tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55272038212932712392024-02-07T14:31:17.728-05:00Orthodontist Dr. Judith A. Okun - Westchester and Rye Brook, NYDr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-79394567948643174552020-10-21T02:46:00.000-04:002020-10-21T02:46:38.395-04:00Uncertainty is Stressful<p>None of us know what will happen next with the Corona Virus
pandemic, and this uncertainty has created high levels of stress and anxiety in
the world. How we handle the stress
varies, but many of us are taking out our stress on our teeth.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bruxism, the clenching (biting down hard when there is no
food to bite through) and grinding (rubbing the bottom teeth against the top
teeth) of teeth damages the teeth, the periodontium (supporting structures of
the teeth), and the jaw joints (aka TMJ, temperomandibular joints), and stresses
the muscles of the face that help you chew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Some signs that you are clenching
your teeth are:<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Wearing down of the biting surfaces of the teeth</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Chipping, cracking, and fracturing of the teeth</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Abfraction, the denting of the root surface at the necks of
the teeth</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Loss of the bone that supports the teeth, so that the roots
show, despite good dental hygiene</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Tooth pain, or dead teeth (from suffocating the teeth when
cutting off their blood supply)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Shifting of the teeth with increasing vertical overlap of
front teeth, increasing spaces between the upper front teeth, and increasing crowding
of the lower front teeth over time</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Facial pain and headaches</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Cracking noises from the joint in front of your ears when
you open and close your mouth</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">There is no cure for
bruxism, but you can mitigate some of the deleterious effects by:<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Making an effort to not close your teeth when you are
awake, but not eating</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Wearing a custom hard, acrylic (plastic) dental appliance
on all of your top teeth (which bites evenly on <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>all of the bottom teeth) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when you are sleeping so that you do the
damage to the guard instead of to your teeth. (Dr. Okun can make this “occlusal
guard” for you.)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Limiting chewing (i.e. eat a softer diet that does not
contain foods that have resistance to bite through) when you are experiencing
periods of facial pain and headaches</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Using ice paks or hot compresses on the tender muscles on
the sides of your face and head</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Puffing out your cheeks, as if you are blowing bubbles, to
stretch and release tension in your chewing muscles</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Taking anti-anxiety herbs (such as Valerian, Lemon Balm, or
Chamomile) in tea or pill form before bed</p>Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-28190563732548793212020-09-06T22:46:00.000-04:002020-09-06T22:46:28.224-04:00Uncertainty Stress and "TMJ" Facial Pain<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">No one knows what’s going to happen next. Will schools open for “ in person learning”
this month? Will gatherings of students
start a second wave of the COVID19 pandemic?
Will restaurants open for indoor dining?
Will gyms be able to meet their overhead expenses with only half the
number of clients in order to meet social distancing guidelines? Will small
businesses survive the long shut-downs? Will parents be able to go back to work
when their children are staying home for remote learning?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One thing that is certain is that uncertainty is a stress that
takes a toll on our health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One way many of us deal with stress is by clenching and
grinding our teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately
bruxism, the clenching and grinding of one’s teeth, is not benign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wears down the surface of the teeth,
cracks and chips the teeth, accelerates the bone loss from gum disease, causes
root resorption (shortening of the tooth roots), kills the nerves in the teeth,
causes undesirable shifting of the positions of the teeth, and causes spasm of
the chewing muscles and changes in the jaw joints. (Symptomatic
temperomandibular joints and associated facial pain are often referred to as “TMJ”.) There is no cure for
bruxism, but there is something you can do to minimize the damage it
causes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The best treatment for “TMJ” and bruxism is to wear a hard
plastic guard on all of the top teeth at night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This “occlusal guard’ should cover all of the top teeth and touch all of
the bottom teeth evenly when the teeth are closed, so that the teeth are all
splinted together and share forces evenly. That way the damage from the
excessive forces is done to the plastic instead of to the teeth and their
supporting structures. The guard should never be soft; a soft guard will allow
the teeth to rock back and forth as the plastic flexes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although Soft guards protect the teeth from
chipping, they can accelerate the loss of the bone that keeps the teeth in the
mouth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guard should cover every
tooth on the top, and touch as many bottom teeth as possible; that way the
teeth don’t shift, altering the bite. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
properly made custom occlusal guard is not something you can buy
over-the-counter in the drug store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Judith
Okun has years of experience treating TMJ and facial pain with properly made
occlusal guards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call her office at
(914) 253-0722 to set up an appointment to evaluate if you are taking out your
stress on your teeth, and if you could benefit from the night time use of a
custom occlusal guard.</p>Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-29636362192087097122020-06-01T00:22:00.000-04:002020-06-01T00:22:15.171-04:00Okun Orthodontics is Now Open
<br />
Dear patient,<br />
<br />
In a surprise announcement by Governor Cuomo on May 31, all
dental office in New York State are permitted to open June 1, 2020. We are so
excited to be able to get back on track with all of your treatments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to provide a safe environment for
you when you are in our office, we are following the guidelines of New York
State, the Centers for Disease Control, the Department of Health, the New York
State Dental Association, and the American Dental Association for infection
control and social distancing. Please read this letter so you know what to
expect when you come to our office.<br />
<br />
Everyone in the building must <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">wear a mask</b> over their mouth and nose at all times except when it
is necessary to remove it for dental (or medical) treatment.<br />
<br />
Call from the parking area to see if we have a room open for
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reception area seating has been
limited to maintain social distancing. We have also eliminated high touch items
from the reception area; there will be no blocks, books, magazines, patient
information pamphlets or game cube controllers available until the Corona Virus
is no longer a threat, so there is no entertainment waiting for you in our
office. We are making an effort to schedule more lightly to minimize wait times
and maintain social distancing; this might mean that you will be offered fewer
options when scheduling your appointment.<br />
<br />
Only one person may accompany a patient into the
office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please leave additional “visitors”
(siblings, friends, parents) at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
a second parent would like to participate in a treatment discussion, we will
include them over a video-conference medium like face time or Skype.<br />
<br />
Take the stairs; avoid the elevators if you don’t need them.
