Invisalign Blue Diamond+ Provider: What Our Status Means for You

Experience premier orthodontic care

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we continually strive to ensure our patients feel confident in receiving the highest quality care. Our commitment to excellence is evident through our state-of-the-art offices, our skilled and dedicated team, and the extensive resources available on our website. We prioritize our patients first and foremost.

As an illustration of our expertise, we are proud to be recognized as an official Invisalign Blue Diamond+ Provider. Continue reading to discover what this prestigious designation means for you, our valued patient.

A Rare Recognition

Only 1% of Invisalign providers in North America have earned Blue Diamond+ status. This recognition is granted to orthodontists who have provided Invisalign treatment to over 10,000 patients while maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction. The designation is Invisalign’s way of helping patients discover the providers who have delivered excellent patient outcomes time and time again.

The Qualities of a Blue Diamond Provider

With over 10,000 smiles created using Invisalign, our team is a trusted leader in orthodontic care. Our focus is on making the process comfortable, efficient, and rewarding, helping each patient achieve a smile they can be proud of. We also are dedicated to offering one-on-one free primary consultations, custom treatment plans, financing options, participation with a wide range of insurance plans, and constant support during treatment.

On the treatment side, we’ve invested in cutting-edge technology, staying up to date on the latest advancements. We even provide a Smile Guarantee™ so that our patients know they can expect a healthy, straight smile for a lifetime.

Proudly Providing Top-Notch Service to New York

Expect exceptional service when you turn to Adirondack Orthodontics for Invisalign treatment. Our Blue Diamond+ status is a reflection of our commitment to being the best and largest provider of Invisalign in the area, offering unparalleled care and results to all who choose us for their orthodontic journey. With six locations in New York, we are here to help you achieve your perfect smile! Just schedule an appointment today to get started.

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Misconceptions about Early Orthodontic Care

Clarifying myths: understanding early orthodontic care for kids

The earlier that your child’s orthodontic issues are addressed, the more likely they are to have a healthy, straight smile that lasts a lifetime. But many misconceptions exist around early orthodontic care. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we would like to demystify this topic to help you make the most informed decision possible as a parent or guardian. Early orthodontic treatment isn’t right for every child, but your child may benefit from this treatment to address their specific dental issues.

We encourage you to read on to learn the truth about early orthodontic care and spot the signs that your child may need it.

Misconception: Orthodontic treatment is only for teens and adults.

In orthodontia as in many other parts of health, early treatment often helps to prevent more severe problems down the line. Treatments like the Invisalign® Palatal Expander System were specifically developed for kids ages six to 10 and work to expand the jaw to make room for permanent teeth. So, right now could be the perfect time to address issues with your child’s jaw and teeth.

Misconception: Early orthodontic care is only right for severe cases.

Your child’s case doesn’t have to be severe for them to benefit from early treatment, and our team can handle everything from minor overbites to major issues like overcrowded and misaligned teeth.

Misconception: Early braces are a time-consuming treatment.

The length of treatment depends entirely on your child’s case. Some treatments can take just a few months!

Misconception: Treatment is painful.

Our team will take every step to ensure your child’s treatment is as easy as possible. In fact, Invisalign’s system is designed for comfort, so your child won’t experience the discomfort from brackets and wires commonly associated with braces.

Signs That Your Child Needs Treatment

As children grow, their teeth can have a significant impact on how they speak and feel about themselves. That’s why early orthodontic treatment can be so essential. Mouth breathing, difficulty chewing, teeth grinding, speech problems, misaligned or crowded teeth, and mouth or jaw pain can be early signs of orthodontic issues and get in the way of your child’s development.

If you notice any of these warning signs, we recommend making an appointment for your child at Adirondack Orthodontics so that we can assess your child’s mouth and jaw to see if treatment is necessary.

Turn to Us with Your Concerns

You want the best care possible for your child, and that’s just what we’ll provide at Adirondack Orthodontics. Phase 1 treatment (orthodontic care for children) can address issues like overcrowding and spacing before they worsen.

Call our office today to make an appointment for your child and set them up for the healthy smile they deserve!

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Start the Year Right with a Free Orthodontic Consultation

Begin 2025 with confidence

Not everyone makes an official list of goals for the year ahead, and that’s ok! Some people prefer to go with the flow and take life as it comes. But even if you don’t have a list of things to accomplish this year, you should still make sure every year involves care for your mental and physical health.

