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Contact UsLearn proper brushing techniques while wearing braces
November 1st was National Brush Day! The best way to celebrate all month long is to make sure you’re equipped with the right tools and techniques to properly brush your teeth. This is even more important if you have braces since you’ll need to take extra care when you brush and floss to ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and your treatment stays on track.
See below to learn more about how to keep your teeth and gums clean during your orthodontic journey. Download a PDF version of these tips.
1. Find a good toothbrush
The brush you use should be flexible so that you can reach every bit of your teeth and gums. You could even take your toothbrushing to the next level with an electric toothbrush!
2. Start brushing on the outside of your teeth
Work your way from one side to the other, using a circular motion to brush each tooth on the outside (i.e., the side you see). Carefully brush around the brackets and wires to ensure that no food particles get stuck.
3. Brush the inside of your teeth
Repeat your circular brushing, this time on the inside of your teeth. While you won’t have as many obstacles to brush around, it’s just as important to do a thorough job on this side of your teeth.
4. Work on the crowns of your teeth
Don’t forget to brush the chewing surface of each tooth! Brushing the crowns of your molars is especially important, as small pieces of food can end up on top of these teeth. Those particles can cause plaque and eventually cavities.
5. Brush your tongue and gums
Once you’re finished brushing your teeth, gently brush your gums and the top of your tongue.
6. Move on to flossing
Floss between each tooth to get rid of any remaining food particles that are stuck between your teeth. You can use a floss threader to get around the wires of your braces.
Celebrate healthy teeth all year long
Prevent cavities and keep your teeth in great health by properly brushing your teeth twice a day (and when you have braces, brushing after meals as needed). And if you need any more information about how to properly brush or floss, don’t hesitate to contact one of our offices! We’d be happy to teach you the techniques you need to keep your teeth and gums in the best health throughout your treatment.
With convenient locations in Albany, Glens Falls, Clifton Park, Latham, East Greenbush, and Schenectady, Adirondack Orthodontics is your trusted orthodontic specialist in the Capital Region. Book your next appointment or free consultation online today to start your journey toward a healthy, beautiful smile.
Download a PDF version of these tips.
Have a new look by Spring!
Invisalign can help most people achieve a straighter, healthier smile in one year or less. But if you’re looking to achieve that picture-perfect smile even faster, we have a treatment plan that could help you complete the process in as little as six months: our Express Aligner Treatment (EAT) program.
Envision what you’ll be doing in the spring. Do you have a wedding coming up? Will you be preparing for your graduation? Are you taking the trip of a lifetime? The Express Aligner Treatment can give you a picture-perfect smile by the time you’re ready to say “cheese” for all those photos in the spring!
The Basics of Express Aligner Treatment
The Express Aligner Treatment program begins with an appointment to determine if you’re a candidate. Once treatment begins, we will ensure the aligners are delivered directly to your home, and we will check on the progress of your treatment via remote consultations provided by one of our board-certified orthodontists.
The amazing results of your orthodontic treatment will be covered by our Smile Guarantee: once you complete treatment with us, your smile is 100% guaranteed – for life!
The Benefits of Express Aligner Treatment
Invisalign is known as the most discreet orthodontic choice out there. See some of the reasons to choose this particular Invisalign treatment program:
- Affordable Payment Plans: You can pay with $0 down and 0% interest, and we can help you come up with a payment plan that works with your budget.
- Discreet & Removable: Aligners are virtually invisible when worn and can be taken out when you eat and drink.
- Convenient Scheduling: We have six convenient locations for you to choose from for your initial consultation as well as any future in-person checkups. And as said above, most of your checkups will be virtual!
- Bleaching Kit Included: When you start treatment, we will provide you with a free bleaching kit so you can have teeth that are white and bright, not just straight!
The Express Aligner Treatment program clearly has many advantages. So, what are you waiting for? The team at Adirondack Orthodontics can give you the smile of your dreams sooner than you think.
See If You’re a Candidate
Not everyone is a candidate for Express Aligner Treatment. But if you have a less severe case of misalignment or if you have unfinished orthodontic treatment from another office, this type of treatment may be right for you.
Find out if you’re a good candidate for the Express Aligner Treatment by contacting Adirondack Orthodontics today! We would be happy to provide you with a free initial consultation, discuss financing and payment, and get your treatment started as soon as possible so that you can achieve your perfect smile by spring!
Learn how to maximize your dental plan benefits
The end of the year is an incredibly busy time for most people, so scheduling appointments ahead of time is essential to ensure you and your family receive the care you need in the coming months. Just as importantly, you should think ahead to make the most of your dental benefits for the year.
Whether you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or you rely on your dental insurance plan, you should be sure to use your dental plan benefits before the end of 2023.
Spend the Rest of Your FSA
If you have an FSA, a certain amount of money is taken out of your paycheck and set aside for health care costs, like orthodontics. Most FSA accounts are “use it or lose it,” so you should be sure to use your FSA funds during the plan year. FSAs can typically be used for any of the following for yourself and your dependents:
- Orthodontic Treatment
- Prescriptions
- Office Visits
- Dental Office Procedures
If you or someone in your family needs orthodontic work, the end of the year is an optimal time to start treatment. You’ll know how much is left in your FSA and be able to structure payments to ensure you don’t lose the money in the account.
