Orthodontist Dr. Judith A. Okun - Westchester and Rye Brook, NY

Winter Doldrums or Holiday Cheer?

2011-12-19T19:07:00.004-05:00

December brings early sunsets and holiday decorations. We could get depressed by the dark and dreary view outside our windows during the after- school hours… With the early winter sunsets we are no longer getting the strong afternoon sun streaming in our office windows. Or we could be happy with the holiday decor in the shopping plaza around us. Either way shopping seems to lift the spirits. We’ve done our holiday shopping by adding new braces colors. To match the seasonal boughs of holly we have true red and bright red along with true green, jade, pastel green, neon green and teal. For our Chanukah spirit we have blue (glow, pastel, true or metallic) and white. Our latest color additions are the glow blue, bright red, and jade which we received today, and the neon orange, neon green, and neon pink which we added this Fall. We hope our new braces color choices help brighten your holiday spirit.

Zygge Handyman

2011-12-04T13:54:00.008-05:00

Somehow having a game cube for entertainment in the office waiting room invites footprints on the wall. Recently I was discussing with the father of several of my patients how upsetting it was that I could not scrub the footprints off the wall. He responded with “I can fix that.” As he described the solution his child immediately dragged him to another of my needed repairs: the arm on my dental chair (which requires frequent repair because patients push it out of the way without pushing the release button). The child said with pride, “My father can fix this too.”

So this weekend Zygge the handyman came to paint my reception area as well as the wall behind my new x-ray machine. He attached plexi-glass to the walls surrounding the game-cube, repaired the arm of the dental chair, and he even repaired the window screens. I was impressed that the office did not smell from fresh paint just hours after painting, and that there was absolutely no construction mess after the job. Zygge paid attention to every detail!

Zygge Handyman also does roof repairs, tiles, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, flooring, painting, door locks, and replacing windows, doors and faucets. He does all the work himself; he does not hire day laborers. Zygge can be reached at (914) 438-7533. He and I agree on his motto: “The best advertisement is word of mouth and doing a good job.”

Smiling in Italy

2011-10-24T19:29:00.005-04:00

It always feels good when someone appreciates something you've done, but it is even more rewarding when you can change someone's whole self image.

Today I was speaking to the father of one of my teen patients. He said "Oh my god Dr. Okun, I have to tell you. I have to tell you that my daughter's smile is so gorgeous. We went to Italy this summer, I'm an Italian American, but anyway, she knocked them dead over there. The men and the boys. You did it. It was entirely you."

When you feel good about your smile, you smile more often. And when you're smiling, people smile back at you. Being surrounded by those return- smiles makes you feel more confident, and then you change your posture, and how you present yourself. This is how I was able to change this young lady's life. With braces and dentofacial orthopedics, I changed the balance of her face, and how her teeth supported her lips, which changed her smile and her entire self image. This new self-confidence also changed her whole experience in Italy!

The "Magic Wand"

2011-09-20T21:22:00.005-04:00

Today I was browsing the internet for images to use in a power point presentation which would explain how the electro-accuscope-myopulse system helps to relieve TMJ pain as well as the discomfort associated with orthodontic tooth movement. I was pleased to find not only images, but also the web site of another orthodontic practice who uses this form of micro-current therapy to help their patients the same way that we do. Thank you to Drs. Sellke and Reily in Illinois for their excellent explanation:

The "Magic Wand," technically called the Electro-Acuscope and Myopulse machine, was originally developed in a hospital environment for patients suffering from burns and serious injuries. Today this technology is used to treat athletic injuries and victims of accidents. Professional sports teams like the Chicago Bears and Bulls use this technology routinely so that players can get "back in the game" more quickly.
The "Magic Wand" accelerates healing and repair of injured tissues of the body while relieving pain and discomfort. It works by using a computer to first evaluate a tissue's ability to conduct electricity (injured or painful tissues conduct more poorly than healthy, comfortable tissues). The "Magic Wand" then electronically stimulates the tissues to a more normal conduction rate. The "Magic Wand" results in incredibly rapid tissue repair, which means less pain.
We have found that the "Magic Wand" can be used in our office in two ways:
TMD Patients (Electro- Acuscope)
Orthodontics Patients (Myopulse)
Patients suffering from jaw and neck muscle pain related to Temporomandibular Disorders get remarkable relief and improved jaw function after only a few treatments with the Electro-Acuscope/Myopulse.
Orthodontic patients can use the "Magic Wand" to relieve the occasional soreness that may follow adjustments. The "Magic Wand" is available to all our orthodontic patients after every appointment. We encourage you to ask for it any time you want!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T20:58:00.003-04:00