The doors to the stairways are propped open so that you don’t need to touch
them. The elevators are limited to 2 passengers at a time.<br />
<br />
Use the bathroom before you leave your house. We can’t
control the number of people in the building’s restrooms.<br />
<br />
Please wait at the door to the office until there is someone
at the front desk to greet you, take your temperature, and ask you screening
questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you or someone with whom
you have spent time has had a fever, cough, shortness of breath, inexplicable
loss of taste or smell, or has tested positive for COVID19 in the last two
weeks, please call to reschedule your appointment. If you come with these
symptoms we will not be able to treat you and we will be rescheduling your
appointment anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, if you develop
these symptoms within 2 weeks of the time you were here, please call us so that
we can notify anyone with whom you may have had contact in our office.<br />
<br />
Once you have passed pre-screening, you will be directed to
a sink in the treatment room for all parties to wash their hands with soap and
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patients will rinse with ioRinse
to minimize the number of viable microbes that may be aerosolized during
treatment procedures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IF YOU ARE
ALLERGIC TO IODINE PLEASE LET US KNOW SO THAT WE MAY GIVE YOU AN ALTERNATIVE
RINSE. Please throw paper towels in the green pail near the entrance to the
room, not under the sink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please save
your cup in case you need it to rinse during your appointment.<br />
<br />
After your appointment, please wait in the treatment room
until there are no other patients waiting at the front desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then walk to the reception room and speak to
the front desk staff through the glass window to schedule appointments or make
payments. <br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 14.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;">
We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any
questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient,
safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at (914)
253-0722. </div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 14.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;">
Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and
look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends.</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 14.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;">
Sincerely,</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 14.0pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;">
Dr. Judith Okun, Tracey, Corinne, and Deborah</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-42492064906527603842020-04-07T16:15:00.001-04:002020-04-07T16:15:22.220-04:00The Power of Prayer<div class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Years ago I read a Reader’s Digest Summary of a scientific study on the Power of Prayer which had been published in a medical journal. The patient records of cardiac patients from several hospitals were compiled and then divided into two groups, to make each group (the test and the control) equal by severity of illness and types of treatment.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The names of the patients (with some personal information about each of them) in the test group were given to strangers with the instructions for each person to pray for his/her assigned patient “in any way you see fit.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>None of the patients or hospital personnel were told who was in the study group.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>At the end of the study there was a statistical difference between the groups, as if the test group was given a “miracle drug.”(Note that this study would have been illegal in today’s world because of HIPAA privacy laws.)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are living in a unique time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Every continent in the world, except Antartica, has been affected by this COVID-19 pandemic.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Our hospitals are overwhelmed with the sheer numbers of infected patients who need care. There are not enough respirators and personal protective equipment to meet the needs. Businesses and schools have been closed to limit the spread of the illness. Routine medical care has been put on hold. Dentists cannot deliver needed care to our patients because the illness is spread by both breath and saliva; Dental procedures aerosolize the virus, and the virus stays airborne for up to three hours. Dentists do not have hospital air filtration, hospital gowns, and N95 masks which would be necessary to deliver care in our offices.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We need to slow down the rate that this virus is infecting people, and we need to limit the number of people who are infected- both those that are ill and those that are asymptomatic carriers. Social distancing is one tool we are using to limit the spread of the virus, but it is not enough.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We all need to pray, in whatever way is comfortable for us. Pray for a speedy end to this pandemic, for a speedy and complete recovery for the people who have been infected, for the mental health of all of us living in social isolation, for the return of a healthy economy, and for the return of our normal lifestyles, before the virus took over.- A personal note from Dr. Judith Okun</span></div>
Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-70674494462289883242020-04-03T17:59:00.001-04:002020-04-03T17:59:31.914-04:00One Day, A Corona Virus Update<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dear Patients,</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once again, I need to stress to you that the New York State "stay at home" law has deemed </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">all of dentistry “non-essential business”. This law only permits dentists to see emergencies of pain, infection, and trauma that might cause you to go to the emergency room. New York on Pause was put in place to enforce social distancing to slow the spread, and hopefully decrease the total number of Coronavirus cases. All of us should be doing our part in this social distancing effort.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Governor's original “'stay at home” mandate extended through April 19, 2020 and was soon extended to April 22. As of today the American Dental Association is recommending that we extend the policy to only see emergency procedures through April 30. The end date seems to change every few days as they learn more about the spread of the virus and its impact. Since we do not know when we will be returning to work, we are delaying rescheduling patients for at least another week, in hopes of not having to call you every week to reschedule your appointments.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It causes me much distress to tell any of you that I cannot see you to adjust your braces, take care of your loose brackets or poking wires, or keep your treatment on course for a timely debond (removal of braces at the end of treatment.) Some of you have been worrying about what impact this delay will have on your treatment. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To set your mind at ease, I want you to know that if the NY Stay at Home law continues only until the end of April it should not have a dramatic impact on most of your treatments. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If it extends longer </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">it will mirror the experience of our patients who attend sleep-away camp, and the impact will be related to how well you took care of your orthodontic appliances. This means, those who followed the rules about avoiding sticky/chewy foods, cut food thin, took smaller bites and kept up with oral hygiene will usually not prolong the time it takes to successfully complete their case. Those who don’t keep their mouth and orthodontic appliances clean, don’t wear their appliances as recommended, eat food they shouldn’t or in ways unsafe for their braces will need to be “put back together” after this unforeseen delay and may very well extend their treatment time. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The social distancing law does not, prevent us from having virtual treatment visits. Some of you have already taken advantage of tele-dentistry by emailing to me a photo and brief description of your orthodontic problem (along with your phone number) so that I can call you back to discuss your issue. If we are not back at work by the beginning of May and you wish to have a virtual visit, you can email me at <a href="mailto:drj@okunortho.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">drj@okunortho.com</a> and provide me with your cell phone number for a “What's App” or “Facetime” call. For some patients this will only give them the assurance that their treatment is on track. For others I may change the direction of elastics or the force of the headgear. If you are running out of elastics, please let me know so that I can mail more to you.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In the meantime let's use our stay at home time productively. I am forever hearing people say “one day” I will have time to do this or that. As this Coronavirus Pandemic has shown, we don't know what tomorrow will bring. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Instead of waiting for “one day” to have less time at work and more time with our families (the two most common end-of-life regrets), let's </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">take advantage of this unexpected opportunity to bond with our families and make special memories. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If your family is still working in an essential business, thank you for all you are doing to keep all of us safe at home.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<span class="im" style="color: #500050;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“One day” we will all be back at school and work. Hopefully it will be soon, and we at Okun Orthodontics can get back to giving you the orthodontic and TMJ treatment which you deserve. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #222222;">I look forward to hearing from you,</span></div>
