Give a Smile, Get a Smile From Okun Orthodontics

There are few things in life that you can give away, and end up having many more. A smile is one of them. If you smile at someone they are very likely to return that smile!

Many of our patients at Okun Orthodontics have noticed that “everyone is smiling at them.” Some of them have noticed why. They are feeling so good about their “straight smile” that they are walking around smiling, and everyone is smiling back. It makes us all feel good when our day is full of smiling faces!

There are many reasons to smile. We found 10 on about.com and added one of our own.

Top 10 Reasons to Smile
By Mark Stibich, Ph.D.

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive
We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them in.

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood
Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance your mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling Is Contagious
When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress
Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure
When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger
The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day -- you'll look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful
Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive
Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. It's hard. When we smile our body is sending the rest of us a message that "Life is Good!" Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling.

Here’s another reason to smile.
11. Okunorthodontics is making smiling more affordable
Some people have told us that they are afraid to start braces (in this economic climate) because they might lose their job tomorrow and not be able to make the payments for their medical treatment.
Dr. Judith Okun has always offered interest-free payment plans that extend over the expected length of time of treatment. Now she is offering the option to halve each monthly payment for up to one year after the loss of a job. (This lengthens the payment plan by up to one year.) We don’t want finances to stand in the way of you or your child having that contagious smile. Schedule your consultation today. Call us at 914-908-5480.

Dr. Okun Judges Posters for Children's Dental Health Month

Dr. Judith Okun is one of the judges for the Ninth District Dental Society’s Annual Poster Contest for children from grades K through 12. The winners from our district are sent on to compete in the New York State Dental Health Poster Contest.

This year’s assignment was to design a place-mat style poster depicting ways to maintain our dental health. Entries included animated toothbrushes, floss, tooth-paste and mouth germs. There were also creative game-boards and computer generated characters. Many of the place-mats encouraged including healthy foods like fruits and vegetables in our diets, and eating fewer sugary treats. Brushing your teeth, visiting the dentist frequently, wearing braces for a beautiful smile, and wearing a protective sports guard for contact sports rounded out the themes.

Self-Litigating Braces -- A Great Alternative to Traditional Braces -- Okun Orthodontics

Feel confident about your smile- both during and after orthodontic treatment!

As always, braces with colors are available to those who want to make a statement with their smile. Now there is another option for those who don’t like to stand out because of their braces.

These new low friction brackets hold the wire in place without the colored ties, have less plaque build up (are easier to clean), and require fewer appointments. For many people the treatment is actually faster and more comfortable. This is a great option for adult patients with busy work schedules; Adults are less likely to break their appliances so they can afford to be seen less frequently. These high-tech self-ligating braces are available in metal and clear, and unlike the “braces with colors”, the “low friction brackets” do not discolor (turn yellow) over time.

If you know someone who is interested in this free-sliding technology- for braces that take less time and requires fewer appointments- have them ask us at Okun Orthodontics about In-Ovation system braces.

For more information about these new braces, call us and make an appointment.