Optimize Your Dental Benefits
As you are making your plan selections, keep in mind that many plans can save you up to $3,000 on treatment costs. The team at Adirondack Orthodontics can help you figure out a payment plan that helps you make the most of your dental benefits, whether you want to pay in full at the start or figure out a payment plan to work with your monthly budget.
Whether you’re an existing patient or it’s your first time visiting one of our six convenient New York locations, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Adirondack Orthodontics as soon as possible. We can walk you through your options to ensure you get the most from your dental benefits in 2023.
Smile bright and discover everything you need to know about orthodontic treatment
If you’re struggling with teeth that aren’t as straight and healthy as you want, you probably have a few questions about how to achieve the perfect smile. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we’ve taken care of countless patients who have been in similar situations, so we have the answers you’re seeking!
See the answers to some commonly asked questions below.
How do I pay for treatment?
We make paying for treatment as easy as possible! We are in network with most major insurers and have already negotiated treatment fees with them. Additionally, we make treatment more accessible by helping you maximize your dental benefits with things like FSA/HSA plans. We also offer numerous discounts.
Do I have to pay in full when I start treatment?
Not at all! While you can pay in full at the start, you are also welcome to make smaller payments as treatment goes on at a pace that works with your budget. Quarterly, monthly, annual, or semi-annual payment options are available.
Do you guarantee results?
Yes! We have what we call our “smile guarantee”: your smile is guaranteed for life once you complete treatment with us! If you see your teeth have shifted over the years, contact us. You’ll never pay full price for orthodontic treatment at our practice again.
What can I expect during my first visit?
We’ll provide you with a free exam, X-rays, and photos as needed. We’ll also answer any questions you have, recommend a treatment plan, and discuss a payment plan that works with your budget. Just be sure to provide us with all the information we need to give you the best possible experience during your appointment!
Will I have to wear a retainer after treatment?
Once treatment is complete, we recommend wearing a retainer at night to keep your teeth in place. Fortunately, we offer a Smile Protection Program to help you safeguard your smile for the rest of your life.
How long will my orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment length depends on a variety of factors, and everyone’s orthodontic journey is different. However, we can help most patients achieve their best smiles in one year or less. We also offer Express Aligner Treatment for certain patients. The best way to see how long treatment will take is to schedule a free consultation at one of our six locations.
What if I have more questions?
If you have any more questions or you would like to schedule your first free appointment, please contact us today! With convenient locations in Albany, Clifton Park, Latham, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, and Schenectady, Adirondack Orthodontics is your trusted orthodontic clinic in New York.
We look forward to helping you start your journey toward the perfect smile!
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!
Braces vs Invisalign: Comparing the Key Factors
- 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.
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!
Adirondack Orthodontics is proud to serve the Capital Region, and our success with thousands of patients has led to us opening six locations in the area to meet the demand for our services. In addition to providing the most convenient orthodontic treatments around, we are proud to focus on offering affordable braces in Albany and the surrounding areas. After all, we understand that cost is a major factor in choosing to start your orthodontic journey.
See the main ways we make our orthodontic options as affordable as possible for our patients in the Capital Region below.
We can help you maximize your insurance benefits.
Selecting an orthodontic provider who participates with your insurance is essential for keeping costs down. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we participate with most major insurers and have negotiated treatment fees with them to ensure your insurance pays for a portion of your treatment. Plus, we will work with you and your insurance company to handle paperwork, verify benefits and claims, and help you understand how to use your FSA or HSA.
Simply put, we make it easy for you to get the most out of your insurance benefits and afford the orthodontic treatment you need!
We provide flexible financing options.
We understand that everyone has a different budget, so we provide numerous financing options and flexible payment plans to ensure you can pay at a pace that works for you. Even better, our online payment system makes it easy to send payments at your convenience.
We offer exceptional discounts on treatment.
At Adirondack Orthodontics, we’re always searching for ways to better serve our community. That’s why we have a range of exclusive offers and discounts for teachers, military service members, first responders, and more. We encourage you to browse our offers page to see our current discounts.
We can provide you with a free initial consultation!
If you’re wondering about the cost of braces or Invisalign in the Capital Region, turn to Adirondack Orthodontics. At your initial consultation, which includes x-rays, a 3D scan of your mouth, and an evaluation by a board-certified orthodontist, we will fully explain your treatment options and your payment options. It is our goal to make orthodontics affordable and accessible, so we will work closely with you to ensure that you pay in a way that fits your lifestyle and budget. And since the consultation is free, you have nothing to lose by visiting our office.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation! We look forward to showing you that the treatment you need for the smile you want is more affordable than you think.
While you likely already have new clothes and school supplies on your child’s back-to-school shopping list, be sure to add the best accessory for fall (and beyond): a brand-new smile!
The formative middle school and high school years are an opportune time to build strong self-esteem, and pursuing orthodontic treatment is a great way to do just that. After all, one thing that can increase confidence exponentially is a straight, healthy smile. Teens whose teeth, gums, and jaw are cared for properly will not just speak and chew with ease but be more likely to smile with confidence.
