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! 

See a Change in Your Smile in Less Than 6 Weeks!

As graduation season draws near, students have plenty of things on their minds, from summer plans to higher education to entering the job market. Spring will involve lots of preparation for the future, both short and long term. When it comes to planning for success, nothing is better than investing in the health of your teeth and gums.

You deserve to celebrate all you have accomplished and to do so with a smile. Graduation involves special events and photos to mark the occasion. If your smile isn’t all you want it to be, Adirondack Orthodontics can help you prepare for this momentous occasion, helping you to change your smile in less than six weeks!

Carefully Planned, Expertly Executed

Invisalign is an orthodontic solution that can provide quicker results than typical solutions like braces, with treatment taking an average of six to eighteen months to complete. In many cases, minor results can be seen in less than six weeks. And, while faster than traditional braces, Invisalign is a process that’s anything but rushed. Plus, treatment can begin the same day as your consultation! Your treatment will be monitored by your orthodontist to assist you in achieving the smile you have always wanted.

A More Discreet Option

Invisalign aligns the teeth using clear aligners that can be removed as needed. All you need to remember is that your aligner should be worn at least 22 hours a day. While this rule is normally only relevant to times when you’re eating, it could come in handy when it’s time to attend your graduation, take pictures, or go for job interviews. And since the aligners are clear, you’ll be able to look back on your graduation photos and see your beautiful smile – which is a memory you’ll hold on to forever.

Conveniently Located & Flexible

If you would like to learn more about all the progress you can make in your orthodontic treatment leading up to graduation, get in touch with Adirondack Orthodontics today to set up a FREE consultation! We have multiple locations in the Albany area, so you can schedule appointments at your convenience during this busy season. We look forward to giving you a smile that you’ll be proud to show off during graduation season and far into the future!

Invest in Your Smile

Tax season doesn’t always bring smiles in the process, but investing your return in something that truly makes a difference can! The season is fast approaching and that return provides relief knowing you can plan for something you’ve desired: a straight, beautiful smile! The team at Adirondack Orthodontics wants you to know about the multitude of benefits we have to offer. Combined with our easy payment options, family discounts, and other ways to save, your tax return dollars can help you save on the orthodontic services you need. It’s the season of getting the smile you have always wanted!

Discounts

Here’s one helpful way to save: take advantage of our PIF discounts! Even better, that’s just one of the many discounts we offer. We want to support you in the essential role you play in our community. If you are a first responder, teacher, or military service member, you may be able to take advantage of one of our additional discounts! Check out our Offers page and see if you qualify for one of these saving opportunities.

Custom Payment Plans

Prefer an interest-free payment plan? We’re always willing to work out a payment plan to make sure you can afford the orthodontic services you need. Plus, we can provide auto-pay and third-party options to make your payments as convenient as possible. We work with most insurance plans and can even help you understand how to best maximize your insurance to get the braces or clear aligners necessary for your smile journey. Using your tax return as a down payment is a great way to start your smile journey.

Get started with orthodontic treatment today

Don’t wait any longer to get started on your path to a more confident, healthy you. Adirondack Orthodontics has convenient locations in Clifton Park, Glens Falls, Latham, East Greenbush, Schenectady, and Albany to make the process of getting started and completing treatment a breeze. Schedule a free consultation and let our Treatment Coordinators help you plan your savings! After assessing your smile, we can tell you about the treatments that will give you the smile of your dreams and assist you with saving while making your smile dreams come true!

Put your tax return dollars to work for you this year, schedule your free consultation with Adirondack Orthodontics!

Find out which type of Invisalign will work best for you

By now, you’ve probably heard about Invisalign, the modern orthodontic system that uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to help you get the smile you want. But what you may not have known is that there are several different types of Invisalign. Your age, the condition of your teeth, and the types of problems you’re facing are all factors that you should consider as you decide which type of Invisalign you’d like to use for your treatment.

Take a look below at the different types of Invisalign to get a better idea of which treatment may be right for you. And when you want to find out for sure, turn to the orthodontic experts providing Invisalign throughout the Albany area: Adirondack Orthodontics!