For Mother's Day I slept late, had brunch with extended family, helped my son pick his courses for spring semester, went for a long walk with my husband, and shopped on the internet for baby presents for my new niece and nephew. Yes, my sister-in-law is a new mom and had twins! What did you do for Mother's Day?
In the past few weeks I've done consultations for several mothers who told me that they brought their children to the orthodontist for braces, and now that their children are grown it is their turn to get those straight teeth they've always wanted. I don't think it is a coincidence that these consultations were within weeks of Mother's Day. There is no need for you to wait for Mother's Day to be on your way to a beautiful smile.

How Can You Have Fun If You’re Embarrassed To Smile?

2011-04-15T13:08:00.003-04:00

Last night Okun Orthodontics was a sponsor for the WFAS “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” event at the Riverview in Hastings-on-Hudson. Our presentation was based on the fact that its hard to have fun if you’re embarrassed to smile (because your teeth don’t look nice) or if you’re in too much pain to smile (from jaw-joint or face pain either due to an accident or from clenching/grinding your teeth.) One of the ladies said to Dr. Okun, “It’s so true” and started relating to me the story of how she used to have horrible self esteem because she was embarrassed to smile. After a lot of dental work- which she had in her twenties- she loved her smile, and smiled all the time, and developed a great self-image. Recently, however, she has not been able to afford to go to the dentist to maintain her dental work and she said that she is now emotionally back to where she was before her dental work was done. Dr. Judith Okun is the one to see if you need to “get your smile back”. She can create the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted with straight teeth and no TMJ pain.

A beautiful smile can change your self image.

2011-03-28T20:26:00.003-04:00

A beautiful smile can change your self image. It’s never too late to wear braces. Although orthodontic need can be evaluated in children as young as age 7 (to guide growth and create the proper balance for teeth to erupt), adults often wear braces to help them achieve that winning smile they never had, or to help them look young again. Dr. Judith A. Okun is a board certified orthodontist committed to providing her patients with comprehensive orthodontic care and TMJ treatment. When she eliminates jaw-joint and face pain in patients who grind their teeth or have sustained a trauma to the jaw, she helps “TMJ patients” to smile too. Dr. Okun incorporates the latest technology, including the Electro-Acuscope/Myopulse System for pain management; metal, clear, lingual and removable braces, aligner treatment (Clear Correct/ Invisalign), temporary anchorage devices, dental- guards for TMJ, and custom athletic mouth-guards. Our technological advancements include digital x-rays, photos and study models, as well as 24/7 patient access web services. You too can have a beautiful smile.

Keeping Smiles Brighter

2011-03-21T10:56:00.003-04:00

Last week was the annual “Keeping Smiles Brighter” Poster Contest for Children’s Dental Health Month at the Ninth District Dental Association. As part of the Poster Contest Committee I have been one of the judges for many years.

While judging the posters we saw the usual themes: “brush your teeth to make them shiny and bright”, “brush away the germs so they don’t attack your teeth”, and “eat healthy foods to keep your mouth healthy.” There were a few drawings of trips to the dentist, kids with braces, and athletes wearing protective mouth guards. We also saw a few with super hero themes: the floss or toothbrush was the hero who saved the day. In addition to many entries in magic marker, crayons, colored pencils, and collage, we saw many more computer generated entries, particularly from technical high schools. The poster that made the biggest impression on me this year was one that looked like it had been part of a science presentation. It had accurate labeled drawings of the teeth in the mouth as well as a drawing of the anatomy of a tooth in cross-section. To the side of the detailed drawings was a paragraph including the statement “You should take care of your teeth because they are a gift from God.” Now that is a great message to think about.

