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 metal braces, clear 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!

Enjoying the season without compromising your smile

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.

1.  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!

2. 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!

3. Ice Cream

Soft-serve ice cream is a braces-friendly option that allows you to indulge in the classic summer treat without worrying about damaging your braces. Unlike traditional hard ice cream, soft-serve is much gentler on braces and less likely to cause discomfort. Whether you prefer classic vanilla or adventurous flavors like mango or matcha, soft-serve ice cream is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your smile.

4. Smoothies

Smoothies are another fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of summer while keeping your braces safe. Blend together a combination of fruits, such as berries, peaches, and pineapple, with some yogurt or milk for added creaminess. You can even sneak in some leafy greens like spinach or kale for an extra nutritional boost. Smoothies are not only delicious and braces-friendly but also a great way to stay hydrated during the hot summer months.

5. Milkshakes

Milkshakes are a quintessential summer treat, and the good news is that they can be enjoyed even with braces! Add your favorite flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry, along with a scoop of soft ice cream. You can also throw in some ripe bananas or peanut butter for extra creaminess and flavor. Just be sure to avoid any hard or crunchy toppings like nuts or candy that could potentially damage your braces.

Protect your smile this summer

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! 

What’s the Difference?

While orthodontists and dentists are both essential to maintaining your oral health and contributing to your overall well-being and confidence, these two medical professionals focus on different goals for your teeth, jaws, and mouth. Let’s take a look at some of these key differences, and why Adirondack Orthodontics is the answer to your search for the “best orthodontist near me.” 

The Difference Between Dentists & Orthodontists

Dentists are most focused on the health of your teeth and gums. Most dental professionals recommend that you visit your dentist twice a year for a dental cleaning and checkup to monitor the health of your teeth and ensure you don’t have any cavities or signs of decay. In addition to performing checkups and filling cavities, dentists can extract teeth, place crowns, and perform root canals. Many also offer aesthetic services like teeth whitening.

On the other hand, orthodontists focus specifically on the alignment of your teeth and jaw. Underbites, overbites, and misaligned teeth are a few of the issues that an orthodontist can work to solve, as these problems can cause everything from a loss of confidence to gum disease and sleep apnea. An orthodontist will assess your teeth and develop a personalized treatment plan to move your teeth into the correct positions. You’ll get a straight smile that adds to your self-confidence. In addition, properly aligned teeth can be easier to keep clean and healthy! 

Proudly Preferred by Dentists & Patients Alike

Your dentist and orthodontist will work together to help you achieve your ideal smile. Throughout the Capital Region, many dentists partner with Adirondack Orthodontics and refer their patients who need orthodontic services like braces and Invisalign to us because of our cutting-edge treatments, range of financing solutions, and years of experience.

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.

We are a Diamond+ Invisalign provider, putting us in the top 1% of all Invisalign providers certified to offer this treatment. Simply put, we give you compassionate, personalized treatments while doing whatever it takes to ensure you get your ideal smile that is ready for all of life’s little moments.

Achieve Your Best Smile with Adirondack Orthodontics

There are many ways to discover Adirondack Orthodontics, from searching for “Albany braces” or “orthodontist in Schenectady” to simply wondering “what is the cost of Invisalign near me?” Whether you were referred to us by your dentist, you found us through an online search, you saw us win the Times Union’s Best Of award, or you were told about us by a friend, we are so glad you are considering us as your trusted orthodontist.

Turn to the orthodontist trusted by dentists throughout Albany, Clifton Park, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, Schenectady, 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 Fourth Year in a Row!

Thank you to all our amazing patients, we have once again been recognized as the winner of “Best Orthodontist” in the Capital Region by Times Union for 2023! We’re proud to have earned this prestigious title for the fourth year in a row because it shows us the impact that we’ve had on families in the communities we serve. We have been grateful for the support of our patients as we have expanded to bring excellent care closer to home, now with six conveniently-located orthodontic offices in the Capital Region.