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dr. Judith A. Okun </div>
</div>
Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-59368027396120711452020-03-25T13:43:00.002-04:002020-03-25T13:43:16.517-04:00Stay-At-Home But Keep Your Treatment Moving ForwardOkun Orthodontics remains closed, except for emergencies, until at least April 20, because of Governor Cuomo's executive order for New York State to close non-essential businesses in order to limit the spread of corona virus. We are permitted to see emergencies of pain, trauma and infection. If you are having an emergency, please take a picture of the problem, and email it with a description to Dr. Okun directly at drj@okunortho.com. We are still returning phone messages, so please feel free to leave messages on our phone answering machine (914) 253-0722.<br />
No one knows how long this state of emergency will last, and how long non-essential businesses need to remain closed. Please confirm with us that your appointment is still valid before heading out to see us. Please also TAKE THIS STAY-AT- HOME EDICT SERIOUSLY. Even though there are no cases of COVID-19 in children, your children can still bring the virus home to you on their hands and clothes. The longer that people disregard the social distancing guidelines, the longer our lifestyles and the economy will be held hostage by the spread of the virus. Today I was speaking with a 90 year old woman who was reminiscing about the polio epidemic of her childhood (causing infantile paralysis.) She remembers the closure of swimming pools, movies, and ball games. That epidemic came to an end, and so will this one.<br />
Remember that we still have a portal available through our website www.okunortho.com for you to view your appointments, images, and financial information. You can print out any information you need to submit your healthcare finances for flex plans and tax documents.<br />
Many of you are home schooling your children. We will be posting home schooling ideas in future posts. As always, remember to keep your teeth and braces clean, use fluoride rinse, wear your elastics, retainers, guards, and headgears as prescribed. This current situation may slow down the progress of your treatment because I can't see you monthly, but you can certainly keep your treatment moving forward.<br />
Dr. Okun<br />
<br />Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-59410942463925635142020-03-20T17:05:00.001-04:002020-03-20T17:05:45.242-04:00Keeping You Safe at Okun Orthodontics during the CoronaVirus Pandemic<span style="background-color: white; color: green;"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We closed our office at
Okun Orthodontics, except for urgent care/emergencies, for the last three weeks
of March, ending April 5, 2020, at the recommendation of the American Dental
Association and the Department of Health because of the COVID-19 pandemic. When
we re-open in April we will continue to follow precautions to limit the spread
of Corona Virus. Steps we have incorporated for the foreseeable future
include:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Distancing: All patient
families will be sent to different room to await their turn. The goal is
that one family does not breathe on another. If your family group is too
large for the treatment room, please have some of your family members wait in
the car. If anyone in your family is sick, please leave them at home. In
addition, we will not be greeting anyone with handshakes and hugs.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Hand Washing: Upon entering a treatment room, everyone will wash their hands
with antimicrobial soap and water. </span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">High touch areas will be
minimized and disinfected: Doors to the stairwells and to our office are
propped open so that you do not need to touch doorknobs. Handles of waiting
room chairs as well as treatment room surfaces will be disinfected frequently.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pre-treatment rinsing:
We have ordered ioRinse, a natural and organic antiviral mouthwash which does
not contain alcohol, for patients to use before treatment. IoRinse has been
proven effective at inactivating Coronavirus, Rhinovirus and Norovirus at 25ppm
molecular iodine. The ioRinse formula is 4x the experimental strength. By
pretreatment rinsing we will minimize generation of airborne virus during our
procedures.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">UV light: We have six
Germguardian UV-C Air Sanitizers to kill airborne pathogens. They are located
in all "patient access" rooms of the office.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Air circulation: We are
leaving the windows open and are using fans to circulate the air. Before the
age of antibiotics Tuberculosis and Influenza were treated with fresh air and
sunlight. Patients in open air tents did significantly better than patients in
closed barracks.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During difficult times
it is important to work together. I have always stressed the team approach to
our patient’s treatment and look forward to your participation in the team effort
to control this pandemic crisis.<br />
Judith A. Okun DMD<br />
14 Rye Ridge Plaza, Suite 243, Rye Brook, NY 10573 (914) 253-0722</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-87470413930758777392020-03-20T16:43:00.000-04:002020-03-20T16:43:50.783-04:00Orthodontic emergencies during the CO""VID-
<br />
Dear Patients,<br />
<br />
Under normal circumstances, I have always made every effort
to see every “emergency patient” in a prompt manor. Unfortunately, we are not
living in normal circumstances. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
following the guidelines of the American Dental Association and The Department
of Health in keeping the office “closed” except for urgent or emergency care for
the next two weeks to minimize the spread of Corona Virus. <br />
<br />
If you are in pain please call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be seeing emergency appointments on
Tuesday March 24, Wednesday March 25, Monday March 30 and Wednesday April 1, by
appointment only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will resume a full
schedule starting the week of April 5.<br />
<br />
Please read the following guidelines for emergencies: <br />
<br />
Loose brackets: While a loose bracket is an emergency that
we would like to see within a few days during normal times, during this CoronaVirus pandemic we need to follow a different standard. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the loose bracket is not causing pain, and
is not attached to a chain elastic (that is where the colored circles are
connected to each other in an elastic chain), it can wait until after the
current ban on elective treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you have a question as to whether it is an emergency, take a picture of it with
your phone and email it to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null">drj@okunortho.com</a>.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Okun will evaluate if it needs to be
seen immediately.<br />
<br />
Loose bands: If the metal ring on your back tooth comes
loose it should be removed so that you don’t chew on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can’t remove it from the end of the
arch-wire it is an emergency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is
attached to a palatal expander it is an emergency. If removing it prevents you
from wearing a head-gear we need to evaluate on a case by case basis. Call the
office and leave a message.<br />
<br />
Arch-wire pokes: If the arch-wire has slid to one side and
is poking you please try to push it to the other side using a needle nose
plier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you cannot, and if wax does
not stay on the end, this is an emergency, but may need to wait a few days