At Adirondack Orthodontics, we can provide the orthodontic services needed to give your child their ideal smile on a payment plan that works with your budget and appointments that fit with your schedule. Whether your child has an overbite, underbite, or crooked teeth, we can craft a treatment to help them smile. Take a look at the two main types of treatments we offer below.
Transform Your Child’s Smile with Traditional Braces
Metal braces are a tried-and-true choice for your child’s orthodontic journey, as this option has been used by orthodontists for decades. Braces involve applying brackets to the teeth, which are then connected by wires. During each appointment, the orthodontist will adjust the wires and fix them in place with small, colorful rubber bands. These careful adjustments will gradually move teeth into the desired positions.
Achieve Your Child’s Ideal Smile with Invisalign
Invisalign has quickly become one of the top choices for teens and adults alike. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that slowly move the teeth into place. Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners can be taken out as needed, making them a more flexible option and making it easier to brush and floss. And, since the aligners are clear, this is one of the most discreet options.
Get Ready for School – Call Us Today!
With six locations in the Capital Region and experienced orthodontists, we’re ready to provide your entire family with the orthodontic services you need. Call or text us today to schedule an appointment, and we can provide you and your child with a personal consultation to get treatment started.
Have you found yourself wondering, “Do I need braces?” or “Am I a candidate for Invisalign?” Perhaps you have been more self-conscious of your smile’s appearance lately. Misaligned teeth can cause not just a lack of confidence but more severe issues over time, such as speech problems, issues chewing, and worn-down teeth. Crooked teeth can also result in cavities or gum disease, as misaligned teeth make it more difficult to properly brush and floss.
Fortunately, orthodontics can help correct these issues and make it easier to smile, chew, speak, and care for your teeth. Look below to learn more about some of the most common bite problems and see how an orthodontist can help solve them.
Common Bite 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:
- Crossbite – when the lower teeth are outside of the upper teeth.
- Underbite – when the lower jaw is in front of the upper jaw.
- Overbite – when the top front teeth sit beyond the bottom front teeth.
- Open Bite – when the front teeth don’t overlap at all, but the back teeth meet.
- Deep Bite – when the upper teeth cover the bottom teeth (but the bite is closed).
While these are the main types of bite problems that we see, we also tend to see issues like protruding front teeth, spacing issues, overcrowding, and other misalignments that can be corrected by orthodontia.
No matter the bite problem you’re experiencing, we can come up with an orthodontic treatment plan to address the issue and give you your perfect smile. Our treatments work by envisioning your ideal smile and then using traditional braces or Invisalign to slowly move your teeth into alignment (usually over the course of months, often in a year or less).
Schedule a Free Consultation
The best way to find the proper course of treatment to achieve your ideal smile is to contact us for a consultation. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we offer free consultations that include X-rays, a 3D scan, and an orthodontic evaluation.
Call or text us today to schedule your first appointment at your nearest location; we have six offices in the Capital Region to best serve you!
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 National Smile Month! Each year, this campaign encourages awareness of various oral health issues, educates people, and equips them with the tools to care for their teeth. This year’s theme is Brush for Better Health!
At Adirondack Orthodontics, we believe that good oral health should always be accessible and attainable. That’s why, in addition to being the best orthodontist in Schenectady, Albany, East Greenbush, Clifton Park, Glens Falls, and Latham, we also aim to provide education on how to properly care for your teeth so you can achieve your ideal smile!
It’s Never Too Late to Care for Your Teeth
One of the best ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums is to brush and floss regularly using the proper techniques. While brushing your teeth with braces may require a little extra effort, Invisalign offers an orthodontic solution that makes maintaining good oral hygiene easy! Since the aligners are removable, you can simply take them out to brush and floss. Plus, we offer Invisalign for all ages, from kids to teens to adults.
Regardless of whether you have braces or Invisalign, as you progress throughout your orthodontic treatment, your teeth will become easier to clean!
A Straight, Healthy Smile Is Within Reach
So many people worry about the cost of orthodontics. Adirondack Orthodontics aims to provide affordable braces and Invisalign throughout the Capital Region. We’ve made orthodontic services accessible for our patients to ensure everyone can access the care they deserve. Here are just a few of the ways we can help you afford our services:
- Customized payment plans that work with your budget
- Discounts for teachers, families, military service members, and others
- Participation with most insurances and help with filing paperwork
- CareCredit options if you don’t have insurance
If you have any questions about cost, financing, and insurance options, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We will work one-on-one with you to make your journey to the perfect smile as stress-free as possible.
Celebrate National Smile Month with Us
We hope you, your family, and your friends take a few moments to consider how you can care for your teeth. Be sure to share this message of accessible oral care with everyone in your community, so we can all put our best smile forward this National Smile Month!
Still looking to start your journey to the smile of your dreams? Adirondack Orthodontics was voted Best Orthodontist in the Capital Region for the fourth year in a row. Whether you are looking for affordable braces in Schenectady or you want to see if you are a candidate for Invisalign in Albany, call or text us to set up a free consultation today!