(Just a note: The image above was not one of the posters.)

Filming for Top Doc 2/27/11

2011-02-27T22:27:00.011-05:00

Top Doc sent a photographer and sound person to my office today to film our video clip to be shown on the Dr. Oz show, and on Top Doc's web site. I got to be the writer, director, set and costume coordinator, and main character. It was a little too much for one person. We'll see how I did when it airs; I don't get to do the editing. Thank you to all the people who helped today: Mark, Fran, Andrea, Shmuel, Natalie, Rachel, John, Paola, William, Peter, Marilyn as well as the parents who participated- Amy, Rich, Paula, John Sr., Marlene, Colleen, and Susan.

Dr. Okun Honored by TopDoc New York

2011-02-03T14:00:00.006-05:00

Dr. Judith Okun has been honored by Topdoc New York who will be filming a video about her practice this month. As of 2011 TopDoc USA has started their NY campaign. It is honoring "Doctors and Dentists who have been chosen because of their professional qualification, recommendation by peers or because of popular ranking by patients on review websites such as : Web MD, Yelp, Rate MD, Health Grades, Physician Reports, Dr. Oogle and other leading independent healthcare rating companies... Starting in 2011, Top Doc will run a sement on Fox titled 'Meet the 2011 Top Doctors and Dentists.'" The Segment will air weekly inside the Dr. Oz show and will feature award-winning Doctors and Dentists considered to be in the top 10% of the region's medical professionals.' -info on Top Doc quoted from hubpages.com
Top Doc will also host a website for Dr. Okun which will include the following information:
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to get acquainted with me and learn about my practice. My name is Dr. Judith Okun, and I have been providing comprehensive orthodontic and TMJ care in Rye Brook, NY for over 20 years. I take pride in the fact that my patients regularly refer friends and family, and that I often treat multiple generations in the same family.
I look forward to your first visit to my office, when we can become acquainted with each other and you can experience our warm and caring atmosphere. At this visit I will do a preliminary evaluation of your facial development and alignment of your teeth in order to determine whether you might benefit from orthodontic or TMJ treatment, or from a custom athletic mouth guard, and determine the ideal time to start treatment. Full diagnostic records will be taken at your second visit.
We are proud of the technology we use in our practice such as:
Digital radiography, charting and scheduling. Orthocad Digital study models.
Biomedical Technology’s Electro-Accuscope/Myopulse system for pain management. Drufomat scan pressure formed athletic mouth guards and clear retainers.TAD’s (temporary orthodontic anchorage devices). We have an interactive website (www.okunortho.com) where patients can sign in and view their own digital images, appointment schedule, and financial information. Our patients can also sign up for e-mail and text appointment-reminders.

Emmitt Smith promotes sportsguards

2011-01-06T13:19:00.004-05:00

" Mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of sports protective equipment available. Over-the-counter versions may cost as little as five dollars, although custom-fit mouth guards offer greater protection. Not only do mouth guards save teeth, they may protect jaws." This statement was all over the media in 2010 as part of a campaign by Emmitt Smith, the American Association of Orthodontists and the National Alliance of Youth Sports to raise awareness and increase the use of facial protection in youth sports. Now some states are mandating the use of sportsguards for all school teams.

Dr. Judith Okun is the only dentist in all of Westchester with the equipment on-site to fabricate custom mouth guards. She also can supply you with the less expensive over-the-counter version. Don't wait until your child has a dental or mouth injury from a ball or on-field collision; prevent the damage by providing your child with a mouth guard today!

I love to smile

2010-12-30T13:48:00.009-05:00

I love to smile!!! Today I heard once again "the most common phrase" that I hear from my "retention patients (when they have completed orthodontic treatment) "they look so good I love to smile now." Samara even said that I could show her smile pictures to you on my blog.

(The before picture is on the right side. The after picture is on the left side.)

