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!

Simplify Cavity Prevention with Invisalign

Proper oral hygiene is necessary no matter your orthodontic solution, however, there is a treatment that makes keeping up with your hygiene a bit easier: Invisalign. Invisalign involves a series of clear plastic aligners custom-made to fit your teeth and gradually move them into position. The aligners can be taken off as needed, whether you are taking photos for a special event, eating a meal, or brushing and flossing! 

Whether you decide to pursue traditional braces or cutting-edge Invisalign, read these tips for preventing cavities and caring for your teeth throughout your treatment with our expert orthodontists in Albany and the rest of the Capital Region.

Brush After Every Meal

Regardless of your orthodontic treatment method, it is essential to maintain consistency when brushing your teeth. While it may be an adjustment learning how to brush around your braces, your effort will pay off in cavity prevention! If you are looking for a way to make dental hygiene easier to keep up with, consider Invisalign, as your aligners can be removed, allowing you to brush your teeth with no obstacles. 

We recommend brushing your teeth after you finish eating. Your toothbrush should be small and flexible, able to navigate around your braces. For best results, brush using the following technique:

  • Use a circular motion to brush the teeth, focusing on the outside and inside of your teeth.
  • Spend time brushing the crowns of your teeth, where you chew your food.
  • Be sure to brush around all wire brackets to remove food particles.
  • Don’t forget to brush your gums, tongue, and cheeks.
  • Rinse and spit as needed.
  • Brush for a minimum of two minutes.

Floss At Least Once a Day

Flossing with braces doesn’t have to be as tricky as it might seem. A water pick can make flossing a breeze, but even without one, you can properly floss your teeth. If you have traditional floss, take enough of it out to wrap around each index finger. Use floss threaders or move the floss by hand under the wires to get between the teeth, and floss using a “C” motion.

Even with all the tricks mentioned above, many people find that flossing with Invisalign is easier, as you can simply remove your aligners and floss your teeth normally. No matter which orthodontic treatment you choose, however, you’ll come to find that as your teeth are brought into alignment, it becomes easier to floss between them. 

In addition to flossing daily, we recommend bringing floss wherever you go in case you need to remove something from your teeth or brackets when you’re not at home.

The Benefits of Treatment with Adirondack Orthodontics

In addition to helping you achieve your ideal smile, braces bring you to our office for routine visits. Our Albany orthodontists will examine your teeth during these appointments, adjusting your braces and monitoring the health of your teeth. We will be able to identify any issues, like developing cavities, before they get worse. However, the proper brushing and flossing techniques will keep your teeth in great shape and save you from needing any fillings. 

If you need more information on the proper care methods, don’t hesitate to contact us or ask during your next appointment at Adirondack Orthodontics! Still haven’t started your journey to your ideal smile? Set up a consultation to get braces in Albany or any of our other Capital Region locations today! 

Start the School Year with a Smile – and Confidence!

Proper orthodontic care can help your child start the school year off right.

Everyone deserves to feel their best, especially on the first day of school. No matter what grade your child is going into, their smile will play a part in how they feel about themselves. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we provide patients of all ages with the orthodontic services they need to put their best foot forward. We’ll ensure that your child can have a straight, healthy smile to boost their self-confidence not just for the coming school year but for years to come.

Proudly serving the Capital Region, we understand the needs of our patients. Take a look at some of the reasons you should choose us to provide the utmost in orthodontic care for your child and schedule an appointment today!

Compassionate, Professional Care

For some, visiting the orthodontist can involve some anxiety. We do our best to create a comfortable environment where our patients feel at ease.

Top-Notch Service

Recognized as being part of the top 1% of Invisalign providers with our Diamond+ status, we rank among the top orthodontists in the country and have treated over 10,000 smiles.

Convenient Scheduling

The school year can be hectic for students and their parents, which is why we offer convenient scheduling options to help you find a time that fits with all of your child’s classes and extracurricular activities.

Plenty of Locations

Another way we provide convenience is by offering orthodontic treatment from various locations in the Capital Region. We have offices in Glens Falls, Clifton Park, Latham, Albany, East Greenbush, and, most recently, Schenectady.

Payment Options & Financing

In addition to being a participating provider with most insurances, we are happy to provide you with many discounts and financing options to make your child’s orthodontic care more affordable.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we’re passionate about creating beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. As this school year starts, keep your child’s orthodontic needs in mind. Now is a great time to schedule an appointment and start the school year off right. 

Give your nearest location a call or text today to set up your appointment and begin your child’s smile journey.

Invisalign: a Graduation Gift That Keeps On Giving

See a Change in Your Smile in Less Than 6 Weeks!

As graduation season draws near, students have plenty of things on their minds, from summer plans to higher education to entering the job market. Spring will involve lots of preparation for the future, both short and long term. When it comes to planning for success, nothing is better than investing in the health of your teeth and gums.