An important part of this is tending to the health of your smile. If you want a straight, healthy smile that gives you confidence, consider orthodontic treatment early this year. By the time 2026 rolls around, you could have the smile of your dreams!

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we take the stress out of the process by providing a free consultation for each patient. Keep reading to learn what to expect.

Complimentary Consultation

Our initial consultation will set you up for affordable orthodontic treatment tailored to meet your needs. The first appointment will be completely free for you and will include the following:

• X-Rays & Photos: We will use state-of-the-art technology to take X-rays and photos of your teeth.
• Evaluation: One of our trained and professional orthodontists will provide an examination and assess your X-rays and photos.
• Treatment Options: The orthodontist will discuss treatment options and help you understand which ones may best suit your needs.
• Coordination: Working with our coordinator, you will come up with a financial plan that works with your budget.

Once we’ve created a plan that covers everything, we won’t delay starting your treatment. In fact, depending on the course of treatment recommended and what you decide, your treatment could start during your very first visit!

Orthodontic Care That Fits Your Budget

Adirondack Orthodontics is proud to participate with most insurance plans and provides a variety of financing options. We work with CareCredit and offer a family discount, teacher discount, military service member discount, and more. We do everything we can to make your treatment as affordable as possible.

When you visit for your free consultation, be sure to bring your insurance card (if you have insurance) and fill out our health history form. If you have any questions, reach out before your appointment. We’d be happy to give you the answers you need to ensure your consultation goes as smoothly as possible.

Schedule a Consultation Today

The smile of your dreams is closer than you think. Make an in-person or virtual appointment at one of our locations to start your journey. We have six locations throughout the Capital Region for you to choose from. We look forward to serving you, so schedule your appointment today!

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Adult Orthodontics: Embracing Orthodontic Treatment Later in Life

Debunking myths and unveiling truths about adult orthodontic treatment

Everyone deserves a straight, healthy smile that gives them confidence and helps them look and feel their very best. While many people are fortunate enough to receive the dental and orthodontic care that will give them that smile in their youth, that doesn’t always happen.

Whether you never had braces in your younger years or your teeth have changed throughout adulthood, orthodontic care may be the answer. After all, there’s no such thing as being too old for a healthy smile.

Read below to learn the truth about some of the most common misconceptions about adult orthodontics. And remember: no matter your age, you can get the orthodontic care you need and deserve with help from Adirondack Orthodontics.

Myth: Orthodontics are only for kids/teenagers.

Fact: Orthodontic care is for adults, too! While orthodontic treatment such as braces is commonly associated with children and teenagers, adults of all ages are increasingly opting for treatment to improve their smile and boost their confidence.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment appears unprofessional.

Fact: There is nothing unprofessional about taking control of your health and working toward your goals. However, if you want a more discreet option, clear aligners like Invisalign can help you achieve the smile of your dreams with no one at work being the wiser.

Learn more about elevating confidence with Invisalign on our blog.

Myth: Braces are too painful.

Fact: These days, options like Invisalign make orthodontic treatment more comfortable and convenient. If you’re worried about the feeling of brackets and wires, Invisalign’s series of clear trays may be the right fit for you.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment is too expensive.

Fact: At Adirondack Orthodontics, we work with most insurances and can help create a payment plan that works for you. We even have some exclusive offers that you may be able to take advantage of!

Myth: Orthodontic treatment takes longer for adults.

Fact: Your age doesn’t dictate how long your treatment will take! The duration of your treatment depends on your teeth. We can give you more information about the estimated length of your treatment during your initial appointment.

We hope we’ve debunked your misconceptions about adult orthodontic treatment. It’s never too late to get the orthodontic and dental care you need! If you have any other concerns or you’re ready to schedule your free initial consultation, reach out to our team today. Adirondack Orthodontics is proud to have numerous locations to serve you.

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Why Fall is the Perfect Season to Begin Your Orthodontic Journey

Embrace change with a new smile

Autumn is here, and there’s no better time to consider starting adult orthodontic treatment! Between the cozy fires, changing leaves, and festive pumpkin spices, fall is a season of transformation, making it perfect for embarking on your journey to a new smile. Here are some compelling reasons why fall is a great time to start your orthodontic treatment.

More Availability and Convenience

With the kids back in school and summer vacations coming to an end, fall gifts you with more personal time. This added availability makes it easier to schedule and keep up with orthodontic appointments. Fall gives you the space to focus on your own healthcare needs, including visits to your orthodontist.