until we have a cluster of emergencies to see.<br />
<br />
If a retainer or guard is broken, wear the larger piece but
save the smaller one. Take a picture of it and email it to us to see if you
need to be seen immediately. If a retainer is broken and the pieces stay
together when it is in your mouth and are held together by the wire when it is
out of your mouth, continue to wear it but call so that we can schedule a
repair appointment.<br />
<br />
I will continue to check the office answering machine (914)
253-0722 so that I can return your calls. If you are having an emergency that
can’t wait for a call back please also email me at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null">drj@okunortho.com</a>.<br />
<br />
As Mayor Tom Roach (of White Plains) tells us, “We are stronger together when
we stand apart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay at home, stay
healthy, and I’ll see you soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Dr. Okun<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-37429566841067140782019-04-02T19:07:00.000-04:002019-04-02T19:29:55.087-04:00Headaches and Sinus Rinsing<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spring Allergy season is here, and so are the associated headaches,
itchy eyes and runny noses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you know
that sinus pain can manifest as upper tooth pain?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you know that Sinus pain can increase the
severity of a TMJ headache that is caused by clenching and grinding of your
teeth?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One simple, over-the-counter method for managing sinus pain
is sinus rinsing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a volume rinse
of warm sterile saline which decreases the volume of irritants (and allergens)
in the nose and sinuses, decreases the inflammation of the mucous membranes which
line this respiratory region, and decreases the accumulation of mucus. Sinus
rinsing can be performed daily, does not interact with any medications, and
will clear the way for topical medications (like nasal steroids) to reach the
inflamed surface.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The old fashioned method of sinus rinsing is with a Neti
Pot, but this delivery method requires an abnormal tipping of the head which
can irritate neck and jaw musculature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The newer method, made by NeilMed, is a plastic bottle delivery system
with a cone shaped cover which extends to a straw that inserts in the
bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warm pre-boiled water is placed
in the bottle up to the dotted line (8 ounces) and a buffered salt packet is
added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To rinse, lean forward over the
sink, place the dome shaped cap in one nostril, and squeeze gently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water will go up one nostril, and if the
path is clear, will descend the opposite nostril.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the path is not clear, simply remove the
bottle and let the saline drip out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blow
your nose to remove the loosened mucus and rinse again until 4 ounces have been
used for each side of your nose. (Do not squeeze the bottle hard. It will cause
the salty water to go down your throat.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It takes time for water to boil and cool to the correct
temperature, so I have come up with a short cut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep a tempered glass bottle (from marinara
sauce) by my stove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time I have
boiled water for another use (like tea or coffee) I save the extra in this
jar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This way I have a store of room
temperature pre-boiled water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I am
ready to rinse my nose I put only 3 ounces of water up to boil. While it is
cooking I get my NeilMed bottle and salt packet from the cabinet, pour 5 to 6
ounces of pre-boiled water into the bottle, and add the salt packet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By then the new water has come to a boil, and
I add the hot water until I reach the 8 ounce line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shake the contents, and check the
temperature on my wrist before rinsing so that I know the saline will not be
hot enough to burn before using it to rinse my nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sinus rinse when coming in from time
outdoors during seasonal allergy seasons, and after being in an area which is
too fragranced (air fresheners and perfume) or too smoky (from smokers or
fireplaces.) I also wash my face and hands, and if possible, shower and change
into clothes that do not also smell from the allergen environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this way I am not re-breathing the same
irritants all night long. In addition to decreasing headache pain, sinus pressure
and nasal stuffiness, post nasal drip and nasal congestion. Keeping the time of
the allergen exposure short also decreases the severity of other allergy issues
like asthma.<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://shop.neilmed.com/Products/Sinus-Rinse/Sinus-Rinse-Regular-Kit">http://shop.neilmed.com/Products/Sinus-Rinse/Sinus-Rinse-Regular-Kit</a><br />
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Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-62424392663156171042018-09-23T09:19:00.001-04:002018-09-23T09:19:59.660-04:00At the high school reunion of the first 5 graduating classes of Blind Brook High School, last night we recognized the teachers who helped develop who we are and honored Bruno Ponterio, our elementary and middle school principal. While I am mourning the aging and loss of my parents’ generation and recognizing the one year anniversary of the death of my Uncle Jack Kabcenell, I am also feeling the loss of my own generation. Last night I heard of the recent death of Billy Russillo, and the not so recent death of Jeff Sollender. May they, as well as Seth Baygell, Roopi Sethi, Jennifer Johnson, Mitchell Quat and David and Melissa Heinsohn always be remembered.Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-12739298415038357702017-05-11T15:14:00.001-04:002017-05-11T15:14:40.473-04:00<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday the topic of the ninth district dental society
meeting was digital scanning and CAD/CAM technology. A digital scan in
dentistry is the substitution of a digital 3D image for a dental impression. It involves taking pictures with a mini-
camera which uses either a blue LED ( light emitting diode) or laser light to
make a three dimensional model of the teeth. This model can be used to make a
digital restoration (like a crown, inlay, or onlay) which can be digitally
printed for use in the mouth (i.e. CAD/CAM technology). This can replace, in
some situations, the use of gooey impression material in a tray to make a
negative image of the teeth. The “footprint” is either used to make a stone
model of the teeth, or is scanned to make a digital model. Scanners have come a
long way. Intraoral scanners can very
accurately reproduce the shape of one to three teeth in the arch to be able to
make a single tooth restoration (crown, inlay or onlay), or even a three unit
bridge. The problem with intraoral scans
is that they take tiny images which are “stitched together”. If a larger area is scanned there is more
distortion from the multiple sites of “stitching,” i.e. the bigger the scan,
the greater the distortion. The intra-oral
scanning technology is not advanced enough to make a full mouth model which is
as accurate as the model which can be made from a dental impression. If the
scan is made outside the mouth, i.e. an impression is taken and then scanned,
the model is very accurate and can be used to make a “printed” dental
restoration which is bigger than three teeth, such as the framework for a
partial denture. The technology is very expensive, and is outdated every three
to four years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What does this mean for the patient? If you want a crown
made by your dentist and don’t like the feeling of gooey impression material in
your mouth, you can find a dentist who has a digital scanner, and a digital
printer to make the crown out of a block of “ceramic” material. If he has enough
staff the can even prepare the tooth and restore it the same day. If you want aligner treatment and can’t
tolerate impression material in the tray, you can find a large, high volume,
orthodontic practice which has a digital scanner, and they can take a digital
scan of the full arch to send electronically to the aligner company. There is enough flexibility of the aligner material
to counteract the inaccuracies in the scan. If however, you like a small dental
office with the personal touch, you may have to forgo the digital scan. The technology is too expensive to be
supported in a small, low volume, office, and also keep fees reasonable.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
What does this mean for the dentist? If you are competent in taking impressions it
is fine to stick with taking impressions.
