Help Us Win Best of 2020!
Each year, people throughout the Capital Region nominate businesses to participate in the Times Union’s Best of the Capital Region contest, and readers vote for their favorites in each category. Adirondack Orthodontics is proud to have been nominated for the Best of 2020 in the “best dentist/orthodontist” category!
Please help us win by casting your vote and showing your support for our team. Voting begins on February 24th at 6:00 am Eastern and ends on Thursday, March 5th. Every person can vote once per day throughout the voting period, and even better, each voter is automatically entered to win $500!
Don’t forget to click “share” on the voting page to encourage others to vote. Thank you for all of your support, which has allowed us to stand out in the Capital Region.
How to Vote
- Visit the voting page: https://www.timesunion.com/bestof2020
- Click the Goods and Services category
- Find the section for Best Dentist/Orthodontist
- Choose Adirondack Orthodontics
Fourth Location Opening Mid-January
Every year, we aim to make our services even more convenient for patients throughout the Capital District. To help with that, Adirondack Orthodontics is proud to announce a new office coming to a convenient location in East Greenbush, which will be open in mid-January of 2020! Hours at our new location will be from 9:30 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, with spots on Saturday by appointment only.
Creating a fourth location will allow us to continue to provide full orthodontic treatments and services for patients of all ages. In addition to the central placement of our new location, patients will benefit from flexible payment options, services provided by experienced professionals, and the latest orthodontic solutions. When you’re searching for affordable orthodontic solutions, you don’t have to compromise to get what you want. Adirondack Orthodontics works with most major insurance companies and can provide payment options that work for you and your family.
As we open more locations, we will be better able to serve a wide range of patients in East Greenbush, Clifton Park, Albany, Latham, and beyond! If you would like to become a patient at the new office of Adirondack Orthodontics, call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you at 4 Middle Mannix Road, Suite 100, in Rensselaer, NY.
Make Invisalign Treatment Your 2020 Resolution
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.
How to Make Orthodontics More Affordable
A healthy, beautiful smile is a long-term investment, yet many people assume they can’t afford it. Fortunately, Adirondack Orthodontics makes it as easy as possible for patients to pay for the treatments they need. From guiding you through the process of insurance and medical spending accounts to offering discounts and various payment methods, the team at Adirondack Orthodontics is here to help you save on your most important investment: your health.
FSAs & HSAs: What You Need to Know
Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) are related, but each offers distinct ways to save money on health care. While both allow patients to use pre-tax dollars for certain health expenses, there are some important differences between the two.
FSAs enable you to set aside pre-tax dollars to use towards specific health care, including orthodontic treatment. Not only can FSAs be used for your own deductibles and office visits, but they can also be used for your dependents as well. Employers set up the FSA and have control over them; they get to decide the rollover rules, and contributions can only be changed during open enrollment.
An HSA is a bit more restrictive in some ways and less restrictive in others. While an HSA enables you to use pre-tax income towards medical costs just like an FSA does, an HSA can be utilized only if you have a high-deductible health plan. As the owner of an HSA, you have control over changing contributions and can bring your account with you if your employment changes. You also have the ability to contribute more to your account, meaning you will have a greater amount set aside to help with orthodontia and other medical bills.
By using an FSA or HSA for necessary medical expenses, you can save money in the long run. Generally, using one of these accounts won’t give you a straightforward discount on the treatment you need. What it does is help you to save money on your taxes. At a minimum, you’ll save the money that would have been taxed on the income you set aside; at maximum, you might be able to put yourself in a lower tax bracket altogether.
Keep in mind that the next deadline for making your FSA contribution is December 31, 2019, while the deadline for HSA contributions is April 15, 2020. If you have any questions about how to utilize your plan, call the knowledgeable staff members at Adirondack Orthodontics.
Choosing a Participating Provider
If you have insurance, selecting an in-network (participating) provider will allow you to make the most of it. When you choose a participating provider, you ensure that your provider will accept the fees set by the insurance company. Plus, many participating providers can offer extra assistance, maximizing your benefits. They understand the insurance company’s rules and procedures – they’re in the network – and will often handle paperwork and claims for you.