You deserve to celebrate all you have accomplished and to do so with a smile. Graduation involves special events and photos to mark the occasion. If your smile isn’t all you want it to be, Adirondack Orthodontics can help you prepare for this momentous occasion, helping you to change your smile in less than six weeks!

Carefully Planned, Expertly Executed

Invisalign is an orthodontic solution that can provide quicker results than typical solutions like braces, with treatment taking an average of six to eighteen months to complete. In many cases, minor results can be seen in less than six weeks. And, while faster than traditional braces, Invisalign is a process that’s anything but rushed. Plus, treatment can begin the same day as your consultation! Your treatment will be monitored by your orthodontist to assist you in achieving the smile you have always wanted.

A More Discreet Option

Invisalign aligns the teeth using clear aligners that can be removed as needed. All you need to remember is that your aligner should be worn at least 22 hours a day. While this rule is normally only relevant to times when you’re eating, it could come in handy when it’s time to attend your graduation, take pictures, or go for job interviews. And since the aligners are clear, you’ll be able to look back on your graduation photos and see your beautiful smile – which is a memory you’ll hold on to forever.

Conveniently Located & Flexible

If you would like to learn more about all the progress you can make in your orthodontic treatment leading up to graduation, get in touch with Adirondack Orthodontics today to set up a FREE consultation and 3D Scan! We have multiple locations throughout the Capital Region, so you can schedule appointments at your convenience during this busy season. We look forward to giving you a smile that you’ll be proud to show off during graduation season and far into the future!

New Year, New Invisa-Smile

Discreet Teeth Straightening Solutions Customized for You

Perhaps you already made your New Year’s resolutions for 2022. Even if you have, there’s one more that you should add to your list: finally enjoying a straight, beautiful smile. A new year can mean a new you, and there’s no better way to invest in yourself than in improving the health of your teeth. Anyone with crooked teeth, crowded teeth, an underbite, or an overbite may want to consider Invisalign®. By the end of 2022, you could be well on your way to the smile of your dreams!

One in five Americans is self-conscious about their smile. Make sure you take yourself out of that statistic by embracing a personalized orthodontic solution with help from Adirondack Orthodontics.

Invisalign®

One of the best-known orthodontic solutions out there, Invisalign® involves a series of customized clear aligners that straighten your teeth over time. Treatment is carried out under the experienced eye of our certified orthodontist to ensure you’re taken care of along the way. Many patients choose Invisalign because they can remove the aligners to eat and don’t need to worry about brackets and wires.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we are proud to be a Diamond+ Invisalign® provider, which signifies our position as one of the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the country. (This means we have done more cases and have lots of experience)

No matter what the treatment plans we recommend for you and which one you ultimately choose, the team at Adirondack Orthodontics welcomes the opportunity to help you gain the attractive smile and confidence you deserve in 2022. Call our office today to schedule a consultation so that we can discuss what treatment options may be right for you. We proudly serve patients throughout the Capital Region from five convenient locations.

Invisalign vs. Braces

How to Know Which is Right for You

Once you have decided to invest in the health and appearance of you or your child’s smile through orthodontia, next you will need to decide between Invisalign or braces. An experienced orthodontist will be able to tell you which will work best for you, but we always believe in keeping our patients fully informed so that they can choose the option that fits their lifestyle best.

Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of Invisalign and braces.

How Much They Cost

While the costs of both Invisalign and braces vary, Invisalign tends to be the more expensive option. However, it’s important to factor in dental insurance coverage and available discounts before you determine which option is more affordable for you and your family.

How They Look

One of the most common reasons our patients choose Invisalign is that it’s a discreet option. Invisalign comes in a series of clear aligners, while braces involve metal brackets being placed on the teeth for the duration of the treatment. If you want a less obtrusive treatment, Invisalign may be the best option for you.

How They Feel

Moving your teeth into their proper positions, no matter the method, can be an uncomfortable experience. However, braces tend to be a little more uncomfortable because brackets are not just placed on the front of teeth but around the back molars as well. This can result in discomfort inside of your mouth.

How Convenient They Are

Braces are easy to manage because your orthodontist does all the work during your appointment. Invisalign requires you to take the aligners on and off and use them in the correct sequence. However, this also means that Invisalign makes it easy to floss and brush your teeth, and you won’t have to forget any of your favorite healthy foods. Braces require you to limit or stop eating certain foods and maneuvering a toothbrush and floss around the brackets and wires can be difficult.

How Well They Work

Fortunately, following your orthodontist’s instructions will mean that Invisalign and braces are equally effective. When it comes to the end result, you don’t need to choose one over the other.

No matter your budget, lifestyle, and preferences, Adirondack Orthodontics can help educate you on the pros and cons of each type of treatment. Ultimately, your choice should involve not just the factors listed above but the recommendations of our orthodontist after an in-person consultation. After your examination and taking any scans and X-rays, we can provide a recommendation and get you started on your journey to a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule your free consultation today!

