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!

---

Summer Snacks That Are Safe for Braces

Summer is the season when people love to go on vacation and enjoy the sweeter things in life! However, while people undergoing orthodontic treatment can safely enjoy most summer fun, anyone with braces will know that they should be a little more careful about what they eat. 

It is pretty common knowledge that people with braces should avoid foods that are hard or sticky, as they can get stuck in the brackets, leaving sugar on the teeth and causing tooth decay. Some of the worst foods to eat with braces include caramel, gum, and popcorn. 

If you want to continue enjoying these sweet treats and sticky goodies, Invisalign may be the ideal orthodontic treatment for you, as you can take the aligners out when eating. If you do have braces, however, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the best summer snacks still!  

Here are a few sweet (and savory) summertime treats we’ve put together for your eating pleasure.

Safe Summertime Snacks 

Many summertime favorites are safe to eat with braces. Take a look at just a few: 

• Fruits – Watermelon, bananas, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and ripe/soft fruit are fine to eat with braces. Plus, these fruits are perfect for cooling down on a sultry day or enjoying while on a picnic!
• Seafood – Most types of seafood are perfectly fine to eat if you have braces, including fish, crab meat, lobster meat, and more. If you’re someone who craves fresh seafood in the summer, go ahead and indulge!
• Ice Cream – As long as there are no pieces of hard, sticky candy in the cone or bowl, ice cream is a perfect summer treat for someone with braces. Just be sure to brush your teeth after, like you would with any sugary food.
• Smoothies & Milkshakes – Perfect after a workout or to cool down on a balmy day, smoothies and milkshakes make it easy to enjoy all the flavors you love without anything getting stuck in your braces!

Plenty of other foods can help you beat the heat and cool down without interfering with your braces. Just remember that some foods should be cut into smaller pieces. And, of course, don’t forget to follow daily tooth brushing and flossing guidelines to take care of your teeth while enjoying the summer!

---

Happy Dental Hygiene Month!

Tips on Proper Dental Care

Dental hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy, especially when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. October is Dental Hygiene Month, and we want to remind all our patients about the importance of proper teeth care, whether they have braces or aligners.

Take a look below at some tips on caring for your teeth, gums, braces, and aligners. In addition, learn more about maintaining a happy, healthy smile, and get in touch with our team if you have any questions about your dental hygiene! 

How to Care for Your Teeth & Braces

If you have braces, you should be flossing once a day and brushing your teeth after every meal. Remember to brush the outside, inside, and crowns of your teeth in a circular motion, paying particular attention to the brackets on your teeth. You should also brush your gums, tongue, and cheeks. When flossing, remember to use a “C” shape to get all the areas around your gums. Floss threaders can help you get around wires and brackets, and rinsing your mouth can help loosen food particles.

The kit we provided for you at the start of your treatment should help, but we always welcome the chance to discuss what tools work best for taking care of your teeth when you have braces. Feel free to reach out to our team with any additional questions you may have! 

How to Care for Your Aligners

Unlike braces, aligners can be taken off for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth. Even though you remove your aligners for these activities, you need to care for your aligners to ensure they last and to protect the health of your teeth and gums. We recommend gently brushing your aligners using toothpaste and cool water every time you remove them. And, of course, you should be brushing and flossing your teeth as recommended above.

Adirondack Orthodontics and Your Dental Hygiene

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we want to help our patients achieve and preserve straight, healthy smiles for a lifetime. Keeping these dental care tips in mind during and after your treatment will help you reach the smile of your dreams! If you have any further questions about oral hygiene techniques, please call or text your nearest location, or request an appointment here.

---

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.

---

The Importance of Early Treatment for Kids

Just in time for National Children’s Dental Health Month, learn how you can help your child enjoy a beautiful smile for life!

Since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, we’d love to discuss one of the best ways to set up your child for success when it comes to the health of their teeth: our early treatment. During this critical time when children are learning and gaining confidence, early intervention is key for addressing any dental issues and possibly preventing the need for more complex orthodontic treatment in the long run.

Find out what early orthodontic treatment entails, who’s a good candidate for it, and more below.

What Is Early Treatment for Kids?

Early orthodontic treatment consists of tackling orthodontic issues from a young age. You’re probably already familiar with the latter stage of orthodontic treatment, which is the traditional adjustment of the adult teeth using clear aligners or braces. Early treatment happens in childhood, when there is a mix of baby and permanent teeth in the mouth, using various orthodontic techniques to correct potential issues early.

How Early Can Orthodontic Treatment Begin?

Every patient is different, but we recommend that you bring your child to a board-certified orthodontist by age seven for a personalized evaluation and to formulate a custom treatment plan. Treatment will typically begin as soon as you and the orthodontist agree your child is ready and may include a space maintainer, Invisalign, an expander, braces. The process usually takes 12 months or less.

What Problems Does Early Treatment Address?

Early treatment can help to resolve common orthodontic issues like overbites, underbites, open bites, crossbites, crowding, excessive wear, or protrusion. Treating these issues at a younger age can often keep them from growing more serious, making later orthodontic treatment easier. Sometimes, early treatment can even prevent the need for future orthodontic treatment or extraction altogether.

What Happens After Early Treatment?

