Gaps and uneven spacing in your teeth can do more than make you feel self-conscious about your smile. They can also affect your overall oral health. Many adults find themselves frustrated by these imperfections but hesitate to seek treatment, thinking braces are only for kids or teens. 

Thankfully, modern orthodontics offers discreet, lifestyle-friendly solutions tailored to adults. Whether you’re concerned about appearance, comfort, or convenience, treatments like Invisalign can help close those gaps and give you the confidence boost you deserve.

What Causes Gaps and Spacing Issues in Teeth?

Dental gaps, medically referred to as diastema, occur for various reasons, including genetics, habits, or natural changes as we age. Common causes include:

• Differences in jaw size and tooth size, causing spacing issues.
• Missing teeth or tooth extractions, leaving gaps.
• Shifts in teeth over time due to natural wear or gum recession.
• Habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting during childhood.

Whatever the cause, untreated gaps can lead to more than cosmetic concerns. Food particles can become trapped, increasing the risk of decay, gum disease, and other complications. That’s why addressing spacing issues benefits both your appearance and overall oral health.

Discreet and Convenient Orthodontic Options for Adults

At Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics, we understand that adults often juggle professional, personal, and family responsibilities, meaning treatment must fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. With 60+ years of trusted orthodontic care in the Capital Region, our team in Troy focuses on innovative, patient-centered solutions. Here’s why modern orthodontics is different:

Invisalign: A Clear Solution for Adults

For adults seeking a discreet way to correct gaps, Invisalign is a game changer. This system uses a series of nearly invisible, custom-made aligner trays to guide teeth into their correct positions. Benefits of Invisalign for gaps and spacing include:

• Subtle appearance: Aligners are clear, nearly undetectable, and suitable for professional or social settings.
• Comfortable wear: Made from smooth plastic, Invisalign eliminates the irritation associated with traditional braces.
• Convenience: Removable trays let you enjoy your favorite foods without restriction and simplify brushing and flossing.
• Efficiency: Invisalign can close gaps in as little as 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case.

Advanced Technology Streamlines Your Journey

Our practice leverages the latest orthodontic technologies and resources, such as 3D imaging for precise treatment planning. This ensures predictability in correcting gaps while reducing the overall treatment timeline. Dr. Cooney and our team carefully craft customized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals, providing you with the expert care you deserve.

Why Addressing Dental Gaps Matters

Many adults mistakenly believe that if gaps don’t cause immediate discomfort, treatment can wait. In reality, leaving gaps unaddressed could lead to:

• Shifting teeth that worsen spacing over time.
• An increased risk of gum disease or cavities due to harder-to-clean areas.
• Issues with chewing or speech, depending on the severity of the gaps.

Aligning your teeth isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about preserving long-term oral health and boosting self-confidence.

Say Goodbye to Barriers: Treatment Is More Accessible Than Ever

Starting orthodontic treatment as an adult might feel like a big step, but we make it easier than ever to begin. Here’s how:

• Complimentary consultations: We offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and discuss your goals.
• Flexible, family-friendly scheduling: With offices in Troy as well as Ballston Lake, and Saratoga Springs, we make it convenient to balance appointments alongside your busy schedule.
• Customizable payment options: Through OrthoFi, we help make treatment affordable with flexible plans that suit your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaps and Spacing Treatment

Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

Absolutely not! Many adults are successfully addressing gaps and alignment issues today thanks to discreet options like Invisalign. Your age doesn’t determine the health or aesthetic benefits of treatment.

How long will treatment take?

Treatment timelines vary based on the complexity of your case. Invisalign typically takes between 6 and 18 months, but Dr. Cooney and Dr. Tyner are here to provide a personalized estimate during your consultation.

Can insurance help cover the cost?

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic coverage. Our team can help you navigate your benefits and create a transparent payment plan.

Take the First Step Today

There’s no reason to let gaps or spacing issues hold you back from a confident, healthy smile. At Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics, we specialize in giving adults discreet, comfortable solutions that fit into your daily life. 

With three locations throughout the Capital Region, complimentary consultations, and modern options like Invisalign, beginning your journey to a beautiful smile has never been easier. Call us today at (518) 400-1200 to schedule your free consultation at our Troy office, and take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted.

Braces are an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile. But managing those early weeks of adjustments, poking wires, and wax emergencies can be challenging, especially if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re new to braces or helping your child adjust, knowing what to keep in a braces tool kit can turn daily discomfort into confident, stress-free care.

At Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics in Ballston Lake, we believe well-informed patients are more comfortable, more successful, and much more confident throughout their orthodontic journey. That’s why we empower families with the helpful tools and proactive resources from day one, starting with a personalized, complimentary consultation.

