Retainers 101

How to Protect Your Smile Forever

Once you’ve achieved the smile of your dreams, you’ll want to make sure you can keep it! Brushing and flossing have always been on your daily to-do list, but after finishing your orthodontic treatment, you’ll have something to add to that list: wearing your retainer. Essential for keeping your teeth in the same position, your retainer will be customized to fit your mouth perfectly. Learn more about your options and how Adirondack Orthodontics makes smile protection easy below.

Essix Retainer

Clear and plastic, the Essix retainer resembles Invisalign and is the most common type of retainer. Typically more comfortable than other retainers, the Essix retainer lasts roughly 18 months and should be worn at night. After you finish your orthodontic treatment, we will take a scan of your teeth, and your new retainer will be ready within a few days. This is the type of retainer that we give you at the end of your orthodontic treatment and with the Smile Protection Program.

Hawley Retainer

The Hawley retainer is a classic metal retainer with a colorful bite plate. Less common than the Essix retainer, this type of retainer is issued specifically by doctor recommendation or patient choice. As with the Essix retainer, we will take a scan of your teeth after you finish treatment, and your retainer will be ready within a few days.

Lingual Retainer

A lingual retainer is a thin piece of wire which is glued to the back of the teeth to preserve alignment during the day. Often suggested for patients with crowding or spacing issues, this type of retainer should be combined with the Essix retainer at night and is the best guarantee for long-term retention. These require maintenance or replacement every three to five years.

Smile Protection Program 

Make sure you protect your investment in your smile with a retainer. Since retainers typically require replacement after 18 months, your team at Adirondack Orthodontics has a solution to help you maintain your smile: our Smile Protection Program. There are several options you can choose from to get the smile protection that works for you:

Smile Protection Plan Enrollment: $600*

After you enroll, replacement retainers will cost $35/arch and can be shipped to your home! Enhance and protect your smile with our Smile Protection Program plus a bleaching kit for $650. 

Second Set of Retainers: $200*

(Your first set is included in the treatment fee.)

Bleaching Kit: $100*

Your bleaching kit can be used with retainers. 

Sit Back & Enjoy Your New Smile

Keep the smile that you achieved with help from Adirondack Orthodontics! Whether you need our help replacing a broken retainer or you want to take part in our Smile Protection Program, we will help you protect your investment. Call us today to learn more.

*Terms: As long as patients wear their retainers as prescribed, replacements can just be shipped directly to the patient’s home, no office visit needed. If a patient has not worn retainers properly, requiring a rescan, a $100 rescan fee will be charged. Retainer lifetime: Approximately 18 months.

Important Information from Adirondack Orthodontics During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Last Updated on 4/1/22

Thank you for continuing to trust us with your care, and thank you for doing your part in keeping our community safe and healthy as well by wearing masks, staying home, and waiting in the car before your appointments. It means the world to us that our patients have relied on us to keep them safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are grateful to partner with you in these efforts. We would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that the health and safety of our patients and families, as well as our staff and their families, are always our highest priorities.

Per the latest determination from the New York State Department of Health (March 2, 2022), visitors to healthcare facilities who are “two years of age and older and able to medically tolerate a face covering/mask shall be required to wear a face covering/mask in health care facilities, regardless of vaccination status, subject to applicable CDC exceptions, and until this determination is modified or rescinded.” In accordance with this, Adirondack Orthodontics will be following the state mandate and requiring all such visitors to our office to continue to wear masks indoors.

Masks must cover the nose and mouth, and acceptable masks include cloth masks, surgical masks, and N-95 respirators. If you arrive without a mask, we will be happy to provide a surgical mask for you.

We will take every step needed to keep you, your families, and our staff members safe, and we will update this page as new information and state requirements emerge. Please let us know if you have any questions.

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!

Now is the Time to Spend Your FSA – Before It’s Too Late

Here’s a great way to get 2021 off on the right foot: be sure to maximize the use of your flexible spending account (FSA) before the new year starts! The last day to incur expenses with your 2020 FSA is December 31, 2020 – so if you currently have money in your FSA, you need to move quickly to ensure you put it to good use. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we can help you put those dollars to work, while also putting a plan in place to ensure affordable orthodontic treatment using your FSA in 2021.

If you already have an FSA, you know money in that account is set aside for medical costs within the calendar year. This money is generally provisioned on a “use it or lose it” basis, which means it doesn’t roll over to the following year and should be used in its entirety. No matter how much money you have remaining in your FSA, our team can help you make the most of it by funding an ongoing or new orthodontic treatment.

Adirondack Orthodontics is known for working with patients to ensure they receive the orthodontic solutions they need while staying within their budgets. In addition to directing your FSA toward the cost of orthodontic treatment, you can always take advantage of discounts and offers we provide to make treatment even more affordable.

Whether you’re a current patient or getting ready to begin your journey, Adirondack Orthodontics is here to make sure you realize your dream of achieving a beautiful and healthy smile. Call us today to schedule a consultation, or request an appointment through our website, and let us put you on the path to success. We’re certain you’ll Love Your Smile and Love Your Experience!

How Young Is Too Young For Orthodontic Treatment?

Misalignment in a child’s teeth may seem like a normal occurrence, but it is often a sign of things to come. Baby teeth that are misaligned, improperly spaced, or overly crowded create a path for permanent teeth to follow suit. Ensuring that you are setting your child up for a beautiful, healthy smile starts when they are young.

In the past, orthodontic treatment wouldn’t begin until all of the patient’s permanent teeth were properly in place. The belief was that orthodontic appliances would need to be adjusted too often to account for non-permanent teeth that would eventually fall out. Advances in orthodontic technology now encourage a two-phase treatment plan that emphasizes starting realignment at an earlier age, sometimes as young as six or seven years old.