Mouthguards for Sports Decrease Dental Injuries

2010-12-21T20:09:00.006-05:00

"Dental injuries are the most common type of orofacial injury sustained during participation in sports." They include chipped and fractured teeth, loosened teeth, and teeth that are knocked out totally from the mouth. Most of the time the injured teeth are the top front teeth. This is why many states are requiring all students participating in school related sports to wear mouth guards on their upper teeth. A mouthguard reduces the injuries to teeth and supporting structures, as well as decreases the incidences of lip lacerations. At Okun Orthodontics we now fabricate pressure- formed mouthguards, which are the gold standard of mouthguards today.

There are three types of mouthguards. Type 1: Stock mouthguards: These are inexpensive and fit well over braces. Unfortunately they offer only a low level of protection since they often fall out at impact, or are removed by the athlete because they interfere with speech. Type 2: "Boil and Bite": These are also inexpensive, and bulky. The "customizing procedure" of heating and biting into the guard tends to leave thin spots that are not very protective. Type 3: Customized: these require a trip to the dentist. Most customized guards are still the older vaccum-formed type that distort over time, and have manufacturing limitations to the thickness of the material. The newest technique pressure forms 2 layers of material with precise adaptation for maximum protection. These guards have excellent retention and interfere much less with speech. If you wear braces and participate in a high impact sport, consider making a customized sportsguard for each season (every 3 months) to not interfere with tooth movement. If you are still losing baby teeth you will also need to replace your guard frequently.

At Okun Orthodontics, we have recently purchased a Drufomat positive-pressure thermoforming machine to fabricate custom mouthguards in our office. We are the first dental office in Westchester to have its own machine! Currently we have blue, black, neon green, and red/white/blue material in stock, and can order new colors as requested. Sign up your whole team to make mouthguards at the same time and we'll give you a volume discount!

Even Rabbits Need Braces

2010-11-01T19:59:00.006-04:00

Yesterday my patients were out dressed like cartoon characters and animals (for Halloween). Just last week my patient's stuffed rabbit was in my office dressed like a patient. This tender touch was just what was needed to alleviate her fear of getting braces.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T21:40:00.009-04:00

Halloween is nearing the end, and all our children will be enjoying their candy tonight. Here are some hints to preserve their teeth:

- Sticky candy will break braces and aggravate TMJ problems. If you are wearing braces or have TMJ/facial pain DO NOT EAT chewing gum, gummy bears, taffy, jelly beans, and other sticky candies. If the candy is hard to bite through, break it into very small pieces before eating it.

- Avoid eating candy that sits on your teeth a long time. A Kit Kat Bar or a Hershey's Kiss will do less damage than a lolly pop or sucking candy.

- Rinsing your mouth with water after eating candy will decrease the risk of white spots and cavities.

- Rinsing with fluoride rinse before bed daily (especially important if candy was eaten that day) will help reverse the damage that candy does to your teeth.

I hate paying for parking

2010-07-28T00:21:00.007-04:00

Today I drove past a church in White Plains which was adjacent to a municipal parking lot. The sign on the entrance to the parking lot said that fees were applicable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In other words, if you come to church on Sunday morning you need to pay to park your car.
Last week I went to Rye to make a bank deposit. The muni-meter's minimum time allotment was one hour. I needed to pay for one hour of parking to run in and out of the bank in less than 10 minutes.
Have you ever noticed how many municipalities now charge for parking? You need to pay for parking to go to the library or the doctor's office in White Plains, and to go window shopping in Mamaroneck or Rye. Some stores like Walmart or Whole Foods in White Plains offer you free parking if you make a minimum purchase. In other words it's not really free.
In Rye Ridge Plaza (in Rye Brook, NY) the parking really is free to the customers. You can go to the doctors' office, make a bank deposit, eat at a restaurant, or go shopping- and really not pay for parking- even if you purchase nothing.
This is one reason why I chose to locate my office in Rye Ridge Plaza. At Okun Orthodontics you will always find a free parking spot in close proximity to the office, and also be walking distance from the bank, supermarket, hardware store, numerous clothing stores, pharmacy, jewelry store, and several restaurants. Okun Orthodontics is also easily accessible to Route 287 (Cross Westchester Expressway exit 10) and the Hutchinson River Parkway (Ridge Street, exit 29 in NY). Come visit me in Rye Ridge Plaza to see for yourself.

