Braces use brackets and wires to straighten crowded, gapped, or bite-misaligned teeth. Efros Orthodontics provides braces treatment at our Latham office. Dr. Robin Lozman has practiced orthodontics in Latham since 1997. We plan every case with a digital scan rather than putty, and most treatment runs 12 to 30 months depending on the bite.
Choosing braces that fit your life
Metal braces and ceramic braces both move teeth the same way. They differ mainly in how they look and how they hold up day to day.
| Feature | Metal Braces | Ceramic Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Noticeable silver brackets | Tooth-colored brackets, blend in more |
| Durability | Very sturdy for most bite corrections | Slightly larger and more delicate |
| Best for | Complex bites, younger patients | Adults and teens who want a subtler look |
Is Invisalign an option instead?
Clear aligners work for many patients who prefer removable trays over fixed brackets. Aligners are worn 20 to 22 hours a day. Most adults finish in 12 to 18 months. We can discuss whether your bite is a better fit for brackets or aligners during a visit.
Signs it may be time for braces
Crowded or crooked teeth, visible gaps, an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, and jaw discomfort when chewing are common reasons patients come to us. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7. Teens and adults benefit from an evaluation at any age.
Your first visit to our office
We start with digital panoramic and cephalometric X-rays plus an iTero scan, which builds a 3D model of the teeth in minutes. From there we review bite patterns and discuss braces options that fit the diagnosis.
How treatment unfolds over time
Braces typically run 12 to 30 months. Adjustment visits happen about every 4 to 6 weeks and last roughly 20 minutes. During treatment we ask patients to avoid sticky candy, popcorn kernels, hard nuts and ice. We also ask patients to brush after meals and floss with a threader to keep brackets clean.
Repairs, early guidance, and retainers
We offer emergency bracket repairs so treatment doesn’t stall between visits. For younger patients, early interceptive treatment, expanders, and space maintainers can guide jaw growth before full braces begin. Retainers hold results once treatment ends.
Does treatment differ by age?
The mechanics of braces stay similar across ages, but goals and pacing shift. Families researching options for a child can read more on our page about braces for kids, while those weighing choices for a teenager may prefer our page on braces for teens. Adults considering treatment for the first time, or returning to it, can find more detail on our braces for adults page.
Why patients choose our Latham office
Dr. Robin Lozman earned her DMD at the University of Pennsylvania. She also earned a Master’s in Education there. Dr. Lozman then completed a two-year orthodontic residency at the Eastman Dental Center, University of Rochester. There she treated children, adults, cleft palate patients, and surgical orthodontic cases. When Lozman Orthodontics joined Efros Orthodontics, existing patients kept the same team and the same Latham location. You can read more on her bio page.
Efros Orthodontics now has nine offices, and our Latham location sits at 17 Johnson Road, just off Route 9, with parking directly at the door. We’re open Monday to Thursday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and Friday from 7:30am to 3:00pm. We see families from Loudonville, Cohoes, Watervliet, Waterford, Clifton Park, and Halfmoon, including North Colonie and Shaker school students.
We’re in-network with most major insurance plans, and we offer 0% interest payment plans with payments as low as $99 a month in some cases, detailed on our financial page. A free consultation includes X-rays, a digital scan, and a walk-through of your options.
Braces questions from Latham patients
How often will I need to come in during treatment?
Most patients come in about every 4 to 6 weeks for progress checks and adjustments. Each visit usually takes around 20 minutes.
Can I switch between braces and clear aligners?
Switching is uncommon but can sometimes be discussed with your orthodontist depending on the case. We’ll review your bite and goals before recommending any change in plan.
What if a wire or bracket feels loose?
Call our office so we can schedule an emergency repair. Covering a sharp wire with orthodontic wax can ease discomfort until your visit.
Will treatment interfere with eating normally?
Most foods are fine, but sticky candy, popcorn kernels, hard nuts, and ice should be avoided. Softer foods are easier in the first few days after an adjustment.