Why Every Braces Wearer Needs a Tool Kit

A well-stocked braces tool kit serves one important goal: to help you or your child stay comfortable, clean, and confident between appointments. Brackets can come loose. Wires might irritate cheeks. Food can easily get stuck. Having the right supplies on hand, especially at school or work, can turn a frustrating moment into a quick fix.

Even though we’re always just a phone call away at (518) 400-1200, there’s peace of mind in knowing how to handle minor braces concerns on your own. And as a top Invisalign provider in the Capital Region, we also share flexible tool kit tips for aligner care!

Braces Tool Kit Essentials: What to Pack

1. Orthodontic Wax

This is the go-to relief for irritation caused by brackets or wires rubbing against the inside of the cheeks or lips. Simply roll a small piece between your fingers and place it over the area causing discomfort. Always dry the bracket or wire first so the wax adheres well.

2. Compact Mirror

It’s much easier to fix an out-of-place wire, apply wax, or spot trapped food when you can actually see what’s going on. A small, handheld mirror helps with quick checks no matter where you are.

3. Dental Floss & Floss Threaders

Dental floss remains a must with braces, but it can be tricky to maneuver. Floss threaders help guide floss under the archwire so you can clean around each tooth and bracket. Some patients prefer orthodontic flossers with a stiff tip built in.

4. Interdental Brushes (aka Proxabrushes)

These tiny, cone-shaped brushes fit between brackets and under wires, helping to remove food particles and plaque. They’re easy to carry and an excellent tool for keeping your braces clean on the go.

5. Orthodontic Relief Gel

This topical gel provides temporary relief from sore spots in your mouth, especially in the first few days after an adjustment. Just dab a small amount directly onto the irritated area as directed.

6. Nail Clippers or Small Wire Cutters

Though we always prefer that emergencies be handled in-office, if a wire breaks or starts poking and you can’t come in right away, a clean pair of nail clippers can help trim the wire until your next visit. Call us first, and we’ll guide you through it.

7. Travel Toothbrush & Toothpaste

It’s best to brush after every meal while wearing braces, so a travel-sized oral care kit is perfect for keeping in your bag, backpack, or desk. Look for fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled brushes for gentle, effective cleanings.

8. Mouth Rinse

An antimicrobial or fluoride mouth rinse helps rinse away food debris when brushing isn’t possible and reduces the risk of cavities or gingivitis around brackets and wires.

9. Take What You Can Take for a Headache

Mild soreness after adjustment appointments is common, especially early in treatment. Taking whatever over-the-counter pain reliever you typically use for a headache, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help make those first few days more manageable. Always follow dosage instructions or call Dr. Cooney or Dr. Tyner with any questions.

10. A Small, Zippered Bag or Case

Keep all your supplies clean and secure in a designated pouch that fits easily in your backpack, glove compartment, or locker. Being prepared is less about packing a lot and more about packing smart.

Bonus Tips from Dr. Cooney and Dr. Tyner to Keep Your Braces Journey Comfortable

• Replace wax and brushes often to keep things hygienic.
• Rinse after sugary snacks or drinks if you can’t brush right away.
• Avoid sticky or crunchy foods that can bend wires or pop off brackets.
• Check your braces daily in the mirror for any loose pieces.

And remember. If something doesn’t feel right, you’re never on your own. Patients at Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics benefit from attentive, compassionate support between visits and across all three of our Capital Region locations, including Troy and Saratoga Springs.

We’re With You Every Step of the Way

Orthodontic treatment is more than straightening teeth. It’s about improving confidence, health, and your smile’s long-term stability. We make that process easier by helping each patient, child, teen, or adult, feel prepared, comfortable, and cared for every step of the way.

Our multi-age treatment specialties mean we work with timing and technique that optimize results, delivering straighter smiles with greater efficiency. Whether your teen is just beginning their orthodontic journey or you’re exploring adult Invisalign options in Ballston Lake, our team is here to guide you with expertise and empathy.

Schedule Your Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation Today

Whether you’re considering braces for your teen or you’re wondering whether Invisalign is a better fit for your lifestyle as a busy professional, our team is ready to help. At Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics, we offer no-cost initial screenings and consultations so you can start your care journey without the guesswork or financial pressure.

Call our Ballston Lake office today at (518) 400-1200 or schedule your complimentary consultation online. We look forward to welcoming you and making orthodontic care easy, comfortable, and rewarding across every age and stage.

The 2022 Where in the World Are Our Doctors?! – Summer Contest is coming to an end, and thanks to you, it has been so much fun! Throughout the summer, we’ve been getting photos of our patients traveling and enjoying their summer featuring Dr. Cooney and Dr. Tyner. At the beach, concerts, national parks and many more, the Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics community has been well represented. 

Thank you to everyone who entered. This contest is so special because of you! 