Types of Invisalign

Find Out Which Type of Invisalign Will Work Best for You

By now, you’ve probably heard about Invisalign, the modern orthodontic system that uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to help you get the smile you want. But what you may not have known is that there are several different types of Invisalign. Your age, the condition of your teeth, and the types of problems you’re facing are all factors that you should consider as you decide which type of Invisalign you’d like to use for your treatment.

Take a look below at the different types of Invisalign to get a better idea of which treatment may be right for you. And when you want to find out for sure, turn to the orthodontic experts providing Invisalign throughout the Capital Region: Adirondack Orthodontics!

Invisalign Lite

With a treatment duration of six to seven months, Invisalign Lite is usually recommended to patients who have mild to moderate problems like overcrowding and alignment issues. If you have a crown or if you want to correct a minor issue, Invisalign Lite may be the right choice for you.

Invisalign Teen

Designed for young adults (teens) whose teeth are still developing, Invisalign Teen aligners come with indicator dots to notify the wearer of when to change the aligner. Candidates for this type of Invisalign may need help with straightening their teeth while setting aside room for teeth that have yet to erupt.

Invisalign i7

Invisalign i7 is the treatment usually chosen for overcrowding. Seven aligners are used over the course of three to six months to correct this kind of mild orthodontic issue.

Invisalign Full

Known for treating more advanced orthodontic issues, Invisalign Full generally takes around 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the problems. This type of treatment is usually chosen by adults who need aligners for their upper and lower teeth.

No matter the severity of your overcrowding or misalignment or how far you are from your ideal smile, Invisalign has a comfortable, discreet option you can choose to get the perfect smile. As always, your team at Adirondack Orthodontics would be happy to provide a full clinical examination and help you decide which treatment to choose. We can even go over the cost and financing information so you can make a plan to achieve the straight, beautiful, and healthy smile you’ve always wanted!

Schedule your free Invisalign consultation today!

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!

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!

Make Invisalign Treatment Your 2020 Resolution

Now is the Perfect Time

The most common New Year’s resolutions involve changing your lifestyle to improve your physical and mental well-being. As you create your goals for the upcoming year, put your smile on the top of the list! Orthodontic treatment is an investment that will pay off not just this year but for the rest of your life, and Invisalign may be the right treatment for you.

The Advantages of Invisalign

Invisalign has become more popular over the years and remains one of the most requested orthodontic treatments, and with good reason! This treatment is nearly invisible (hence the name) and far more comfortable than alternatives. Invisalign involves the use of custom, discreet aligners. Read on to find out more about the benefits of Invisalign over other teeth-straightening methods.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Invisalign has gained popularity over traditional braces due to comfort and convenience. This treatment won’t leave your mouth full of brackets and metal that make it difficult to eat and speak. Instead, you will be given a series of customized clear aligners that can barely be seen and can be taken out at any time. Reasons to choose Invisalign instead of traditional braces include:

  • Invisalign requires fewer office visits in general, as you won’t need to come in for wire changes.
  • Invisalign treatment takes the same amount or less time than traditional braces.
  • Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easy to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
  • Invisalign maintenance is easy: simply rinse and soak your aligners to keep them clean.

Invisalign vs. DIY Teeth Straightening Kits

While all the dangers of do-it-yourself teeth straightening kits are still unknown, some of the consequences have already come to light: gum recession, enamel erosion, tooth loss, and more. When your treatment isn’t created just for you by an experienced orthodontist who has examined your teeth, the results can be immediate and long-term damage to your teeth, roots, and jaw. Other reasons to choose Invisalign rather than a DIY teeth straightening kit include:

  • Invisalign will involve the help of an experienced orthodontist to monitor the process.
  • Invisalign is customized to address specific issues that have been found by an exam and X-rays.
  • Invisalign won’t cause long-term issues like infections.
  • Invisalign will save time and money by ensuring your teeth are properly aligned the first time.
  • Invisalign ensures long-term retention, as it involves a plan for care and future office visits.
  • Invisalign won’t harm or damage your teeth and jaw.

Paying for Invisalign

While the overall price of Invisalign may seem high, the results far outweigh the cost; the adage “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to orthodontia. Invisalign is an investment in the health of your teeth and the appearance of your smile, and Adirondack Orthodontics can guide you through the process of budgeting and paying for the treatment.

First, we recommend checking to make sure we’re a participating provider with your insurance. Next, we can come up with a payment plan that spreads over the duration of the treatment, with low down payment options and our in-house 0% interest payment plan. Finally, we can help you take advantage of our regular and special discounts, including discounts for teachers, first responders, police officers, multiple siblings, and more.

No matter your budget, we will work with you to find a solution so you can get the orthodontic treatment you need and deserve. Just discuss your budget and needs during your initial appointment at our office.

Find Out If You’re a Candidates

Most people who could use the help of braces are good candidates for Invisalign. The best way to find out if Invisalign is right for you is to call the team at Adirondack Orthodontics!

Call us today to schedule a free consultation so we can discuss this effective, affordable, and fast orthodontic treatment with you in greater detail. Our team would love to help you put your best smile forward in 2020. Get in touch with us now to get started.

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