Blind Brook's "30-Something" Reunion

2009-10-29T20:12:00.006-04:00

Blind Brook High School is a small public school in Rye Brook, New York. Dr. Judith Okun is a graduate of its third class. She has done orthodontic and TMJ treatment for current students of this local school as well as for children of it's earlier graduates. Last weekend Blind Brook had its "30 something" reunion for the first few graduating classes. Many of us came from as near as Greenwich and as far as Hawaii to participate in this event, despite the torrential rains and flooding. There were many shared smiles and stories as we caught up on the last thirty years: Laura does sculptures and toy design and lives in California; Ricky teaches teachers all over the world; Amy is studying the environmental effects of building a railroad in Hawaii; Jenni is the medical director of a hospice in Pennsylvania; Mike is a lawyer for a construction company in NYC; Jim is a lawyer in White Plains; Joanne is the office manager for a pediatrician in Greenwich, Ct; Bev helps people find jobs in Long Island. Most of our class had been together from nursery school through high school, had a long history together, and had a longer history "to catch up on". We heard of job and family "successes" and learned of personal tragedies. Two more of our class mates have passed away: Seth Baygell and Roopi Sethi. My heart goes out to their families.

Thank you to Beverly Wachtel for the photos.

Back to School Braces in Westchester

2009-09-10T12:54:00.000-04:00

The fall season is just about to begin here in Rye Brook. School has begun, and now is the perfect time to start your orthodontic treatment! Many other students are wearing braces too; Treatment at a young age can be less complicated and you will often see better results than as an adult!

If you already have braces, it is important to remember the types of foods you can and cannot eat. Avoid the high sugar candies, snacks and beverages at the school cafeteria; these foods can damage your teeth and orthodontic appliances. Fruits and vegetables that you have to bite into should be cut up first, and any types of sticky food, such as chewing gum, should be avoided. You can find more information about what not to eat on our website, and if you have any questions you can always give us a call.

We here at Okun Orthodontics do our best to serve you, the Westchester County community, with quality orthodontic work. We work with all ages, and Dr. Okun has created amazing smiles for entire families! Give us a call at 914-253-0722, now is the perfect time to get started on the path to an amazing smile!

Pain and Tooth Fractures are Linked to Grind of Recession

2009-08-28T12:26:00.000-04:00

Although there is no official data, dentists are noticing an increase in the number of patients seeking repair for chipped and fractured teeth. All the evidence points to tooth grinding (a.k.a. bruxism), brought on as a result of stress. And the stress levels have increased with the recent economic Recession.

The body reacts to stress, real or perceived, with what is known as the "fight or flight" reaction. Since most of us do not burn off this stress- reduction- energy with extreme physical activity, we burn it off by clenching or grinding our teeth at night.

Clenching teeth can cause cold sensitivity and sometimes nerve trauma in the teeth (requiring root canal treatment to fix.) Grinding teeth can cause wear or chipping of the biting surfaces of the teeth; cracking or fracturing of the cusps (or bumps on the biting surface of the teeth); destruction of the bone that holds teeth in the mouth; shortening of the roots of the teeth; pain and spasm of the chewing, face, and neck muscles; pain or ringing of the ears, and jaw joint pain. The damage to the jaw joint and its muscles is often referred to as "TMJ".

What can we do for tooth grinding? We can’t stay up all night to make sure we aren’t rubbing our teeth together while we sleep. We can, however, cover the biting surface of our teeth with a hard plastic guard or splint at night. This way the wear- and- tear happens to the guard instead of to our teeth and their supporting structures. The guard splints the teeth together so that clenching forces are shared and do less damage to the nerves of the teeth. The guard also decreases the muscle forces needed to slide our teeth side to side, therefor decreasing the spasm of the chewing and face muscles, and decreasing the stress on the jaw joint. Many patients try over- the- counter night guards, but although they are cheap, they are not effective. At Okun Orthodontics we make custom night guards. The cost of a custom night guard is significantly less than the cost to repair the damage done by those patients who grind their teeth without protection.