Why Patients Choose Our Team

We’ve become the top orthodontist in the region for many reasons, but it all starts with the first in-person consultation and evaluation. Patients can visit whichever of our six locations is most convenient for them. Here’s how it works:

1. A board-certified orthodontist will design your treatment plan. Your first free appointment will include complimentary X-rays, a 3D scan, and a free orthodontic evaluation. Your orthodontist will design your smile plan based on your needs.
2. Our team will customize a payment plan for you. After evaluating your insurance details and any FSA or HSA information, we can tell you about our discounts for teachers, military members, and families. We can then create a payment plan that works with your budget.
3. You’ll start treatment immediately! In many cases, you can start your treatment the same day! You shouldn’t have to wait another moment to start your orthodontic journey and achieve the smile of your dreams.

We are dedicated to working with you to ensure your customized treatment is accessible to you, so you’re sure to get the results you need.

Find Out for Yourself

See why everyone from East Greenbush to Schenectady and beyond is raving about their experience with our team. Call or text us today to schedule your free consultation! We would be happy to tell you more about how braces, Invisalign, or one of our other orthodontic services could give you your ideal smile.

A Smile Journey That’s Unique to You

Every smile journey at Adirondack Orthodontics is different because all our patients are different! Whether you’re struggling with an overbite, underbite, crowded teeth, or crooked teeth, we can design a plan to give you the smile you’ve always wanted at a price that works with your budget while using a treatment that fits your lifestyle. If you have been searching for braces in Albany or Invisalign in Schenectady, Adirondack Orthodontics is here to help. We offer both of these orthodontic treatment options at all six of our Capital Region orthodontist offices. 

Your Personalized Treatment Plan

We start by providing every one of our clients with a FREE complimentary consultation. During this appointment, we’ll take X-rays to examine your teeth and jaw. During the next part of your free orthodontic evaluation, the doctor will sit down and discuss your treatment preferences! Finally, we will take a 3D scan so we can start customizing a plan just for you. Whether you’re looking for traditional braces or Invisalign, we can help you make an informed decision.

Here are a few questions we will ask when crafting your treatment plan:

• Do you want to continue to enjoy all the healthy food you love?
• Do you want a more discreet option?
• What is your budget?
• What does your ideal smile look like?

Additionally, we will discuss how long your treatment will need to be to accomplish your unique smile goals.

Your Customized Payment Plan

For most people, finances play a big part in their care. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we work hard to ensure everyone can afford the treatment they need. We’ll create a completely customized payment plan designed to fit your budget. We participate with most insurances to help you make the most of your dental benefits, and we offer zero-interest financing. Plus, we have various discounts and offers to help families, teachers, military service members, and more.

We aim to provide affordable braces and Invisalign throughout the Capital Region. Simply let us know about your situation during your first appointment, and we will put together a plan that helps you achieve your perfect smile!

Your First Consultation – Call Us Today!

The team at Adirondack Orthodontics has helped countless patients accomplish their smile goals. We are there for you at any of our six convenient locations, with Invisalign and braces in Albany, Schenectady, and the rest of the Capital Region. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and get started on your smile journey! We’d love to put together a personalized plan for you.

Find out which orthodontic option you may be better suited for.

Are there some parts of your smile that you are less than satisfied with? Have you been on the hunt for an orthodontist in Albany who can help? Chances are you already know that an orthodontist can correct overbites, crowded teeth, crooked teeth, underbites, tooth gaps, and other dental issues you may be experiencing. You may even already know the main two methods of doing so: braces and Invisalign. What you may not know is if you’re a better candidate for Invisalign or braces.

The most common question we hear from new patients at our orthodontic office in Albany is: “What treatment is right for me?” Read on to better understand the answer to this question.

Who is a Candidate for Invisalign?

Good candidates for Invisalign include those who:

• Want a discreet option. If you need to treat your dental issues without the whole world watching, Invisalign’s series of clear aligners may be the answer.
• Want to eat what they want. Invisalign aligners can be removed at will, while braces stay on for the duration of treatment. If you want to enjoy sticky, chewy, or hard food during treatment, you might want to try Invisalign.
• Don’t want to deal with brackets and wires. While braces are comfortable enough for some, others might find the brackets and wires unpleasant and prefer the ease of Invisalign.