They are more accurate, and they can be scanned accurately by a digital
lab. There are dental labs that scan
impressions, there are dental labs that print the models, and there are dental
labs that print the restorations. Therefore your patients can still benefit
from the accuracy of digital restorations. If you are a new dentist who has not been
trained in impressions taking because your school has “gone digital”, you are
in trouble. The scanning technology is
great for single tooth restorations, but you still need impressions to make
full arch restorations (crown and bridge or denture type restorations) accurately.</div>
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Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-10004010861366289052017-04-28T15:44:00.000-04:002017-04-28T15:44:30.371-04:00Bonded (Permanent) Retainers- Pros and Cons<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="uficommentbody"><span style="background: #F6F7F9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: #F6F7F9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was asked to weigh in on a facebook discussion about
bonded retainers. The opinions ranged
from “why would you want to attach something to your teeth forever,” “They are
hard to clean because you have to floss under them (or waterpik around them), ”
“they promote tooth decay and periodontal disease because of plaque build- up
(i.e it is difficult cleaning around
them) </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">“ to “at least you can’t
lose them” and “they keep the front teeth looking straight so you haven’t thrown
your money out for the braces when everything moves.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: #F6F7F9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I loved this opinion:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #F6F7F9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“If it helps to
hear a positive old-school retainer story: my kids have managed to not only NOT
lose, but use their retainers for five years now. They can keep track of keys
and wallets too. It's not a bad skill to develop and less risky than the
permanent option.</span>”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #F6F7F9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I also enjoyed
reading this one:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: #F6F7F9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“I</span></span><span class="uficommentbody"><span style="background: #F6F7F9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> sometimes wonder when orthodontists
recommendations cross the line between good dental health and strictly cosmetics reasons. I probably could have used a permanent retainer, but the
slight crookedness of my lower teeth has never had a bad impact on my dental
health. I would want a second opinion and a very detailed explanation why a
permanent retainer was necessary.</span></span>”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody"><span style="background: #F6F7F9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here is how I responded:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: #F6F7F9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody"><span style="background: #F6F7F9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Teeth will move your whole life- from any force that is put
on them. This includes over-bulked fillings that make the contact too tight,
mouth habits (such as pencil biting, improper tongue posture, clenching your
teeth), and aging (which causes the lower jaw to rotate forward
"throwing" the lower front teeth against the upper front teeth.) Some
orthodontists choose to "guarantee" the lower front teeth stay
straight with respect to "each other" by bonding them together. This
does not stop them from moving as a unit! It can also have other undesirable
side effects (such as creating space between the upper front teeth, or pushing
the lower jaw backwards causing clicking in the temperomandibular joints) in
patients who clench their teeth. It is necessary to floss or waterpik the
bonded retainer daily to prevent gum problems, and to have it checked every
year to make sure that it is still bonded securely- otherwise you can get decay
under it.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: #F6F7F9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="uficommentbody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="background: #F6F7F9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"Invisalign" or "Essex" vaccuum formed retainers
stretch-out over time so that they become less effective, and they prevent
posterior teeth from settling fully into occlusion (i.e. they prevent your bite
from working properly) when used long term.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: rgb(246, 247, 249); color: #1d2129; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span class="apple-converted-space" style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="uficommentbody" style="background-color: transparent;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I still prefer removable hawley style retainers (with a shelf on the front
of the top one for vertical control)- worn full time when the braces come off,
and then just “at night” after the first year- at least til the patient stops
growing. (I switch to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="uficommentbody"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">an occlusal guard
if the patient is a clencher.) If the braces were worn as an adult it is likely
retainers will be needed at night forever.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="uficommentbody"><span style="background: #F6F7F9; color: #1d2129; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">#braces, #orthodonticretainers, #hawley retainers, #bonded retainers, #permanent retainers, #</span>invisalign retainers", #essix retainers</span></span></span></span></div>
Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-41863754390775174752016-11-27T17:17:00.000-05:002016-11-27T17:17:17.937-05:00I can fix that!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SX1fhMukaS7xQMagzRvzIa1Tvtn1vBcnQvXq-4-ueRdqaqXw-CsI936F277dyOjwpHhoKrtzFCDZiFsxWSp9NjHGfDTtaCULQyrDrblWEBBIa6AEOcWE8ppryzOQ4Yji814CNjej468/s1600/IMG_6642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SX1fhMukaS7xQMagzRvzIa1Tvtn1vBcnQvXq-4-ueRdqaqXw-CsI936F277dyOjwpHhoKrtzFCDZiFsxWSp9NjHGfDTtaCULQyrDrblWEBBIa6AEOcWE8ppryzOQ4Yji814CNjej468/s200/IMG_6642.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_McnMfxnWwisLBNWqure62f9cjlJ9snWgXktUlf0NZCkiQc1oFB42hBbZ06gb7CqP_szFBlP8hrpnjMZTs14dnQMiKw15KPsOGDsY-o5QA9eYUsNYsDY_5tvFX-vUZ_YlcTkRQYAaLE/s1600/IMG_6651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_McnMfxnWwisLBNWqure62f9cjlJ9snWgXktUlf0NZCkiQc1oFB42hBbZ06gb7CqP_szFBlP8hrpnjMZTs14dnQMiKw15KPsOGDsY-o5QA9eYUsNYsDY_5tvFX-vUZ_YlcTkRQYAaLE/s200/IMG_6651.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Orthodontists have many skills which are useful to straighten
teeth. These skills can also be used
outside the office.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently my bottom refrigerator shelf split from using it to
support heavy pots. It seemed ridiculous
to replace the refrigerator when the motor still worked. After staring at the broken shelf for months
I said to myself, “I can fix that.”