It pays to prevent the pain and avoid the tooth fractures that are caused by the "grind of Recession." As the expression goes "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

--Dr. Judith Okun

Another Heartwarming Patient Letter

2009-08-20T13:14:00.000-04:00

July 23, 2009

Everyone in Dr. Okun’s office is loving and caring. Dr. Okun has always explained to me what the problems were with my teeth, and what she needs to do to fix them. She even explains step-by-step what she is doing, so that I don’t need to be nervous. My mother says that even after 9 years of college and a Masters in nursing, she is still amazed by the amount of knowledge you need to understand what is happening with the braces, and that Dr. Okun has explained everything so clearly. I never have any pain, and I never cry when I am here. When I walk out of the office I always smile; a lot! Lots of people love my braces and the colors. When I smile people are happy. It makes me feel good when they smile back at me.

My Grandmother and Aunt tell me a lot about my teeth; they say that my teeth have improved ever since I came to Dr. Okun. I tell lots of people at my church, White Plains Deliverance Center, about Dr. Okun, and I give them her business card. So many people love my smile.

My mother and I gave Dr. Okun’s card to the principal at Yonker’s Christian Academy. She was told that her ten year old daughter was too young to get orthodontic services, but we told her that she should see Dr. Okun to get another opinion.

Thank you Dr. Okun.
Courtney Scott

"Thank you to the best orthodontist." A Patient Letter to Dr. Judith Okun

2009-08-11T16:04:00.000-04:00

Take a look at this wonderful letter we recently received from one of our patients:

So far, since I have been at the office I have had the best experience with everyone around me. Everyone feels like family in your office. When I come in, it is so warm and calm that I never feel nervous. Every time that I go in to the chair I never feel any pain because everyone is so nice. My mother feels the same way. She says that this is the only orthodontist she feels comfortable seeing, even though we had seen three orthodontists before, and my sister had already started treatment with one of them.

I work two days a week for my pediatrician Dr. Sukra. Her daughter is very nervous and scared about coming to the dentist, even if it is just for a cleaning. Every time I see Dr. Sukura’s daughter I tell her more and more about my experience at Dr. Okun’s office. Now I think she is considering coming to see Dr. Okun for braces.

Ever since I have been seeing Dr. Okun, people in my church, White Plains Deliverance Center, have commented that my teeth have never looked so straight, clean and pretty. Now that I have been at Dr. Okun’s office I always want to smile. Before, I never wanted to.

Every time I come to Dr. Okun’s office I am never nervous because I know I am in good hands.

Thank you Dr. Okun.
Kaitlin Scott

Thank you Kaitlin!

The Tip Of The Iceberg, By Dr. Judith Okun

2009-08-05T19:02:00.000-04:00

"The tip of the iceberg" is a great expression. The small amount of ice that you can see above the water often does not indicate how much ice is hidden beneath the water. I’ve heard this expression used to represent many things. The ENT (Ears, nose and throat) doctor often describes tonsils this way: the amount of tonsil she can see in her patients throat is small compared to the amount present when she goes to remove it. I like to think of the "tip of the iceberg" as the crowns of your teeth- the part that you can see in your mouth. Under the gums, buried in bone. is a much larger part of each tooth, called the roots.

The rate of tooth movement, or "how fast teeth can move", is directly related to the size of the roots. Teeth with smaller roots move faster than teeth with larger roots, or teeth with multiple roots. This is because the bone that surrounds the teeth must remodel, or "move out of the way" so that the roots can move. The bigger the root, the more bone it must displace. Since it takes time for the bone to remodel, it takes time for the teeth to move. Understanding this is key to understanding how braces work!

So the next time you are wondering why the braces take so long to make your teeth straight, just remember that the teeth you see in your smile are just the tip of the iceberg!

--Dr. Judith Okun

How Does a Belly Flop Cause Root Resorption? Dr. Okun Explains

2009-07-30T17:58:00.001-04:00

It doesn’t. But a belly flop is a great analogy for one of the reasons that roots resorb.

When you drag your hands through the water in the swimming pool you can feel the water resist the movement. The faster you move your hands the more you feel the water holding you back. But you can also feel the water moving out of the way to let your hands move.

