what procedure you’re in for. “We are scheduling additional time between appointments to minimize the number of patients in the office at any one time, and we ask that child patients be accompanied by only one parent or guardian,” says Dr. Berenshteyn. “We require all patients and family members coming into the office to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines, and our waiting areas are closed to maintain proper social distancing. Parents and guardians check-in at the reception desk with their child, make any payments due and schedule upcoming appointments, and then return to their cars during treatment. We call them when treatment is complete to return and pick up their child.”
Adirondack Orthodontics also conducts daily temperature and health checks of both administrative and clinical staff and requires all staff to wear protective gear, including masks and gloves, in accordance with local, state, and federal health guidelines. Treatment chairs in the operatory have been set to ensure social distancing. Cleaning is done between appointments, and the office is thoroughly disinfected, as per appropriate guidelines.
So, the next time you make an appointment to go see your dentist, know that the process will be a little bit different, but you’ll get the same great care you always did. And that’s a reason to smile.
The Importance of Retainers
After investing in your straight, healthy smile, it makes sense to do everything you can to keep it. Retention is just as important as the rest of the process, and this is what a retainer is for. Your retainer is made specifically for you, custom-designed to fit your teeth exactly and keep them in the desired position. Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, wearing your retainer at night, and keeping it clean and cared for, is essential to preventing your teeth from moving.
Occasional wear and tear is normal, as is outgrowing a retainer. No matter the circumstances you find yourself in, the team at Adirondack Orthodontics will be there to help keep you on track.
Has your retainer worn out?
Retainers can last for many years, but wear and tear does occur. If you wear your retainer every night and it still fits you, we can easily create a duplicate retainer.
Does your retainer no longer fit, but you’re still happy with your smile?
Maybe you’ve forgotten to wear your retainer a few too many times. If this is the case, your teeth may have moved. While this is not ideal, we can create a new retainer that fits your mouth. Please don’t attempt to use your current retainer if it doesn’t fit; it’s better to simply have us create a new retainer that suits the current shape of your mouth.
Does your retainer no longer fit, and is your smile not as straight and even as you’d like it to be?
Failing to wear a retainer for a long time may mean that you need help getting your teeth back to where they were. If you have an extreme overbite or underbite once again, or if your teeth are crooked, you may need to schedule an appointment to reevaluate your treatment plan. Fortunately, you probably won’t be starting from scratch.
While we always recommend faithfully wearing your retainer once your treatment is complete, we are here to help with fixing your retainer or recommending the services you need to achieve a beautiful smile once again.
Contact Adirondack Orthodontics for assistance with all of your retainer and orthodontic needs; we would be delighted to tell you more and help you begin or continue your journey to the smile you’ve always wanted.
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