Check out the entries below.

2022 Winners

Congratulations to Chava and Alex for winning this year’s summer contest!

Chava and Dr. Cooney at Badlands National Park in South Dakota, the Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming, Glacier National Park (Montana) and Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota).

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Alex took Dr. Cooney and Dr. Tyner to explore Manitou Springs, CO

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Thank you to everyone who submitted pictures this summer!

Mason and his sister on Vacation

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Raegan and Dr. Cooney at Latham Ridge Playground

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Madeleine relaxing doing puzzles before vacation.

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Cooney the Unicorn sent in by Tessa

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Julianne and Dr. Tyner love Ice Cream! Here they are at Udderly Ice Cream.

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Rhett took Dr. Cooney along on his family vacation.

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Dr. Cooney and Jacob at Yankee/Mets game at Citi Field!

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Dr. Cooney and Dr. Tyner enjoyed a day at the beach in Asbury Park, NJ! Thanks for the submission Allison!

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Lillienne and Dr. Cooney in Mattapoisett, MA.

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Lexi and Haley in Long Beach Island

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Here is Charlotte and Dr. Cooney at opening night of the Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC. We even ran into some former patients of Dr. Cooney’s!!

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Lucy and Domenico on vacation.

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Norah and Dr. Tyner with the Clydesdales

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Dylan, Emma, and the doctors traveled all around Colorado to the Rocky Mountain National Park, Winter Park, and Fraser.

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Dr. Cooney loved hanging out with Mia by the water slides and arcade, but the car-ride nap after a long day is also a classic summer activity.

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Dr. Cooney, Dr. Tyner, and Anthony buried in the sand.

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Dr. Cooney was spotted at Epcot with Lewis.

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Annika, Soren, and Jameson – Triplet Cooneys taking a vacation in the AirStream

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Have you entered yet?

Entry is simple; grab a Dr. Cooney, and/or Dr. Tyner, head on a stick at the front desk at either of our locations in Ballston Lake or Troy. Next, take a creative photo with Dr. Cooney or Dr. Tyner while you’re having fun this summer.

Your submission enters you to win a $100 Visa Gift Card! Two winners will be chosen. The doctor that goes on the most vacations also gets to pick a charity for the losing doctor to donate to, who do you think will win?

Submit your photos by email to shansen@cooneyorthodontics.com. 

You may also submit your photos by tagging @cooneyortho on your Instagram story or @CooneyOrthodontics on Facebook. You can also add a head sticker gif on your story as well by searching “Cooney” on Instagram.

Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics is thrilled to bring back our “Where in the World” Summer Contest!

Entry is simple; grab a Dr. Cooney, and/or Dr. Tyner, head on a stick at the front desk at either of our locations in Ballston Lake or Troy. Next, take a creative photo with Dr. Cooney or Dr. Tyner while you’re having fun this summer.

Your submission enters you to win a $100 Visa Gift Card! Two winners will be chosen. The doctor that goes on the most vacations also gets to pick a charity for the losing doctor to donate to, who do you think will win?

Submit your photos by email to shansen@cooneyorthodontics.com. 

You may also submit your photos by tagging @cooneyortho on your Instagram story or @CooneyOrthodontics on Facebook. You can also add a head sticker gif on your story as well by searching “Cooney” on Instagram.

See some of the past “Where in the World” submissions here. This video has examples featuring Dr. Cooney, before Dr. Tyner was a part of the practice, but it still features inspiration for your submissions, so check it out!

The contest is open until September 6th. Make sure to grab your Dr. Cooney and Dr. Tyner heads during your next visit or just stop by either Cooney & Tyner Orthodontics locations during normal business hours! If you can’t make it to the office, you can download the pdf below.

While you don’t need to be ABO Board Certified to work at a private practice, Dr. Tyner wanted to make sure he took his training to the absolute highest level to provide the best orthodontic care to our patients. 

Read more about Dr. Tyner’s Board Certification journey!

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Happy Mother’s Day from Cooney Orthodontics!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! Congrats to all of our new moms here at Cooney Orthodontics (we have a lot)!

Jen, welcomed her baby girl one year ago, Katie’s son was born in July, Jocelyn welcomed her baby girl in December, and Amber’s twin boys arrived 3 weeks ago!

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Did you know?

Did you know your Invisalign treatment is completely customized to your individual case? While every dental situation is different, with the use of the newest technologies, we can ensure that each of our patients have the best possible outcome tailored to their specific oral health needs.

Schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation today to see if Invisalign or braces could be right for you!

Celebrating 4 Years!

Katie, our RDH, is celebrating 4 years at Cooney Orthodontics on May 21st! Congratulations! 

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Celebrating 3 Years!