When is Invisalign Not an Option?

Good candidates for braces include those who:

• Aren’t sure they’ll remember to wear the aligners. You’ll need to wear your aligners at least 22 hours a day to have the desired effect. If you think you’ll forget to wear them, braces may work better for you.
• Are smokers. One key benefit of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. However, smoking can stain your aligners. Braces would be the better choice in this case.
• Have severe dental problems. Patients who have a severe overbite or underbite typically need braces. These bite conditions can be signs of more serious concerns that require a targeted treatment plan.

The best way to determine the right orthodontic treatment for you is to schedule a consultation with the best orthodontist in Albany: Adirondack Orthodontics! We can examine your teeth, take any necessary X-rays, and get to know your goals and budget. Then, we can suggest the best course of treatment to give you your ideal smile!

Whether you are looking for Invisalign or braces in Albany, or you are located in the surrounding areas, we have an orthodontic office near you. With six convenient locations in the Capital Region, we may be closer than you think, so call or text us today to schedule your appointment!

Words of Gratitude from the Team at Adirondack Orthodontics

As the holiday season gets busier, we want to take a moment to slow down and thank all of our patients, family members, friends, and team members for brightening our lives and allowing us to do what we do best!

In 2022, we’ve had so much to be thankful for, starting with the successful opening of our sixth location! We’re now better able to serve our patients in the Capital Region from offices in Albany, Clifton Park, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, Latham, and Schenectady.

However, our success across our six locations would be impossible without teamwork and camaraderie – and we’re thankful that we have those in spades. “I’m thankful to have a team that is willing to work with each other even when it gets stressful here,” one of our team members shared. “I love that people help when they can!” We’re thankful for our compassionate doctors, staff members, and dental assistants for helping us transform over 10,000 smiles.

We’re also so grateful that our patients nominated us in the Times Union’s Best Of contest for the third consecutive year. This year, we won the award for Best Orthodontist by more than 4,000 votes. Thank you to our patients, past and present, who voted for us, and thank you to those who participated in our review contest and had wonderful things to say about their experience with Adirondack Orthodontics.

Finally, we’re thankful to be able to support our community by not just offering the finest orthodontic services but by sponsoring local sports teams and travel clubs, including RoBovines FTC Team #6955 with Saratoga County 4-H, Sorensco Babe Ruth Baseball, Shenendehowa High School Drama Club, Guilderland Bulldogs Travel Baseball Team (12U), and Guilderland Wolfpack Travel Softball. We believe in investing in the community where we work, and we’re proud to support these local groups.

Whether you’re thankful for your dental health, family and friends, or the simple beauty of changing leaves, we’re grateful to be part of your life. And, from our family to yours, we hope this inspires you to consider everything you’re thankful for this holiday season.

How Orthodontics & Gum Health Go Hand in Hand

September is National Gum Care Month, so we would like to take a minute to reiterate the importance of gum health and how vital it is to properly care for your gums before, throughout, and beyond your orthodontic treatment.

The Dangers of Poor Gum Care

When you don’t follow a proper brushing and flossing regimen, the consequences can range from painful and inconvenient to catastrophic. As plaque and tartar build up at the base of your teeth, your gums can be irritated, leading to gingivitis. Painful and unpleasant, gingivitis is characterized by swollen, inflamed, bleeding gums and bad breath. And if gingivitis isn’t addressed, periodontitis, a serious gum disease, can develop. According to the CDC, “about 4 in 10 US adults 30 years or older had a mild, moderate, or severe level of periodontitis.” Since periodontal diseases can cause bone and tooth loss, proper gum care is essential.

The Relationship Between Gum Health & Orthodontics

Gum care is important for people of all ages, regardless of whether they are currently straightening their teeth. However, healthy gums are essential for orthodontics because the treatment depends on strong bones and teeth. During treatment, pressure is put on the teeth and gums as the teeth are slowly moved into place. If gum decay isn’t addressed before treatment, this process can actually lead to more damage.