Preparation for the Holidays

Starting your orthodontic treatment now means by the time the holiday season rolls around, you’ll already be adjusted to your braces or Invisalign. The initial discomfort will be behind you, meaning you can dive into your holiday bucket list without any interruptions.

Optimal Health Management

Aligning the start of your orthodontic treatment with the beginning of the fall season gives you ample time to properly manage and incorporate new oral care habits into your daily routine. Orthodontic treatments require particular attention to cleaning and routine check-ups; fall sets a calm pace that can help you get into the habit of maintaining increased oral hygiene.

Learn more about brushing with braces or cleaning and maintaining your Invisalign aligners on our blog.

Looking Ahead to Next Year

Starting in the fall not only gives you a head start before the holidays but also primes you for a stunning transformation to greet next summer! It’s the perfect time frame to notice significant progress and give yourself a confidence boost as the year ends and a new one begins.

Align Your Start with Insurance Benefits

Fall also coincides with the end of the calendar year. This is a critical period for utilizing any remaining dental insurance benefits or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars. Many insurance plans operate on a calendar year basis, so starting your orthodontic treatment in the fall allows you to maximize these benefits and possibly even double up on your coverage when the new year begins.

Easy Scheduling and Less Wait

Orthodontists tend to be busier during the summer months due to families trying to fit treatments around their schedules. The pace typically slows down in the fall, making it an excellent time to start treatment with potentially shorter wait times and more flexible appointment availability.

Building Healthy Routines

Fall signifies a return to routine for many families, making it an ideal time to integrate new care habits necessary for orthodontic treatment. With school schedules back in place, it’s easier to establish a consistent, effective oral care routine that complements your orthodontic process.

Let Us Help!

Get started on your journey to a perfect smile by scheduling a free consultation with Adirondack Orthodontics online. Our convenient locations in Albany, Clifton Park, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, Latham, and Schenectady, NY help kids and adults achieve straight, beautiful smiles.

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Celebrating National Orthodontic Health Month

Discover 10 fun facts about Adirondack Orthodontics

Happy National Orthodontic Health Month from the team at Adirondack Orthodontics! To celebrate this important month, we decided to share fun facts about our practice with you.

1. Blue Diamond+ Status

We’re proud to set ourselves apart as a top tier Blue Diamond+ Invisalign provider. This means that we’ve treated over 10,000 cases, putting us in the top 1% of Invisalign providers in North America.

2. Highly Specialized Team

Our team of orthodontic specialists are extensively trained in the field and have been recognized for their expertise and excellence. For example, Dr. Berenshteyn was named one of the Capital Region’s 40 under 40 by the Albany Business Review in 2019.

3. Lifetime Smile Guarantee™

We keep patients smiling – for good. We provide a Lifetime Smile Guarantee™: once you complete your treatment with us, your smile is 100% guaranteed for the rest of your life.

4. ABO Certification

Our orthodontists are board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). This extensive process requires measurable accomplishments in patient care with a vetting process by the examining board. Only one-third of orthodontists hold this certification!

5. 10,000 & Counting

We have transformed over 10,000 smiles since opening for business, making us your trusted partner for quality orthodontic treatment.

6. Treating All Ages

It is never too late to start orthodontic treatment, and our patients come from all stages of life. We love transforming smiles for patients as young as 5 and for those as old as 85.

7. Getting Involved with the Community

We believe in making our community a better place to live. In addition to providing the area with amazing orthodontic treatment, we are sponsors of several sports and dance leagues in the area, including Shen track, South Colonie girls softball league, the Robovines, and more.

In 2019, we provided the largest-ever donation of orthodontic treatment, treating 25 underprivileged children in our area.

8. Flexible Financing

Our patients can take advantage of insurance benefits, financing, and custom payment plans to help them afford the orthodontic treatment they need.

In addition, we offer discounts on treatment to families with multiple patients, teachers, Military Service members, and more!

9. Best of the Capital Region

The Times Union’s Best of the Capital Region user poll allows members of the community to rate their preferred orthodontist – and we’ve been ranked in the #1 spot for the last five years in a row!

10. Multiple Locations for Your Convenience

Our six offices ensure you can find convenient orthodontic treatment no matter where you are located. Schedule your next appointment in Albany, Clifton Park, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, Latham, or Schenectady.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the team at Adirondack Orthodontics. These are just a few of the reasons our patients love turning to us for all their orthodontic needs! If you’re ready to join them and celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month by improving your oral health, please book your consultation today.

