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.
The Dangers of DIY
Put Your Health First: Choose Orthodontics Over DIY
If we’ve learned one thing during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s the importance of putting health and safety first. That makes this a good time to remind new and prospective patients why it’s far better to straighten your smile with the help of a skilled and trained orthodontist rather than using a do-it-yourself option.
The Dangers of DIY Aligner Methods
DIY braces may seem like a fast and easy solution, but at-home methods can lead to long-term oral health problems that will ultimately require the expertise of an orthodontist to correct. Attempting to save money in the short term can have long-term consequences, both on your wallet and your health.
Why is that? The DIY approach is typically a one-size-fits-all solution. It doesn’t take X-rays or conduct exams – in other words, it doesn’t take your personal situation into account. In addition, there is no orthodontist to monitor the process, evaluate your progress, assess whether treatment is proceeding as it should, and adjust your treatment plan if needed. The resulting health issues can be significant: long-term bite problems, tooth misalignment, and infections are just some of the problems that can crop up after trying DIY orthodontia.
The Advantages of a Board-Certified Orthodontist
Rather than risking your smile and health with a dangerous DIY “solution,” turn to a proven expert who lives and works in your hometown. A board-certified orthodontist is uniquely educated and trained to provide the expert services needed to help you gain a healthy, beautiful smile. These are just some of the benefits of working with a licensed professional orthodontist:
Personalized Treatment Plans
At Adirondack Orthodontics, an on-site, board-certified orthodontist will complete X-rays and a visual exam, explore your medical history and tailor a customized treatment plan that meets your specific needs. We can even utilize technology to show you what your new smile will look like before we begin treatment!
Customized Payment Plans
When it comes to your budget, Adirondack Orthodontics has you covered. We can tailor a plan that will work within your budget, and we are a participating provider with nearly all insurance plans. We’ll also work with your insurance company to make sure you get the most out of your benefits and handle all the administrative details so you don’t have to.
Long-Term Retention
One of the most important factors that make choosing an orthodontist superior to a DIY method is retention, or the ability to keep your smile after the treatment. At Adirondack Orthodontics, lifetime smile maintenance is guaranteed.
Convenient, Friendly Service
Flexible scheduling, caring and compassionate staff members, and affordable service are just some of the qualities that set us apart. At Adirondack Orthodontics, our patients are our most important priority!
Invest in Your Smile Today
Your health is too important to risk with a do-it-yourself treatment. Turn to the team that provides a personalized solution under the supervision of a licensed, board-certified orthodontist.
Get started at Adirondack Orthodontics today and allow us to create a treatment plan just for you! We are proud to treat all cases, no matter the challenges. Whether Invisalign is the best treatment for you, or you choose another solution such as ceramic or metal braces, we are here to help you gain and retain a beautiful smile.
You deserve the best in oral care, so skip the gimmicks and invest in your smile by calling Adirondack Orthodontics. Schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient locations in Clifton Park, Albany, Latham, or East Greenbush, NY. It would be our pleasure to provide you with incredible orthodontic care that puts your health, safety, and smile first!
Improving the Patient Experience With Our New Website and Online Tools
We’re thrilled that all Adirondack Orthodontics’ offices have reopened, but we’ve also learned that patients and families appreciate the opportunity to connect with us from their homes. So, we’re making it easier than ever to access the tools and information you need to make the right decisions about your oral health.
On June 1, we launched a new website that includes several online tools to assist both current and new patients.
Smile Assessment Tool
Take our quick and easy smile assessment to get a better idea of the orthodontic treatment that may be right for you or your child. Once we understand your concerns, we can begin to put together a treatment plan. All you’ll need to do after that is make an appointment with one of our Smile Ambassadors, which you can do while using our Smile Assessment tool.
Payment Calculator
We believe in being upfront when it comes to the cost of treatment. Use our payment calculator to understand how your payments will be spread out over time. We offer completely customized plans because we believe everyone should be able to afford the perfect smile – and remember, we are a participating provider with nearly every insurance plan.
Our payment calculator can estimate the cost of your treatment based on your initial payment, how much insurance will pay, the length of the treatment, and more.
Online Bill Payment
Paying your bills from the comfort and safety of your home is more essential than ever. Utilize our secure online bill payment option any time you need to make a payment. If you have any questions, our trained and friendly staff is always available to help you.
Explore Our Website
We hope you’ll take a few minutes to look through our new website and check out the many great things happening at Adirondack Orthodontics. Whether you’re a current or new patient, we’re sure you’ll like what you see, and if we can be of service, we’d love to talk to you. Don’t hesitate to contact your nearest office in Albany, Clifton Park, Latham, or East Greenbush. We look forward to seeing you soon!
This is a Great Time to Get Braces – Here Are 5 Reasons Why
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many people to pursue longstanding desires, from home improvement and landscaping projects to health and fitness goals. We are seeing that firsthand at Adirondack Orthodontics, with an increasing number of people contacting us to inquire about straightening their teeth with Invisalign or traditional braces. Now is a great time to get started – here are five reasons why.