Katie, our RDH is celebrating 3 years at Cooney Orthodontics on May 24th! Congratulations! 

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Welcome to the Cooney Family!

Welcome to our newest Registered Dental Hygienists, Jen Q and Rachel! We’re excited to have them join our team and can’t wait for all of our patients to meet them!

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Dental Hygienist Week!

April 4th marks the beginning of Dental Hygienist Week! 

At Cooney Orthodontics, our Registered Dental Hygienists are an essential part of our team, helping create healthy smiles from Albany to Saratoga! 

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Did you know?

Did you know that only 10% of orthodontists have completed their Board Certification with the ABO? At Cooney Orthodontics, both Dr. Cooney and Dr. Tyner have passed their comprehensive board exam administered by the American Board of Orthodontics meaning they’re Board Certified Orthodontic Specialists.

Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Tyner or Dr. Cooney to begin your orthodontic journey! 

Celebrating 19 Years!

Donna is celebrating 19 years at Cooney Orthodontics on April 21st! Congratulations! 

Celebrating 7 Years!

Jen is celebrating 7 years at Cooney Orthodontics on April 27th! Congratulations! 

Thank you to all those who nominated us for the Times Union’s annual Best of the Capital Region competition! We’re excited to once again be among the top in this contest and invite you to show your support by voting for us as “Best Orthodontist”! 

You can vote daily until March 4th with each vote counting toward a drawing for a $1,000 sweepstakes.

Thank you for continuing to support our practice! 

Happy Valentine’s Day! Are you swooning over the dream of having a straight and healthy smile that lasts a lifetime?

Learn how Invisalign could help you fall in love with your smile this Valentine’s Day by scheduling your consultation right online! 

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February is children’s dental health month!

The health of a child’s baby teeth is the foundation for a lifetime of smiles as they play a key role of saving space for their permanent teeth. Make sure to brush at least twice a day and incorporate sugar free snacks into your child’s diet! 

Did you know it is suggested that children should have an orthodontic screening at age 7? At this age they may not be ready for treatment, though many orthodontic issues can be caught early leading to less time and more straight forward treatment in the future.

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A beautiful smile without wires and brackets!

We want you to be confident and proud of your smile while maintaining good oral health that lasts a lifetime! Oral health is a window into your overall health. Orthodontic treatment helps ensure proper function of teeth and create healthy smiles. A good bite makes it easier for you to eat and speak. Teeth that are misaligned are harder to clean and can cause abnormal wearing of tooth enamel which can lead to extensive and expensive dental procedures.

Start your journey to loving your smile! Schedule your complimentary Invisalign screening today at either our Troy or Ballston Lake office!

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Take your smile into the end zone!

Did you know Invisalign is an official sponsor of the NFL? Go the extra yard and get that touchdown smile this Super Bowl Sunday! 

Happy Anniversary, Ansley!

Ansley, our New Patient Coordinator, celebrates 9 years at Cooney Orthodontics this month! 🎉We are so grateful to have you as a member of our team!⁠

 Happy Birthday, Donna!

Happy Birthday to Donna, our Lab Technician & Inventory Coordinator! 🎉 May your birthday be the start of a year filled with plenty of smiles! 😄

Happy Birthday, Katie!

 Happy Birthday, Katie!

Happy Birthday to Katie, our Registered Dental Hygienist 🎉 May your birthday be the start of a year filled with plenty of smiles! 😄

Happy Birthday, Amber!

Happy Birthday to Amber, our Registered Dental Hygienist 🎉 May your birthday be the start of a year filled with plenty of smiles! 😄

Make it your New Year’s resolution to get your dream smile! With Invisalign, you can straighten your teeth with nearly invisible clear aligners, making it easier than ever to enter 2022 with confidence!

Thank you for supporting Toys for Tots!

This year, we collected 268 toys for Toys for Tots in our annual collection! Thank you so much for helping families in need in the Capital Region!

Happy Birthday, Ansley! Ansley, our New Patient Coordinator, celebrates her birthday on January 6th! 🎉 May your birthday be the start of a year filled with plenty of smiles! 😄⁠

Happy Birthday, Erin! Erin, our Dental Hygienist and Business Manager, celebrates her birthday on January 30th! 🎉 May your birthday be the start of a year filled with plenty of smiles! 😄⁠ ⁠

Wishing you a very happy and joyous holiday season and all the best in the new year ahead!

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Last chance to win!

At Cooney Orthodontics, we are proud supporters of the Capital Region Toys for Tots! Join us by bringing in a new, unwrapped toy to either office location by December 9th for a chance to win an Amazon gift card! The more toys you bring in, the more entries you receive!

Tis’ the Season

With clear aligners, you can straighten your smile with confidence this holiday season! Book a consultation with the area’s Top Invisalign Team today!