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5 Things to Consider When Choosing Orthodontic Treatment for Your Child

Examining your orthodontic options

Children who have misaligned teeth, an underbite, an overbite, or another orthodontic issue shouldn’t wait until adulthood to address the problem. All these issues can and should be solved early with orthodontic treatment! The team at Adirondack Orthodontics offers traditional metal braces and Invisalign to ensure our patients get the treatment that fits their needs.

But which treatment is right for your child or teen? Here are five things to consider as you review your options.

1. Affordability

Finances play a crucial role in any medical treatment decision. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we believe that all orthodontic options should be affordable for families, which is why we frequently offer special promotions to help reduce costs. We also work with most insurance providers and offer payment plans custom tailored to fit your budget. Because of these options, families are able to choose the treatment you and your child feel most comfortable with, whether that’s traditional braces or Invisalign.

Find more ways to save on orthodontic treatment on our blog.

2. Comfortability

Orthodontic options vary in terms of comfort, especially immediately after implementation. Invisalign is generally considered to be the most comfortable option since it doesn’t involve metal parts that can irritate the mouth. Metal braces might cause initial discomfort or irritation, but this usually subsides as your child gets used to wearing them.

3. Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment. Invisalign’s removable aligners make it easy for your child to brush and floss as they normally would, keeping their teeth and aligners clean with minimal extra effort.

With metal braces, maintaining oral hygiene requires more effort due to the additional surfaces that need cleaning. However, we provide resources and guidance to ensure your child has all the tools and knowledge needed to keep their mouth healthy regardless of which orthodontic treatment they decide on.

Learn more in our home care guide for braces and Invisalign.

4. Personality and Discreteness

Younger kids may love showing off their personality through traditional metal braces that can be customized with different colored bands. For older kids and teens, Invisalign may be more desirable as the discreet option that is virtually invisible.

5. Removability

Invisalign aligners can be taken out during sports, meals, and oral hygiene routines, which can make eating and cleaning teeth easier. While this flexibility may make it easier for aligners to be misplaced or forgotten, in our experience most children adapt to this responsibility quickly and easily.

Traditional metal braces are fixed in place, reducing the chance of loss but requiring more diligent care, especially when it comes to avoiding certain foods that can damage the braces.

Learn about which foods you can and cannot eat with orthodontics on our blog.

Find the Right Treatment for Your Child – Call Us Today!

Choosing the right orthodontic treatment for your child is a significant decision, and the team at Adirondack Orthodontics is here to support you every step of the way. We’ll ensure your child is prepared for their orthodontic journey and will work towards achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact our office. Schedule your first free consultation today, and let us help you make the best choice for your child’s orthodontic needs.

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How Orthodontics Can Help Improve Bite and Alignment Issues

Understanding the benefits of orthodontic treatment for bite issues

If you’re suffering from poorly aligned teeth, you probably already know that orthodontia can help solve this issue. Braces and Invisalign can straighten your teeth and give you a smile to be proud of! But did you know that orthodontic treatment can also solve common bite issues?

Common Bite and Alignment Issues

While you may just see your teeth as “crooked,” there are terms that can help better define the spacing or alignment issue you’re experiencing. Here are five of the most common ones:

1. Crossbites

A crossbite occurs when a patient’s top and bottom don’t meet as they should when biting down. Crossbites are often caused by genetics, habits like thumb sucking, or permanent teeth that haven’t yet erupted. Children who suck their thumb as they are developing are often more susceptible to developing a noticeable crossbite that will continue to become exaggerated as their permanent teeth come in.

2. Overbites

When a person’s upper teeth protrude over their lower teeth by a significant amount, this is referred to as an overbite. In many cases, lower teeth bite into the roof of the mouth and push out the upper teeth, resulting in excessive overjet, or the distance between the upper and lower teeth. Overbites and overjets can be caused by genetics, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), missing teeth, and bad dental habits such as teeth grinding.

3. Underbites

An underbite is when the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. It’s often noticeable by the appearance of a “bulldog-like” jawline, where the lower jaw juts out prominently. While it may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, underbites can lead to various complications if left untreated, including difficulty chewing, speech problems, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Genetics, prolonged childhood thumb sucking, irregular tooth growth, and jaw development issues are some of the potential causes of an underbite.