Fortunately, Adirondack Orthodontics can help you understand how to care for your teeth and gums – before, during, and after your orthodontic treatment.

The Right Gum Care Routine

If you’ve already started your orthodontic journey, you have likely already learned from our team members how to keep your mouth healthy throughout your treatment. Whether or not you are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, you should follow the same rules: brush your teeth after eating and floss daily to remove food and prevent plaque buildup.

At Adirondack Orthodontics, we are always here to act as a resource for our patients. If you would like to find out if you’re the right candidate for orthodontic treatment or learn more about how you can take care of your gums, schedule an appointment at your nearest location. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. Call or text us today! 

Our 6th office opens at Dr. DeLuke’s former practice.

Dr. Mike DeLuke of DeLuke Orthodontics knew he wanted to be a dentist at age 13, fell in love with orthodontics in dental school, and has been transforming lives at his Schenectady office building for nearly 20 years. Dr. DeLuke will be retiring from his clinical practice this summer, potentially creating a significant void in orthodontic services in the Schenectady area. 

But Dr. Sergey Berenshteyn of Adirondack Orthodontics is opening a sixth branch at Dr. DeLuke’s former location, continuing the legacy of affordable, convenient, and customized care. Having helped Schenectady smile for many years, Dr. DeLuke took a moment to reflect on his mission, what he’s learned, and his plans. Let’s take a look at what he had to say!

How’d you fall in love with orthodontics?

Even after almost 20 years, I remain humbled by the power to deliver a smile that fills a person with confidence, lights up a room, and, nowadays, looks great on social media! I love when previous patients send me pictures of their major life events with a note saying how much they love their teeth and their smile. 

Beyond appearances, we help young faces grow properly, to accommodate the adult teeth, and help them breathe through their nose instead of through their mouth. This is often overlooked but it provides a tremendous benefit to overall health.

I do this using only braces and wires (not expanders or headgear) when patients are 7-9 years old. At that age, the bones of the face are super-pliable so very light forces can achieve tremendous results. In addition, it almost always prevents the need to extract adult teeth which is awesome.

What’s been different about your practice and why?

I’ve specialized in treating younger patients with less invasive techniques than has traditionally been done. Using low-radiation 3D imaging along with a thorough clinical exam, I can detect underlying issues in facial growth and airway development. This allows me to both make the appropriate referral(s) to the ENT and/or allergist and, if indicated, use my minimally invasive braces and wires technique to normalize the growth of the jaws and face. The resulting transformation is mind-blowing. It dramatically improves the patient’s quality of life.

What’s next for you?

I’m starting DeLuke Orthodontic Coaching, with the mission of advancing the specialty, offering clinical and practice management courses, blogs, podcasts, and monthly case reviews to my orthodontic colleagues. Minimally invasive Phase I/Interceptive treatments are not being taught to young docs or performed by older docs. It will be an uphill climb to convince my colleagues to change their approach, but I’m ready and I’m super excited to share what I have learned.

Can past patients still get in touch?

I will be keeping my practice email, smiles@delukeortho.com, open indefinitely, and I’m working with a third-party lab to make retainers for patients who have had a previous digital scan taken at my office. If a previous patient needs new retainers they can send us an email and we will instruct you regarding how to proceed.

I am super excited for Dr. Berenshteyn and his associates to be moving into my facility! I have put my heart and soul into the Union Street property to customize it as an orthodontic office and I’m thrilled that it’s going to remain one. I’m also very happy for the community. One concern I had in retiring was the void in orthodontic services in Schenectady County that would result, so it’s great that Adirondack Ortho is going to come in and fill that void. 

Additional Info About the Schenectady Location

Adirondack Orthodontics is honored to continue Dr. DeLuke’s legacy of providing quality orthodontic care in the Schenectady area. For those who are unfamiliar with Dr. DeLuke’s practice, you can find us located at 1327 Union St. Schenectady, NY 12308. If you would like to call and set up an appointment, our phone number is 518-579-7250. We are thrilled to start seeing your smiles!