Warning Signs
If your child’s smile has significant crowding, misalignment, or demonstrates functional issues with their teeth, they may be a candidate for Phase One treatment. Children who have habits that may affect their dental development, such as sucking their thumb, are more likely to require orthodontic treatment.

The Benefits of Starting Orthodontic Treatment Early
Ignoring issues with your child’s smile can be costly, in terms of both time and money. It’s bad enough to go without a smile they are proud to show off but even worse, foregoing treatment often leads to additional, more serious problems down the road. Baby teeth carve the path through which permanent teeth erupt, so putting off treatment until permanent teeth come in all but assure they will have significant alignment issues that need to be treated.

Phase One treatment can mitigate many problems; in some scenarios, it can actually prevent invasive procedures, such as extractions. And while a Phase Two treatment plan, or what many consider traditional treatment, is often necessary, the complexity is typically reduced by ensuring your child’s teeth are set on a path to align properly at a young age.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Giving your child a smile they’ll love is one of the best things you can do for them. Adirondack Orthodontics is proud to offer free consultations for children to see if they are a candidate for Phase One orthodontics. No referral is necessary, and our consultations are quick (about 20 minutes) and painless. Contact us today and we can let you know if an early orthodontic treatment plan is right for your child.

Adirondack Orthodontics is committed to providing a safe, effective, affordable, and pleasant experience for every patient. We look forward to meeting you and your child!

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.

Important Information from Adirondack Orthodontics During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Flu Season Meets Coronavirus (COVID-19):
Here’s How Adirondack Orthodontics is Keeping You Safe

Last Updated on 10/22/20

The fall foliage is dazzling, the mums and pumpkins are cheerful, and the cider donuts are delicious. Autumn is a wonderful time of year in the Capital Region, and we hope you and your family are enjoying all it has to offer.

At the same time, we know that winter is right around the corner, and with it comes colder temperatures, ice and snow, and cold and flu season. This year, as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presses on, it is more important than ever to protect ourselves from the spread of contagious illness.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we want to reassure you that the health and safety of our patients and families, as well as our staff and their families, is always our highest priority. As you know, we have taken significant steps to provide a safe environment for care and treatment. Now, with the combination of COVID and flu season, we are reinforcing and strengthening our commitment to doing everything possible to keep you safe:

  • Members of our professional team, including both administrative and clinical staff, are receiving flu vaccinations. We highly recommend and encourage all patients and families to get flu shots, as well.
  • We have purchased and installed upgraded air purification systems in each of our offices to ensure the air is continuously filtered and cleaned throughout the day.
  • We continue to screen all patients as they arrive at the office for treatment, and to ask that any patient experiencing symptoms call to reschedule their appointment.
  • With the arrival of flu season, we are doing even more to minimize the traffic in our offices. This includes scheduling additional time between appointments, and asking parents/guardians to help us by checking their children in and then waiting in the car until treatment is completed. Our goal is to keep the waiting room as empty as possible at all times.

As a reminder, we have not, and will not, institute or increase any patient fees to cover costs associated with enhanced COVID-19 protocols, which are listed in more detail below. We consider this to be our responsibility as a healthcare provider, and we take it seriously.

It is difficult to put into words how much your cooperation, support and encouragement have meant to us during this challenging time. We are extremely fortunate to care for you, your amazing children and families, and privileged to be part of your journey to a beautiful, healthy smile.

Thank you for your trust, confidence and friendship, and we look forward to seeing you and your family soon!

Yours in Good Health,

Dr. Sergey Berenshteyn

Adirondack Orthodontics Opens Its Fifth Location On Broad Street In Glens Falls

This post originally appeared in the Saratoga Business Journal on October 15th. Written by Jennifer Farnsworth.

Opening a fifth location seemed like a natural progression for Adirondack Orthodontics, a locally owned and operated orthodontic practice that serves patients across the Capital Region.

The newest office at 88 Broad St. in Glens Falls is now part of the largest locally owned and operated practices in the Capital District region.

As the founder of the practice, Dr. Sergey Berenshteyn said he had many patients travelling from northern Saratoga and Warren counties down to his Clifton Park office. Opening up a spot that was closer for those travelling south down the Northway for care seemed like an obvious decision to make.

“I knew we already had a client base in that area and I knew going to Glens Falls would not only make it easier for those patients but it would also allow for us to bring in new patients in the more northern areas,” said Berenshteyn.

Berenshteyn said the new location needed some renovations but nothing major. The office is part of a suite that opened up and was recommended to him by a friend who was already there practicing pediatric dentistry.

“The opportunity for the perfect location opened up and so we were confident that it would be a good match. We are thrilled to offer caring and compassionate orthodontic treatment to children, adults and families in the Glens Falls area,” he said.

The March shutdown of orthodontic practices due to COVID-19 was something that Berenshteyn used as an opportunity to research the opening of a fifth location, as well as how to safely be able to provide care to his patients once the closure ended.

“Luckily in dentistry we already have so many safety protocols in place so we felt confident in our ability to provide care in a safe way. Through a number of safety controls, staff training, adding purifiers and filters, and restructuring the number of patients we have in the office at a time, we feel confident in our ability to provide safe care,” he said.

Berenshteyn credits some of his success to his philosophy of providing individualized personal care when assessing each patient. He said this is the best way, he believes, to develop a unique personal health and aesthetic plan.

He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. He completed an additional year of general practice residency, followed by two years of post-graduate orthodontic training at the University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan.

Adirondack Orthodontics has other offices in Albany, Latham, East Greenbush and Clifton Park. The Glens Falls office can be reached at (518) 631-9771.

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!

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