Invisalign Lite

Invisalign Lite is the go-to option for those with mild to moderate dental concerns such as overcrowding and alignment issues. Clocking in at a treatment duration of six to seven months, this option offers a relatively quick path to a straighter smile. If you’re dealing with a crown or seeking to address a minor dental imperfection, Invisalign Lite could be the perfect fit for your needs.

Invisalign Teen

For young adults whose smiles are still a work in progress, Invisalign Teen steps in as the ideal solution. These aligners are specifically designed for adolescents, taking into account the ongoing development of their teeth. Equipped with indicator dots, they provide clear guidance on when it’s time to switch to the next aligner. This option is particularly beneficial for teens who require assistance with straightening their teeth while accommodating for those that have yet to fully emerge.

Invisalign i7

Invisalign i7 shines as the treatment of choice for individuals grappling with overcrowding issues. With a concise treatment plan spanning three to six months, this option delivers swift results using just seven aligners. Perfect for addressing mild orthodontic concerns, Invisalign i7 offers a streamlined approach to achieving a more harmonious smile.

Invisalign Full

When it comes to tackling more complex dental issues, Invisalign Full emerges as the frontrunner. Tailored for adults requiring comprehensive realignment, this treatment typically spans 12 to 18 months. Whether you’re contending with extensive misalignment or other advanced orthodontic challenges, Invisalign Full offers a comprehensive solution for aligning both upper and lower teeth.

We are here to help you find the right Invisalign treatment option

No matter the severity of your overcrowding or misalignment or how far you are from your ideal smile, Invisalign has a comfortable, discreet option you can choose to get the perfect smile. As always, your team at Adirondack Orthodontics would be happy to provide a full clinical examination and help you decide which treatment to choose. We can even go over the cost and financing information so you can make a plan to achieve the straight, beautiful, and healthy smile you’ve always wanted!

Schedule your free Invisalign consultation today!

How Early Intervention Can Set Your Child Up for Dental Success

From ages one through seven, the formation of the teeth and jaw play an important role in how your child speaks and chews. Since these are essential skills, our team provides a treatment that will allow us to intervene early to identify any major orthodontic issues and stop them in their tracks: phase one orthodontic treatment.

What is phase one orthodontics?

Phase one orthodontics is the process by which children aged 6 or younger work with a board-certified orthodontist to address issues with their teeth and jaw before these problems worsen. This phase usually takes around 10 to 14 months and begins with a complimentary consultation.

What treatments are involved?

Phase one orthodontic treatments depend completely on the patient’s dental issues. During the first phase, we will address your child’s issues with treatments such as Invisalign, a space maintainer, tooth removal, braces, or an expander. During the treatment, we will be sure to look for tooth eruptions, missing teeth, and other issues.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

Phase one orthodontic treatment allows us to take a look at your child’s teeth and jaw, identify any issues, and prevent problems from worsening. Simply put, phase one can prevent the need for more complicated orthodontic solutions later on.

Learn more about the benefits of early orthodontic treatment on our blog.

Who needs this treatment?

Children aged six or younger who are experiencing major developmental issues with their teeth, including an overbite, underbite, crowding, protrusion, and more. Children who suck their thumb till the age of five may be good candidates, since this can affect the formation of the roof of the mouth.

How do I get started?

Phase one braces or Invisalign isn’t the right fit for everyone. The best way to find out if your child would benefit from this treatment is to call on the team at Adirondack Orthodontics to schedule an appointment. We can identify any alignment issues during a completely free, no-obligation consultation.

Set your child up for dental success by contacting the team at Adirondack Orthodontics today! We have locations throughout Albany, East Greenbush, Glens Falls, Latham, Clifton Park, and Schenectady to serve you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The numbers don’t lie! We’re honored to have been named to the Times Union’s 2020 “Best of the Capital Region” list in the best dentist/orthodontist category. Thank you to all of our fabulous patients and wonderful families who helped make this possible.