Using the method which my grandfather, Dr. Joseph Okun, used to repair dentures,
and which my father, Dr. Stanley Okun, adapted to repair retainers, I set out
to repair my refrigerator shelf. I
drilled holes on both sides of the crack, and sewed .012 ligature-wire across
the crack. On the top side of the shelf
I flowed Triad Gel over the “stitches” to create a smooth surface, and light
cured the gel. Then I used cold cure
acrylic on the underside of the shelf, to add strength to the repair. I restored the support leg with .045 retainer
wire and cold cure acrylic, the same way that I used to transfer copings when I
still did general dentistry. Now my refrigerator shelf is as good as new!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
How handy is your orthodontist?</div>
Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-90640683255348201622016-11-21T21:57:00.000-05:002016-11-21T21:57:18.344-05:00The Danger of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea, and Dental Treatment for Sleep Apnea<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again, undiagnosed sleep
apnea is in the news, as the cause of the September 29, 2016 Hoboken Commuter
train crash. It was also the cause of a
New York City commuter train crash in 2013 and of freight train crashes in 2011
in Iowa, and in 2013 in Missouri. According to a CBSnews.com report on 11/21/16),
“<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Metro-North started testing for
sleep apnea after the 2013 crash. Metro-North’s screening program has found
sleep apnea in 51 of its 438 engineers and trainees, spokesman Aaron Donovan
said. They are undergoing treatment, he said.</span> Now Federal regulators are
urging railroads across the country to test train operators for obstructive
sleep apnea.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="background-color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">“</span>Sleep
apnea is especially troubling for the transportation industry because sufferers
are repeatedly awakened and robbed of rest as their airway closes and their
breathing stops, leading to dangerous daytime drowsiness. Studies have long
concluded that<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/sleep-apnea-linked-to-erratic-car-driving/" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;">people with the disorder have diminished performance</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>in multiple areas during the daytime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="background-color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“You end up with an
engineer who is so fatigued they’re dosing off, they’re falling asleep in these
micro bursts and they often have no memory of it, and they’re operating a
locomotive at the time, so they’re putting hundreds of people in danger,” (Sarah)Feinberg
(of the Federal Railroad Administration) said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="background-color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Airplane pilots
with sleep apnea aren’t allowed to fly unless they’ve been successfully
treated. Regulators are also pushing for bus and truck drivers to get tested.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="background-color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Treatment
for sleep apnea may include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="background-color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sleep
hygiene measures such as: going to sleep the same time every night and getting
up at the same time every morning in order to train your body when it should be
sleeping, sleeping in a dark room, using the bedroom only for sleeping, and
avoiding blue light from televisions, tablets and smart phones before bedtime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="background-color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sleeping
with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask over the mouth and
nose. The air which blows into the mouth
and nose keeps the airway open so that it doesn’t collapse when the airway
muscles collapse during sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="background-color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sleeping
with a dental appliance which positions the lower jaw forward, so that the jaw
position holds the airway open despite the collapse of the airway muscles
during sleep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="background-color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In
extreme cases there are surgeries which either cut away soft tissue or
reposition bones to change the anatomy of the face and jaws, so that the airway
is not obstructed during sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt;">
<span style="background-color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All
of these treatment options have side effects, but the consequences of leaving
sleep apnea untreated are far more severe.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in treating their sleep apnea
with a dental appliance, schedule a consu</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ltation appointment with Dr. Judith
Okun to discuss your options and questions.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #202022; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinv3NWs73MubfGYivKXi90LhibPntoCleR11DdS7LPVqmhQ2J37KfFy6B7mgOMC-gyobUN-GqiDmj52kkqg3kNK_2dvL4NCZxUW_8-q0LCn5SpAMHWSngY0_CGXJNZk757UUK61fNk1k4/s1600/somnomedimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinv3NWs73MubfGYivKXi90LhibPntoCleR11DdS7LPVqmhQ2J37KfFy6B7mgOMC-gyobUN-GqiDmj52kkqg3kNK_2dvL4NCZxUW_8-q0LCn5SpAMHWSngY0_CGXJNZk757UUK61fNk1k4/s1600/somnomedimage.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #202022; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #202022; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpeku1wSGpXi9jvs3cy_XyaV385_YYPoGooqv1M3mYc1vTcr23Qor7ZZ9b3lhPWVjdBHZSG2er0d_MDmBxCHf2i5Awr6d4m6QdOJA2vQSmaZCtkcfCjpAeCcd4JeJNh-EA6LWXC8tcug/s1600/somnomedmodelimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpeku1wSGpXi9jvs3cy_XyaV385_YYPoGooqv1M3mYc1vTcr23Qor7ZZ9b3lhPWVjdBHZSG2er0d_MDmBxCHf2i5Awr6d4m6QdOJA2vQSmaZCtkcfCjpAeCcd4JeJNh-EA6LWXC8tcug/s1600/somnomedmodelimage.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202022; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span>Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-36787329789938673472016-11-09T13:44:00.001-05:002016-11-09T13:55:24.129-05:00Yes, "It is your fault."<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwl32MQV1ZSXjh53MYYsq20f_EhO69mA6jaVdfOk_MXISdNGI17gOJyj6mvLotnm9TsPLwZdqoQOBi2zoX-iumgapvSNnICasnhHhfifXpl4XoGbN1Vo4yLfz6RktW0oWOOlQT16TtJg/s1600/Ain%2527tMyFault2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwl32MQV1ZSXjh53MYYsq20f_EhO69mA6jaVdfOk_MXISdNGI17gOJyj6mvLotnm9TsPLwZdqoQOBi2zoX-iumgapvSNnICasnhHhfifXpl4XoGbN1Vo4yLfz6RktW0oWOOlQT16TtJg/s1600/Ain%2527tMyFault2.jpg" /></a></div>
“It ain’t my fault”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday I heard Zara Larson, a singer who was on TV
singing "it ain't my fault", a song about how it isn’t her fault if she falls for a man and can’t control
her actions. Every day we hear from
politicians that the status quo is not their fault; it was caused by their
predecessor. (Unless it was favorable, then they claim it for themselves.) We
seem to live in a society of people who don’t make an effort to take responsibility
(or make an effort to not take responsibility.)</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Orthodontic treatment requires responsibility and effort by both the doctor and
the patient. The orthodontist sets up the system, and the patient “drives”
it. I explain it to patients as if it is
a car. You can spend a lot of money on a
car, but if you don’t put gas into it, it won’t drive; You can spend a lot of
money for braces, and if you don’t put in your effort (wear elastics, eat in ways that won’t break
your braces, and keep regular </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJyw4LxUWZCMDCWgCWQL5B6OQhSDy8KLD-nTeM4z4FBEvLj9A9s8OOrUeICXwYfRHc_OD6DirnkpX1DNPFZOZQ_kVpFmKJyR4kex_W5pHltejPEeolVy6MMCdoUL1G04JQbHgmxQeQP0/s1600/Ain%2527tMyFault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJyw4LxUWZCMDCWgCWQL5B6OQhSDy8KLD-nTeM4z4FBEvLj9A9s8OOrUeICXwYfRHc_OD6DirnkpX1DNPFZOZQ_kVpFmKJyR4kex_W5pHltejPEeolVy6MMCdoUL1G04JQbHgmxQeQP0/s200/Ain%2527tMyFault.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
appointments) your treatment will not progress. It’s like saying that it is a two hour trip