Now imagine slapping the top of the water, or doing a belly flop. As your hand, or your stomach, hits the water, the water does not move nicely out of the way. The surface water splashes, but what you notice more keenly is the stinging pain you feel on your hand or stomach. It hurts! You’ve hit the water so hard that the water acts like a solid concrete wall, and it feels like the water hit you back.

At Okun Orthodontics, we use braces to move teeth. As they push gently on the teeth, the teeth push gently on the bone that surrounds them. The bone in turn remodels, or moves out of the way, allowing the teeth to move. Sometimes, however, the bone doesn’t "move out of the way" fast enough. The root of the tooth ends up taking the brunt of the force instead. The root "gets hurt" and displays its "pain" by getting shorter. The loss of root length is called "root resorption". Unfortunately, the root never grows back.

Since long roots increase the longevity of a tooth, it is best to preserve the roots of your teeth by moving them slowly, and continuously, with your braces. To keep those forces continuous it is necessary to have your braces adjusted on a regular basis. (This is why you should schedule your orthodontic appointments at Okun Orthodontics approximately every three to six weeks.)

Now you know how the pain from a belly flop can represent the remodeling of the roots of your teeth. If you have any specific questions about root resorption, give Okun Orthodontics a call at 914-253-0722.

--Dr. Judith Okun

Sorting Seeds, from Dr. Judith Okun

2009-07-23T12:51:00.000-04:00

I watched Curious George on PBS Kids this morning while washing the dishes. (I don’t get many channels with my roof top antenna.) George, the monkey who always gets into trouble while investigating his world, has mixed all the packages of vegetable seeds together in one jar, and now has to figure out a way to re-label them. He sorts them by size and color, and then compares them to the seeds in cut vegetables. When the Man with the Yellow Hat comes home each pile of vegetable seeds has a name, and each kind of vegetable can be planted in the special way that can help it grow.

Sorting by characteristics is something we all do to make sense of the world. Orthodontists like me compile characteristics in order to make a diagnosis. We sort our patients by characteristics such as facial type, whether the upper jaw and teeth are in the correct forward-to-back relationship to the lower jaw and teeth, and whether the teeth are crowded or have spaces between them. For example, if we have a patient at Okun Orthodontics who has a square jaw/short face, upper teeth and jaw too far forward for the lower jaw and teeth, and crowded teeth, we would give this patient’s bite the name "Class II division 2 crowded malocclusion." Since orthodontists treat many bites of this kind, we know how to use braces to make this patient’s teeth bite properly and look their best.

If you want to know how I would name your bite, please call to schedule a consultation appointment at Okun Orthodontics. At your first visit I will look at your face and teeth and list their characteristics. Then I will tell you what your bite is called and what the problems are that need to be fixed. I’ll tell you how I would recommend fixing them, how long I think it will take, and approximately what it costs to fix these problems. I’ll even work out a payment plan with you so that you can start fixing your bite problems, and have your best smile, as soon as possible.

--Dr. Judith Okun

Dr. Judith Okun Explains TMJ

2009-07-09T12:41:00.000-04:00

So what exactly is TMJ?

"TMJ" is used to refer to problems associated with the jaw joint.
TMJ disorders are more common than you may realize in the United States. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that between 5 and 15 percent of people experience pain associated with TMJ. The initials TMJ actually stand for the TemporoMandibular Joint, which is where your lower jawbone and your skull connect. You have one joint on each side of your face, and you can experience pain in one without it being present in the other.

What are the symptoms of TMJ?

Signs to watch out for are pain and discomfort in your jaw. Sometimes the pain spreads and you can feel it around your ears and throughout your face. You will probably experience difficulty chewing and swallowing. Oftentimes the joint will lock causing difficulties opening or closing your mouth. The joint can also make a clicking noise when you move your mouth. Left untreated, TMJ can also cause headaches, difficulties making facial expressions, and even make it painful to apply cosmetics to your face.

What causes TMJ?

The TMJ is one of the most complicated joints in your body because it moves up and down as well as side to side. TMJ problems usually involve a genetic predisposition which can be exacerbated by jaw clenching, teeth grinding, arthritis, or some kind of trauma to the joint.