At Adirondack Orthodontics, we participate with almost every insurer in the area, but we recommend you check with yours to be sure. That way, you won’t be blindsided by a bill that you thought would be covered by your insurance.
Other Ways to Save
Adirondack Orthodontics is always searching for ways to help our patients save on their orthodontic treatments, both immediately and over long periods of time. Some of the ways we help you save include:
- Spread Out Payments: Extended payment plans and low down-payment options allow you to pay a little upfront and spread payments out over time.
- Pay Now or Later: Whether you want to take advantage of our paid in full discount by paying upfront or paying over time with an interest-free payment plan, we are here to help.
- Sibling Discount: If you have more than one child who needs treatment, we offer a multiple sibling discount.
- Other Discounts: We offer discounts for military personnel, teachers, and first responders.
- Referral Program: Pass on your love of Adirondack Orthodontics and enjoy a referral discount.
Schedule an Appointment
Adirondack Orthodontics can inform you about all the different options available to you. No matter your budget or how you want to structure your payments, we can guide you through the decision-making process and make sure you’re fully informed before you get started. Call us today to schedule an appointment and let us help you start your journey or your child’s journey to a strong, stunning smile.
The Best & 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.
Back to School Smiles
Fall is the perfect time to think about making changes that will last far beyond the next school year. When tailored to the age and needs of the patient, orthodontic treatment can identify early indications of tooth spacing and alignment issues and create a plan for intervention. If the issue has gone past the point of early intervention, a trusted orthodontist can plan for braces or Invisalign.
Most children begin losing their baby teeth at age 6 and gain a full set of adult teeth by the age of 13. Bad habits formed during these years can cause expensive consequences in the years to follow, but they can be eliminated during this time, too. Tongue thrusting and thumb-sucking alter the teeth and resulting bite, so stopping these habits early on is important for long term dental health.
Scheduling an appointment with an experienced orthodontist will also allow you to track and address warning signs before they worsen. Uneven or crowded teeth are early indications that your child may need orthodontic solutions at some point.
Once your child’s permanent teeth have come in, issues like overcrowding, spaces between teeth, and difficulty chewing may start to develop. While your teenage son or daughter might not care about their dental health, they’re likely to want a straight smile for yearbook pictures and photos with friends throughout the year. Ultimately, your goals will align with theirs in the need for orthodontic treatment. Teens who don’t like the idea of metal braces may find options like clear braces and Invisalign more appealing.
When your child or teen goes back to school this fall, make sure you have a plan for their oral health. This is when they’re forming the habits that will follow them throughout their lives, and early intervention can result in a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles. Call Adirondack Orthodontics to schedule an appointment so we can assess their teeth and learn more about their habits; we can create a plan for a stunning smile that parents and their kids will love!
Visualize the Perfect Smile with SmileView™ from Invisalign
Picturing the idealized version of your own smile can be difficult. Everyone is different, and your perfect smile will look different from someone else’s. Instead of looking at before and after pictures of other patients and hoping you get the same results, utilize SmileView™ to simulate your new smile. You’ll love what you see!
SmileView™ is Invisalign’s way of demonstrating what they can do for you! Simply take a selfie with your smartphone or tablet and submit it through SmileView™. Once you’ve provided a photo, SmileView™ uses a special algorithm that utilizes the data from over 6 million cases to determine the projected outcome. Within minutes, you will be sent a computer-generated image showing how your teeth will look after your Invisalign treatment. One minute is all it takes to see yourself with the perfect smile.
Adirondack Orthodontics will soon be a recommended orthodontist through Invisalign’s SmileView™ tool. Envision exactly what your new smile will look like with your own facial features by using Invisalign’s SmileView™! If you like what you see, schedule an appointment at Adirondack Orthodontics to begin your treatment.