After receiving early orthodontic treatment, your child may receive a retainer to keep their teeth in place. After that, we can monitor the growth of their teeth and determine if further treatment is necessary in their case. If it is, rest assured that we will guide you and your child every step of the way.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

While not every child requires our early orthodontic treatment, we recommend that all children come in for a consultation at the age of 7 so that we can take a look at their teeth. Children whose teeth are clearly misaligned or who have habits like thumb-sucking can often especially benefit from early treatment.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we look forward to setting up your child for success. Call us today to schedule a consultation for your child.

Don’t forget that the Times Union’s Best Of voting begins soon! We will be sharing more details on how to vote for your team at Adirondack Orthodontics for Best Orthodontist as voting gets underway.

---

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!

---

Foods You Can’t Eat with Braces

What to Eat & What to Avoid

While you go through the process of aligning your teeth with braces, you need to consider what you eat to avoid any potential problems. Brackets and wires can be dislodged with something sticky, while certain foods may get stuck in your braces, creating tooth decay. Whether you want to maintain your braces or keep your teeth in pristine shape, we recommend avoiding common food pitfalls.

Take a look at just some examples of foods you can’t eat with braces.

Hard Food

Enough force can cause your braces to break, so hard food is a no-go. Carrots and other raw veggies, hard candy, ice, hard cookies, and other hard foods should be avoided.

Sticky Food

Probably the most well-known entry on the no-no list is sticky candy. Caramel, taffy, and gum can create major problems for your braces, not to mention getting stuck on your teeth and creating cavities.

Crunchy Food

Unfortunately, even crunchy food can disrupt your braces. Snacks like hard pretzels and popcorn should be avoided, and even then you should also stay away from nuts and many types of chips.

Other Food

Certain foods are just hard to bite into with braces, especially foods that require you to bite down with your front teeth. Corn on the cob, chicken wings, bagels, beef jerky, and apples are at the top of that list. Pizza crust and large pieces of meat should also be avoided.

The list of items to avoid eating may seem daunting, but there is plenty you can eat while you have braces! Pasta, potatoes, soft breads, most fruits, and cooked (soft) veggies are all safe to enjoy. And, of course, most dairy products are easy to eat with braces and will cause no issues, so continue eating yogurt and cheese. Lastly, if you do want to eat candy, just make sure it’s not hard or sticky, and be sure to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth afterward.

Taking care of your teeth and braces doesn’t have to be a worry. Just plan ahead and think twice before you bite down on anything hard, sticky, or crunchy. And if you have any issues with loose or broken braces, just give us a call at Adirondack Orthodontics.

---

What Makes Summer the Best Time for Braces?

Great Reasons to Start Your Orthodontic Journey Now

As virtual or in-person school wraps up for so many kids in the Capital Region, parents are looking ahead to summer and helping their kids plan their seasons. Vacations, summer camps, internships, and more may be part of the plan, but have you considered how your child’s oral health factors into the equation?

Summer is the best time to begin orthodontic treatment for the same reasons that it was put off in the first place: kids who were hesitant to take time off from school for orthodontic office visits can more easily fit them into their schedules. Plus, while options like Invisalign give kids the option of a more discreet orthodontic treatment, kids still may prefer to begin their orthodontic journey while not around their peers.

As a parent, you might find that starting your child’s treatment in summer is easier on you, too. First, fitting transportation to and from office visits into your schedule is less challenging in the summer. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we offer virtual consultations, but some visits must take place in the office. Fortunately, we have locations throughout the Capital Region, so you can find the office closest to you. Plus, with the increased free time summer provides, you’ll more easily be able to manage your child’s treatment and make sure they’re taking care of their teeth. From guiding your child on what to eat to checking that they’re wearing their aligner, you’ll have the time to ensure that your investment in orthodontia is paying off with the proper care.

Giving your child a healthy, straight, and beautiful smile has never been easier than with the help of Adirondack Orthodontics. Summer is the perfect time to get started, so be sure to schedule a free consultation soon. We would be happy to find the right treatment for your child and give you essential information about financing and personalized payment options.

Contact Adirondack Orthodontics today to get started! We can’t wait to give your child the confidence they need for the next school year with the best orthodontic treatment this summer.

 

---

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.

---

The Best and Worst Halloween Candy for Braces

Everyone should be able to enjoy the candy they get when trick or treating, including those with braces! Yet certain kinds of candy can jeopardize the health of your teeth and the state of your orthodontia. Taking care of your teeth is essential, especially when you’re investing in braces and the long-term beauty of your smile. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you bring home your candy haul this Halloween.

Halloween candy that tends to do the most damage to braces is anything sticky, like caramel or taffy. Hard candy like lollipops also becomes problematic, as the candy can break and bend your braces. Avoid brands like Laffy Taffy, Airheads, and Sour Patch Kids.

On the other hand, chocolate candy is one of the best sweet treats you can choose when you have braces. While taffy sticks to your teeth and has the potential to damage your braces, chocolate and candy bars like Kit Kat bars and Snickers bars won’t cover your teeth or hurt your hardware.

No matter what kind of candy you consume during Halloween, be sure to take the rights steps to care for your teeth! A toothbrush that reaches around your braces should always be in your arsenal, along with plenty of floss. Each time you consume candy, brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly with water to keep food particles from lingering on your teeth and creating cavities.

Follow these tips this Halloween – and any time you eat something sweet – and you’ll be equipped to take care of your braces. If you have any questions about how to brush, floss, or generally care for your teeth and braces, call on Adirondack Orthodontics. We would be happy to help.

---