4. Open Bites

If a person’s upper and lower teeth don’t touch, this is called an open bite. An anterior open bite occurs when front teeth don’t touch. This causes an aesthetically unpleasing smile as well as issues with proper jaw function impacting speech and biting capabilities. A posterior open bite is when back teeth don’t touch. This is usually a result of side tongue thrusts or poor dental habits prevalent in children. Symmetric open bites are typically caused by consistent tongue thrusts, while asymmetric open bites are caused by poor habits that impact dental health such as thumb sucking.

5. Deep Bites

A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. While some overlap is normal, an excessive deep bite can lead to various dental issues if left untreated, including wear on the teeth, jaw pain, and even difficulties in chewing and speaking.

Genetics, excessive childhood thumb sucking, teeth crowding, irregular jawbone development, and missing teeth can potentially create a deep bite.

The Dangers of Misalignment

Dental misalignment can make it difficult to chew and speak properly. Alignment issues also can cause everything from headaches and jaw pain to tooth loss and gum recession. Ignoring your bite issues can result in long-term, expensive, and painful problems.

Fortunately, orthodontia can correct these issues over time, giving you relief from dental pain and ensuring a healthy, confidence-boosting smile.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

After assessing your teeth and taking X-rays, our orthodontist will come up with a treatment plan to correct your bite issue, using either braces or Invisalign. Both work in a similar way, slowly moving your teeth into the desired positions for optimal smile health. Braces use brackets that are placed on your teeth and then connected with wires. Invisalign, on the other hand, uses a series of clear plastic aligner trays that are customized to move your teeth bit by bit over time.

Whichever treatment best suits your needs, you can trust that your overbite, underbite, or other alignment issue will be a thing of the past once you’re finished!

Make an Appointment Today

If you’re experiencing dental pain or are having trouble chewing or speaking and you think it may be due to bite issues, call on our team at Adirondack Orthodontics. All our treatment plans are backed by our Smile Guarantee™, so you know you’ll get the orthodontic treatment you need and deserve.

We would be happy to schedule your free initial consultation – and help you get your best smile in one year or less! Contact us today to make an appointment at one of our six convenient locations.

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How to Choose the Right Orthodontist for You

Key factors to consider when selecting your orthodontist

Some decisions are low-stakes and fine to decide on a whim, like where you’ll go for dinner or what movie you’re going to watch. But when it comes to choosing someone to provide health services to you, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Your decision should involve much more thought, planning, and research.

If you’re looking for an orthodontist, the process might seem overwhelming. Most people don’t know what sets an amazing orthodontist apart from the pack. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of must-haves to keep in mind when choosing an orthodontist.

Unmatched Comfort & Convenience

A top-tier orthodontist prioritizes your comfort and convenience throughout your treatment journey. This begins with flexible scheduling options to accommodate your busy lifestyle. Look for orthodontists like Adirondack Orthodontics, which boasts multiple locations, ensuring accessibility and convenience for patients.

Moreover, a comfortable patient experience is crucial for reducing anxiety and ensuring a positive treatment outcome. We pride ourselves on providing inviting waiting areas and a range of amenities to keep patients at ease during their appointments. From friendly staff to modern offices, every aspect is designed to enhance your comfort and overall satisfaction.

Lifelong Results

When you choose the right orthodontist, you’ll have peace of mind that your provider will stand behind their services and protect your smile for years to come.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, all our plans are backed by our Smile Guarantee™. That means that your smile is 100% guaranteed for life! If you eventually notice that your teeth have shifted, call us to schedule an appointment, and we’ll be sure to help.

Flexible Payment & Financing Options

Affordability should never be a barrier to achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. A reputable orthodontist understands the financial considerations involved in orthodontic treatment and works closely with patients to explore flexible payment and financing options.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, our team is dedicated to ensuring that treatment remains financially accessible to all patients. We are proud to partner with patients to make sure their insurance covers our services, even when they want to utilize FSA/HSA benefits. We can also help you learn more about financing options like autopay, zero-interest financing, paid-in-full discounts, and third-party payment options. And we make it easy to pay your bill online!

Proven Expertise

Additional certifications and credentials can show that an orthodontist goes the extra mile to provide treatment for patients. Nothing will give you confidence in your healthcare provider like knowing that they’ve gone above and beyond to learn everything they can about their profession.

One designation that sets Adirondack Orthodontics apart from other orthodontists is that we are an Invisalign Diamond Provider. That means we are in the top 1% of more than 50,000 Invisalign-certified dentists and orthodontists in the U.S.