from here to Philadelphia, but you never turn on the car. Two hours later you won’t be in
Philadelphia. Your case may take two
years to complete if you follow directions, but you won’t have a complete
result in two years if you don’t put in your effort. The patient has to take responsibility and
put in the effort to get that satisfactory result! Yes, “it is your fault” if
you don’t. All of us are much happier when the result is amazing, so please
take responsibility, and help make your smile spectacular.Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-39246699288091614262016-05-25T19:21:00.004-04:002016-05-25T19:28:25.908-04:00Dr. Okun supports "Officer Phil"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgU_BN_f12AHVbthV10PLoYgNQcvJHVgEiq078TrNyJueeQOqtUCTJNaOpKIXNwQnhCqH-B__p6tlWcagipXC-P36wGCuI2AIY-_wsojuOaCCPnbhaeQjcESt2vOQ9NpPArvM2TjOVy8M/s1600/Scan0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgU_BN_f12AHVbthV10PLoYgNQcvJHVgEiq078TrNyJueeQOqtUCTJNaOpKIXNwQnhCqH-B__p6tlWcagipXC-P36wGCuI2AIY-_wsojuOaCCPnbhaeQjcESt2vOQ9NpPArvM2TjOVy8M/s320/Scan0018.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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Dr. Okun is proud to be one of the sponsors of the Officer Phil safety programs through the Rye Brook Police Department and the Bruno M. Ponterio Ridge Street School. This educational program not only enables students in grades 1 through 4 to interact in a comfortable environment with their local police department, but it also provides them with an activity book to take home and share with their parents, to teach age-appropriate safety measures at home. There is a different activity book for each grade. Dr. Okun has been a supporter of this program since its inception three years ago.Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-39678932959083421682015-08-11T20:58:00.000-04:002015-08-11T21:09:22.568-04:00It's so nice to be appreciated!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, a new adult patient emailed me, saying: “Hello Dr. Okun, I
just wanted to write a quick email and thank you so much for all the time you spent
with me yesterday explaining the many different options for my treatment. Your attention to me and my situation was
nothing less than truly professional, thoughtful and caring. I left your office feeling like you really
cared about my teeth and situation and it was the best visit I ever had to a
dentist. I want you to know how much
that meant to me and how truly appreciative I am. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Kindest regards, Tim Boyd :-).” The same day, Gloria, another adult patient in my office, repeated to me what she told her general dentist's hygienist, that she had found a wonderful
orthodontist. She told her, “Dr. Okun
takes care of her patients; Dr. “X”,(the orthodontist to which her dentist
referred her) only cares about the money.” A few weeks ago I received a letter from a father who was moving out of the country with his family before orthodontic treatment could be completed on his son. He wrote, "Thank you for all of your help with "F"- I am only sorry we don't get the opportunity to send you "L", "M" and maybe even me! The pictures from March 2014 show just how far you have brought him."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I honestly do care about my patients; I'm glad that they notice. (Note: Tim gave permission to use his full name on the internet.)</span></div>
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Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-42834608360994593632015-05-04T19:44:00.000-04:002015-05-04T19:53:39.008-04:00Amazing ReviewsSamantha P posted a 5 star review on Yelp:<br />
"I started my treatment with Dr. Okun 3 months ago and was immediately impressed with how thorough she is. She takes a minimalist approach to your treatment and recommends treatment as if you were her kid. Her main interest is the longevity of your teeth. She is flexible with payment plans and scheduling appointments is very easy. So far I am really enjoying working with her as my experience with my first orthodontist was less than desirable."<br />
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Anonymous from Old Greenwich, CT, and Paula G, each rated Dr. Okun with 5 stars on Google Maps:<br />
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<span class="r-inFSG5Wq5Tog" jsl="$t t-HoBr0JCFrys;$x 0;">"Dr. Okun is very thorough always taking time to explain everything to my children and me. She's experienced and very skilled and a wonderful Orthdontist. We highly recommend her practice."</span></div>
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<a class="fl" href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/115240387590557441356/reviews?hl=en&gl=us" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Paula Gilder" class="profile-photo" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OWKdw26tD9U/AAAAAAAAAAI/AAAAAAAAAAA/--qpQuHglgc/s40-c-k/photo.jpg" style="border-radius: 50%; border: none; float: left; height: 40px; margin-right: 5px; width: 40px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="padding-right: 7px;"><span aria-label="Rated 5.0 out of 5" class="star _LZ" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-repeat: repeat-x; background-size: 14px 13px; display: inline-block; height: 13px; overflow: hidden; position: relative; top: 1px; width: 69px;"><span style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-repeat: repeat-x; background-size: 14px 13px; display: block; height: 13px; width: 70px;"><br /></span><span style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-repeat: repeat-x; background-size: 14px 13px; display: block; height: 13px; width: 70px;"><br /></span><span style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-repeat: repeat-x; background-size: 14px 13px; display: block; height: 13px; width: 70px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="r-ii2n4wjXksMw" jsl="$t t-HoBr0JCFrys;$x 0;">"Dr. Okun always takes the time to explain everything to both my children and myself. I can say this both as a parent and a patient. She is always friendly and honest and the results are wonderful. I recommend her for all of your orthodontic needs."</span></div>
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Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-5742280029104415482015-03-13T16:24:00.001-04:002016-11-21T22:00:08.606-05:00"Invisalign" Retainers forever; a new solution<div class="MsoNormal">
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Multiple conversations with local dentists are coming to the
same conclusion: Invisalign may make the front teeth look straight, but it
doesn’t create great occlusions. The
smile may look nice, but the bite doesn’t work.<br />
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Recently the patient pictured above came in requesting that
I order more Invisalign retainers for her. (She was not returning to the treating orthodontist
because she had moved.) She had been
wearing Invisalign retainers for many years and was happy with how her teeth
looked. She knew that she needed to wear
retainers the rest of her life to keep her teeth straight. Orthodontically the
result was less than satisfactory. The
top teeth overlapped the bottom teeth over 75% in the front (they should only
overlap 1-2mm), and unless the patient postured her lower jaw forward, the
front teeth could not meet like scissors to cut food. In addition, the gum was “creeping
down” on the back teeth so that the roots stuck out. This loss of periodontal attachment is
frequently seen in patients that grind their teeth or wear flexible retainers
(like Invisalign and Essex retainers) long term. The loss of attachment is accelerated
when there is also a little bit of inflammation in the gums (from not brushing
effectively and not flossing every day.) I suggested that we change her retention
appliance. Rigid retainers would
minimize the rate that the gum- coverage of the roots would be lost in the
future. An occlusal guard would give the patient a comfortable place to bite,
at least at night when she was wearing it. We decided to make an occlusal guard
for the top teeth (a rigid piece of plastic which fits on the top teeth, but is
adjusted to touch all of the bottom teeth when the teeth are closed) and a Hawley
retainer for the bottom teeth (an orthodontic retainer with a front wire to
keep the front teeth aligned with the hard plastic which sits on the tongue
side of the teeth).</div>
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The result was astounding.