For years, Adirondack Orthodontics has helped residents attain their goal of having an incredible smile. With five locations in Albany, Glens Falls, Latham, East Greenbush, and Clifton Park, we help ensure the entire region has the service that they deserve. Because of the best patients, best families, and the best staff, Adirondack Orthodontics is a great place to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!

Put Your Health First: Choose Orthodontics Over DIY

If we’ve learned one thing during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s the importance of putting health and safety first. That makes this a good time to remind new and prospective patients why it’s far better to straighten your smile with the help of a skilled and trained orthodontist rather than using a do-it-yourself option.

The Dangers of DIY Aligner Methods

DIY braces may seem like a fast and easy solution, but at-home methods can lead to long-term oral health problems that will ultimately require the expertise of an orthodontist to correct. Attempting to save money in the short term can have long-term consequences, both on your wallet and your health.

Why is that? The DIY approach is typically a one-size-fits-all solution. It doesn’t take X-rays or conduct exams – in other words, it doesn’t take your personal situation into account. In addition, there is no orthodontist to monitor the process, evaluate your progress, assess whether treatment is proceeding as it should, and adjust your treatment plan if needed. The resulting health issues can be significant: long-term bite problems, tooth misalignment, and infections are just some of the problems that can crop up after trying DIY orthodontia.

With professional orthodontics, patients benefit from the presence of a trained expert who can provide a personalized solution and monitor ongoing treatment. A licensed orthodontist will conduct a comprehensive exam and take X-rays to develop a treatment plan, and he or she will be there to identify and address any issues along the way.

Further, keeping your teeth in place once treatment is over – what is called retention – is just as important as the actual treatment. An experienced orthodontist will help you come up with a plan for keeping your beautiful smile once you achieve it. DIY kits might skip this vital step, and your teeth are likely to revert to their former positions, leaving you right where you started.

The Advantages of a Board-Certified Orthodontist

Rather than risking your smile and health with a dangerous DIY “solution,” turn to a proven expert who lives and works in your hometown. A board-certified orthodontist is uniquely educated and trained to provide the expert services needed to help you gain a healthy, beautiful smile. These are just some of the benefits of working with a licensed professional orthodontist:

Personalized Treatment Plans
At Adirondack Orthodontics, an on-site, board-certified orthodontist will complete X-rays and a visual exam, explore your medical history and tailor a customized treatment plan that meets your specific needs. We can even utilize technology to show you what your new smile will look like before we begin treatment!

Customized Payment Plans
When it comes to your budget, Adirondack Orthodontics has you covered. We can tailor a plan that will work within your budget, and we are a participating provider with nearly all insurance plans. We’ll also work with your insurance company to make sure you get the most out of your benefits and handle all the administrative details so you don’t have to.

Long-Term Retention
One of the most important factors that make choosing an orthodontist superior to a DIY method is retention, or the ability to keep your smile after the treatment. At Adirondack Orthodontics, lifetime smile maintenance is guaranteed.

Convenient, Friendly Service
Flexible scheduling, caring and compassionate staff members, and affordable service are just some of the qualities that set us apart. At Adirondack Orthodontics, our patients are our most important priority!

Invest in Your Smile Today

Your health is too important to risk with a do-it-yourself treatment. Turn to the team that provides a personalized solution under the supervision of a licensed, board-certified orthodontist.

Get started at Adirondack Orthodontics today and allow us to create a treatment plan just for you! We are proud to treat all cases, no matter the challenges. Whether Invisalign is the best treatment for you, or you choose another solution such as ceramic or metal braces, we are here to help you gain and retain a beautiful smile.

You deserve the best in oral care, so skip the gimmicks and invest in your smile by calling Adirondack Orthodontics. Schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient locations in Clifton Park, Albany, Latham, or East Greenbush, NY. It would be our pleasure to provide you with incredible orthodontic care that puts your health, safety, and smile first!

Every year, we aim to make our services even more convenient for patients in Albany, NY and beyond. 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.