By choosing a provider with proven expertise, you can have confidence in the quality of care and the outcomes of your treatment.

Make the Right Choice – Call Us Today

When it comes to selecting the right orthodontist, Adirondack Orthodontics emerges as the best choice for patients seeking unparalleled comfort, convenience, and expertise. With a steadfast commitment to patient satisfaction and lifelong results, we embody excellence in orthodontic care.

To embark on your journey to a straighter, healthier smile, schedule your initial consultation today. Our dedicated team is ready to provide personalized care and support every step of the way. Don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to your dental health—choose Adirondack Orthodontics for a transformative orthodontic experience!

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Orthodontic Emergencies: What to Do When Problems Arise

Learn what to do if you experience a problem with your braces or Invisalign

Orthodontic treatment is a journey toward a healthier, more aligned smile, but like any journey, it can come with unexpected bumps along the way. While taking proper care of your braces or Invisalign aligners will lessen the chances that you’ll have an orthodontic emergency, unforeseen issues can still arise. When an emergency arises, you’ll want to be able to turn to a knowledgeable orthodontist for help.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

One of the many benefits of working with the orthodontists at Adirondack Orthodontics is that you can access the help of an experienced professional at a moment’s notice. Unlike companies that offer DIY tooth-straightening solutions, we won’t leave you high and dry when you have questions or concerns. Adirondack Orthodontics is your source for professional orthodontic treatments and guidance during the entire process. If you ever have an orthodontic emergency, we will be there to help.

But what do you do when a problem arises with your braces or aligners, especially if you can’t get to our office right away? Keep reading to learn more about some of the most common emergencies and how we can help you handle them.

Broken Wires & Loose Brackets

Wires and brackets are essential components of braces. While this situation doesn’t happen often, they can sometimes become loose or break under enough pressure. If this happens to you, take the following actions immediately:

• Orthodontic Wax: If a wire is poking out and causing discomfort, you can use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp end and prevent it from irritating your mouth.
• Clipping the Wire: If the wire is protruding too much and wax isn’t enough, you can sterilize a pair of nail clippers or small wire cutters and carefully clip the wire. Ensure you only clip the wire as a last resort and be cautious not to swallow any pieces.
• Contact Your Orthodontist: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible for a professional repair. Continuing treatment with damaged components can hinder progress and cause more discomfort.

Damaged Aligners

Invisalign aligners are designed to be durable, but they can still crack or break under certain circumstances. If this happens to you, you can take the following steps:

• Use Previous Aligners: If your current aligner is damaged and cannot be worn, revert to wearing your previous set to maintain your progress.
• Contact Your Orthodontist: Notify your orthodontist immediately to arrange for a replacement. Avoid skipping aligners as it can delay your treatment and affect your results.

Lost Retainers or Aligners

Misplacing retainers or aligners is a common issue, especially if they are not stored in their designated case. We recommend always putting your retainers or aligners in the same place to reduce this risk.

The only way to manage a lost retainer or aligner is to contact our team for replacement. If your aligners were lost, then as suggested above, you can wear your previous set of aligners until you receive a new set. But if you lose your retainer, you’ll simply have to wait until it’s replaced.

Intense Mouth Pain or Sores

Some discomfort is expected with braces and aligners, especially after adjustments or switching to a new set of aligners. However, excessive pain or the development of sores can indicate a problem. The following tips can help with mouth pain or sores:

• Orthodontic Wax: Use wax to cover any brackets or wires causing irritation.
• Saltwater Rinse: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to alleviate pain and promote healing.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort.
• Contact Your Orthodontist: If the pain is intense or persistent, contact your orthodontist to discuss the symptoms and schedule an appointment if necessary.

Preventing Orthodontic Emergencies

While not all emergencies can be prevented, there are steps you can take to minimize risks:

• Follow Care Instructions: Adhere strictly to the care guidelines provided by your orthodontist, including dietary restrictions and cleaning protocols.
• Regular Check-ups: Attend all scheduled appointments to ensure your treatment is progressing smoothly and any potential issues are addressed promptly.
• Protective Gear: If you have braces, wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities to protect your teeth from damage.

Turn to Adirondack Orthodontics

The team at Adirondack Orthodontics will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to prevent orthodontic emergencies as much as possible. But should an emergency occur anyway, we’re here to help. Contact us if you have further questions about how to handle your situation.

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