At the visit that the occlusal guard was delivered the patient commented
on how comfortable her bite felt, and that her face felt so much more relaxed
than it did without the guard. The
muscles in her face did not have to work so hard when the teeth were closed on
the guard because the bite against the plastic was balanced from "right to left" and "front to back". This never happened
when she closed her teeth. She assured
me that she would wear the lower retainer and upper guard every night forever,
not only because she wanted to guarantee that the teeth stayed straight, but
because they made her face feel so much better.</div>
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I know that patients will continue to ask for aligner
treatment like invisalign, and I know that the results may not always be
satisfactory. But as the case above
demonstrates, there is a long term solution for these patients which will
retain tooth alignment, preserve the bones and gums that hold these teeth in
the mouth (i.e. Keep the periodontal
attachment), and allow the chewing muscles to relax 1/3 of the rest of their
life (i.e. 8 hours out of every 24.) Once again, a patient has left my office
happy with her treatment.</div>
Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-62112855895589974472014-09-12T16:33:00.000-04:002014-09-12T16:33:09.469-04:00Jelly fish, Whales and Dophins<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-HRFVH5n6b1H7rfBqAT3t1N7Jj4GPThyphenhyphenxaC5FGyGKQ2ZMG6bmqUQ-GcefTiXS98E9PbqMWjoZvbG_4j_UlLid7Xob7Q-TZ9uVWwfmZtU1usjaP82MGJZTyST_tu1xhj34b2GFf38lZ4/s1600/jellyfish1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-HRFVH5n6b1H7rfBqAT3t1N7Jj4GPThyphenhyphenxaC5FGyGKQ2ZMG6bmqUQ-GcefTiXS98E9PbqMWjoZvbG_4j_UlLid7Xob7Q-TZ9uVWwfmZtU1usjaP82MGJZTyST_tu1xhj34b2GFf38lZ4/s1600/jellyfish1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>My treatment room ceiling is covered in fish- the beany baby kind- so that patients have something to look at while laying back in the chair. The younger patients like to talk to the the whale hanging over their heads, and several patients have donated new additions to our ceiling aquarium. C.T. has been looking for a rainbow fish for over a year, but settled recently on this pink jellyfish. I was thrilled with her thoughtful gift and promised her I'd hang it over the sink where patients<br />
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wash up after treatment. It turns out that I'm not the only one excited by my new addition. In one day four patients commented on my new jelly fish. Now the kids have a new friend to keep them company.Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-34795868382774067442014-09-12T16:07:00.003-04:002014-09-12T16:07:54.967-04:00Okun Orthodontics is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business<br />
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Dr. Judith A. Okun is honored that the Better Business Bureau has recognized Okun Orthodontics as a business which deals honestly with our patients and colleagues. For over 25 years Dr. Okun has worked to deliver quality patient care, fully explain our treatment goals and expectations, and honor all of our agreements. Congratulations Dr. Okun!Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-2256263908643195442014-09-08T14:39:00.000-04:002014-09-08T14:39:01.535-04:00It's intriguing to see how patients entertain themselves in our reception area. Sometimes they pull out the tablet or phone that Mom keeps in her purse, sometimes their devices travel in their own pockets, Candy Crush at the ready. Often it's our game cube or magazines. I always smile when I see that they are still intrigued by old fashioned real-life blocks. Zach was so pleased with his creation that he couldn't wait for his mom to see it, so we preserved it for posterity in this photo.<br />
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<br />Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-20865901106969609732014-07-30T12:45:00.002-04:002014-07-30T12:46:20.898-04:00Giving Back<div class="MsoNormal">
We at Okun Orthodontics believe in giving back to our local
community. That is why we are one of the
proud sponsers of Rye Brook’s 2014 Officer Phil Child Safety Program. This program will teach students in
Kindergarten through Fourth grade safety information such as how to deal with
bullies, and what to do if you see someone trying to pull your friend into a
car. The Officer Phil program is part of
an ongoing educational process which is modified for each grade level’s
capabilities.</div>
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Last year Okun Orthodontics also participated in Rye Brook’s
Crime in America Community Resource Program which was dedicated to adults. The educational materials produced covered
topics such as domestic abuse, sexual assault, carjacking, shoplifting, home
security, teen abuse of prescription drugs, telemarketing scams, consumer and
jury duty scams, child identity theft, protecting your credit cards, fire
prevention, and senior safety.</div>
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Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-19039236335540223632014-06-24T21:48:00.002-04:002014-06-24T21:48:42.763-04:00Dental Care = Healthcare<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s a summary of the most recent continuing education
course I have taken. Dr. Tim Donley
(DDS, MSD) spoke about periodontal disease and what we dental professional
should be telling our patients:</div>
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“Inflammation ls at the root cause of many of the chronic diseases
that occur with age. The mouth is a
source of these exact same mediators of inflammation when chronic periodontal
disease is present.” When there is
inflammation of the gums (i.e. gums that are red and puffy or gums that bleed), there is ulceration of the epithelium (skin) allowing
bacteria, bacterial byproducts, and mediators of inflammation to enter the
blood stream, and travel throughout the body, influencing the progression of
systemic diseases including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and
pregnancies which result in premature
low birth weight babies. All diseases in the mouth are caused by bacteria, but
the body’s response to the bacteria does vary.
The patient’s most at risk for chronic inflammatory periodontal disease
are tobacco users, diabetics, and patients who suffer from obesity. "Brushing
and flossing" is good prevention, but won’t solve the problem if there is subgingival
inflammation already present, therefore you need to partner with your dental
care professional (dentist and hygienist) for minimal oral inflammation over
your lifespan. Good dental care is necessary for good healthcare.</div>
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When was the last time a dentist or hygienist checked you
for gum disease?</div>
Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5527203821293271239.post-83144455777256462562014-05-08T11:32:00.002-04:002014-05-08T11:32:34.332-04:00<div class="clearfix mbs pbs _1_m" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px; zoom: 1;">
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<a class="uiLinkSubtle" href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10201651398950276&id=51013380282" style="color: #898f9c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">February 24</a><a aria-label="Public" class="uiStreamPrivacy inlineBlock fbStreamPrivacy fbPrivacyAudienceIndicator _1_o" data-hover="tooltip" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Okun-Orthodontics-Dr-Judith-A-Okun/51013380282#" role="button" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; margin-left: 6px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; top: 1px; zoom: 1;"><i class="lock img sp_yDPiW61Tb3e sx_721aa4" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yq/r/Ll-nOZGTCiy.png); background-position: -139px -25px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; bottom: -1px; display: inline-block; height: 12px; margin-bottom: -5px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; width: 12px;"></i></a></div>
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<span class="userContent">"A beautiful smile can change your self image." I've said it again and again....</span></div>
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NBC is still running their "love your selfie" series. In February , each anchor- person described what they did and did not like about their image now and in the past. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When describing what they didn't like about themselves, 2 out of 9 "hosts" said that they didn't like their big front teeth that "stuck out". Braces solved this problem for them both. Yes its true, braces can change your self-image!</div>
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Dr. Judith A. Okunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01596850200642554207noreply@blogger.com1