Health and Safety is Our Top Priority. We have established extensive protocols to ensure the well-being of our patients and staff. Once our doors fully reopen, we are spacing out appointments to minimize contact with others; checking the temperatures of staff and patients daily prior to treatments; installing partitions to enable social distancing during treatments; and enhancing deep cleaning and thorough disinfection so each patient has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Virtual Screenings Get Treatment Started Safely and Comfortably. Our complimentary virtual consultation program has been a huge hit! It gives patients access to our orthodontic services from the comfort and safety of their homes. See our Virtual Consultation page to find out more; you can call us, email us, or fill out the form on that page, and we will get started on putting together the information needed to schedule your virtual appointment.
Patients Starting Now Move to the Front of the Line. As we start to ramp back up, your path to achieving a beautiful and healthy smile is wide open. With your virtual screening completed, you’ll be ready to have your braces put on immediately. That means your treatment will be completed faster and it won’t be long before you’re showing off your gorgeous new smile!
The Cost Savings Have Never Been Better. No matter your financial situation, Adirondack Orthodontics wants to ensure you have access to all the best orthodontic care. In addition to our customized payment plans, low down payment options, and discounts for teachers and first responders, we’ve put together a special offer: start your treatment by June 30 and we’ll match your down payment up to $650. (This applies to comprehensive treatment only)
We Offer the Flexibility You Need and Convenience You Want. With four offices conveniently located in Albany, Latham, Clifton Park, and East Greenbush, we’re right in your neighborhood. And, with evening and weekend hours, we can work around your busy work schedule, school and sports activities, and other commitments to make treatment a seamless process.
Now is the perfect time to start planning for the future. We invite you to visit our webpage to see the latest updates on our practice and policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. And, if you would like to schedule a complimentary virtual consultation, visit our Virtual Consultation page to make an appointment at your convenience. We look forward to helping you achieve the perfect, healthy smile of your dreams!
Orthodontics: Don’t Try This at Home!
Forced to stay at home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many people are turning to do-it-yourself solutions for everything from haircuts to home improvement projects. But while styling your own hair might not yield the ideal results, and trying to sponge-paint your own living room might lead to some regret, hair can grow back, and you can always repaint later. Orthodontics, on the other hand, is definitely not a DIY activity.
The Dangers of DIY
Online companies might boast of at-home teeth straightening solutions, but in truth, the results can be both expensive and painful. The initial price of at-home treatments may be lower, but the long-term costs of fixing your teeth will be far more. Worse, at-home DIY solutions can cause long-term bite problems and dangerous infections, and a trip to the hospital is the last thing anyone needs right now.
With professional orthodontics, patients benefit from the presence of a trained expert who can provide a personalized solution and monitor ongoing treatment. A licensed orthodontist will conduct a comprehensive exam and take X-rays to develop a treatment plan, and he or she will be there to identify and address any issues along the way.
Further, keeping your teeth in place once treatment is over – what is called retention – is just as important as the actual treatment. An experienced orthodontist will help you come up with a plan for keeping your beautiful smile once you achieve it. DIY kits might skip this vital step, and your teeth are likely to revert to their former positions, leaving you right where you started.
Clearly, DIY braces come with a price tag and risk that are significant. Instead, turn to the caring and committed professionals at Adirondack Orthodontics to work one-on-one with you to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted in a safe, effective manner. Dr. Sergey Berenshteyn and his experienced team are standing by to help provide the services you need in Albany, Clifton Park, Latham, East Greenbush, and across the Capital Region.
Don’t Want to Wait? Try a Virtual Screening!
At Adirondack Orthodontics, the health and safety of our patients is always our number one concern. While we are scheduling appointments to address urgent cases and following CDC guidelines, we encourage new patients to schedule a complimentary virtual appointment. This can be done in the comfort of your own home, at no cost to you.
We invite you to visit our Virtual Consultation page to find out more. You can call us, email us or fill out the form, and we will begin putting together the information needed to schedule your appointment. The initial consultation is an essential first step toward developing a treatment plan to meet your oral health care needs. We look forward to seeing you!
Help Us Win Best of 2020!
Help Us Win Best of 2020!
Each year, people throughout the Capital Region nominate businesses to participate in the Times Union’s Best of the Capital Region contest, and readers vote for their favorites in each category. Adirondack Orthodontics is proud to have been nominated for the Best of 2020 in the “best dentist/orthodontist” category!
Please help us win by casting your vote and showing your support for our team. Voting begins on February 24th at 6:00 am Eastern and ends on Thursday, March 5th. Every person can vote once per day throughout the voting period, and even better, each voter is automatically entered to win $500!
Don’t forget to click “share” on the voting page to encourage others to vote. Thank you for all of your support, which has allowed us to stand out in the Capital Region.
How to Vote
- Visit the voting page: https://www.timesunion.com/bestof2020
- Click the Goods and Services category
- Find the section for Best Dentist/Orthodontist
- Choose Adirondack Orthodontics
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