TAKE THE SMILEVIEW™ ASSESSMENT
How to Care for Your Braces This Summer
Summer is the perfect time to take a vacation, as long as you’re not taking a break from your orthodontic care routine. Changing your daily routine can cause you to fall into bad habits, but planning ahead can keep things on track. Follow these care tips while you’re on a vacation to keep your smile healthy and your treatment plan humming along:
- Visit Us First: Stop by our office for your routine appointment and ask us for any supplies you might need during your time away.
- Pack Supplies: Bring your toothbrush and floss, as well as plenty of rubber bands and any pain medicine you may need.
- Brush & Floss: Remember to take care of your daily brushing and flossing.
Eat the Right Food: As usual, stay away from hard and sticky food like gum, popcorn, pizza crust, and candy. - Don’t Panic: If you lose your clear aligner tray, simply use your previous or next tray and get a replacement when you come back.
At Adirondack Orthodontics, we encourage you to plan ahead before your summer vacation. Thinking ahead will enable you to have a fun, worry-free summer while still adhering to your orthodontic treatment plan.
Even if you do run into an issue like a lost separator, wire irritation, or general discomfort, call the team at Adirondack Orthodontics. We’re always standing by to answer your questions and help you care for your teeth.
Enjoy Summer Savings at Adirondack Orthodontics
Think about everything you’re looking forward to doing this summer. Maybe you want to go on a vacation with your family, or simply enjoy summer evenings with friends. Perhaps you’ll spend these months planning your fall or winter wedding. No matter your plans, you deserve to enjoy these months and all the photos taken during them with a straight, even smile.
Now is the perfect time to start improving your smile with the help of Adirondack Orthodontics. Whether you want your teeth straightened with braces or Invisalign, we welcome you to enjoy all of the discounts and specials we have to offer this summer.
Summer 2019 Discount & Referral Programs
Patients with no orthodontic benefits will appreciate our 60-month CareCredit plan. Should you be approved, you can receive braces for as low as $89 per month or Invisalign for as low as $99 per month. Affordable orthodontic care is finally within your reach when you turn to Adirondack Orthodontics.
Past patients tend to rave about the quality of our services and the comfort they feel when they visit our offices. You’re already recommending us to family and friends – why not receive a reward for it? Refer a friend who starts treatment with us, and you will receive a $100 Amazon gift card while your friend will receive $100 off their treatment.
Finally, we have a little something for the adults out there: a massive discount on Invisalign. If you’re a parent who’s been putting off orthodontic treatment, come see us and find out how you can get $1,000 off your Invisalign treatment! The final cost of treatment will be $5,000.
Don’t Sleep on Summer Savings
Adirondack Orthodontics always finds a way to help our patients afford a healthy, straight, and stunning smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our summer savings opportunities.
A Beautiful and Healthy Smile is Not a DIY Project
Renovate your own bathroom? Sure, you can do that. Change your car’s oil? Of course. Do your own home landscaping? Sounds good.
But you wouldn’t think of trying to diagnose your own illness or perform surgery on yourself. It’s no different with orthodontics: creating a beautiful and healthy smile is a project best left to the professionals.
You’ve probably seen companies offering do-it-yourself braces, and with the ease of getting started with a few internet clicks, it’s tempting to consider. But it’s important to understand the risks involved, as well as the benefits of being treated by a specialist who is educated and trained in orthodontics.
Without being seen by an orthodontist, a patient has no way to know if they have underlying problems that could be exacerbated by braces – tooth decay, abscessed teeth, or gum infections. With unsupervised care, we have already seen damage resulting in tooth extractions, bite problems, and potentially dangerous infections. And without a personal assessment and regular monitoring, a patient has no idea if their DIY braces will actually work, or instead cause additional issues.
Orthodontists are experts in diagnosing individual cases, which differ for each person. They know the mechanics behind how bones, teeth, and gums shift and grow during treatment. They assess progress on a regular basis and adjust treatment as needed to produce better results, and they are there for the lifelong retention phase. In short, orthodontists are the only people who can ensure an effective and safe experience.
Your smile is too important to be a DIY project, and your health is too vital to trust a computer algorithm over a caring, educated, and trained orthodontist. Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation, and let us show you the best way to achieve a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.