How do you treat TMJ?

At Okun Orthodontics, we start out by analyzing your symptoms and history to fully understand your condition and the potential causes. We will examine the joint and your range of motion to properly diagnose your condition. If you have TMJ, you are in good hands as we are equipped with the latest in technology at Okun Orthodontics. We can not only work with you to alleviate the causes of TMJ, but we can help you to minimize the stresses to the joint by fabricating a custom dental guard for you to wear on your teeth at night. Also, we often can eliminate the pain with electric stimulation in our office. This is the same technology used in sport’s medicine that enables athletes to have less pain and heal quickly.

Hair, Smiles, and Self Image by Dr. Okun

2009-07-02T14:49:00.000-04:00

This week marked the death of two great celebrities, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. They were both known for their stage presence and smiles. Farah was also known for her beautiful hair and Michael for his beautiful music.

It is ironic then, that Farrah died from cancer, whose cure also causes hair loss. Those close to her said that losing her hair was one of the most devastating parts of the whole cancer experience.

Dr. Okun is very aware of the importance of appearance to feeling good about oneself. This is why she enjoys her job of making beautiful smiles with braces! This is also why she and many of her patients have grown and cut their hair to donate for children and women who have lost their hair from illness. In fact, Dr. Okun’s daughter has donated her hair three times!

Dr. Okun donated her hair to Pantene. The opening phrase on the web site for Pantene Pro-V Beautiful lengths states “You have the power to help a woman during the greatest fight of her life.” With six ponytails Pantene and HairUWear can make a “beautiful, high quality, real hair wig…for a woman who has been affected by hair loss from cancer treatment, at no cost to her.”

The other organizations that Dr. Okun’s patients have supported have been Zichron Menachem (based in Israel but having donation centers in Jerusalem, London and New York), Wigs for Kids (in Rocky River, Ohio), and Locks of Love (in West Palm Beach, Florida). All of these organizations make wigs for children suffering from hair loss diseases, with the costs of these wigs covered by donations. The mission of these organizations is to “help kids look themselves” (as stated on the Wigs for Kids website.)

Zichron Menachem, the Israeli Association to Support Children with Cancer and their families, describes the needs for all kinds of hair to make custom wigs. “Each wig has to be tailor made for each specific child, to enable them to regain their former appearance. The wig is designed according to the exact size and shape of the child’s head, using hair that is as similar as possible to the child’s original hair. A boy whose hair was short and curly will need a short, curly wit. A girl who had long, straight ginger hair will need a long straight, ginger wig. Therefore, we need as many different types of hair as possible.”

Dr. Okun hopes that her example will continue to motivate her patients to donate their hair, and help make the difference in the self image of a child.

Graduation 2009 and the Best Smile Award from Okun Orthodontics

2009-06-29T12:39:00.000-04:00

June is almost over and so are this spring’s graduations. Many of our patients graduated from Middle School and High School, including Dr. Okun’s children. It gives us great pleasure to see the beautiful smiles we helped to create in yearbooks and at graduation ceremonies.

We’ve always said that “a beautiful smile can change your self image.” So many times we’ve seen new patients talk with their hands in front of their mouths because they are afraid for people to see their teeth. After wearing braces, they feel so good about themselves that they walk down the street smiling. A smile is contagious. Everyone they smile at smiles back, reinforcing that good feeling.

Dr. Okun’s patients are known for sharing their smiles. In fact, this year two of the three student’s winning the “Best Smile Award” in the Westchester Hebrew High School Yearbook were patient’s of Dr. Okun! Thank you to Sarah E. and Eddie G. for sharing those beautiful smiles every day!

Tracey from Okun Orthodontics Is A Grandma!!

2009-05-27T19:46:00.001-04:00

Tracey from Dr. Okun's Office is now a grandma! Welcome to the family Jaylynn! Here's what she had to say about the new baby boy in her life.

I’m so excited I don’t even know what to say. I have like no words to express my excitement. My daughter Katt had a baby boy on Sunday. Jaylynn Miguel is so adorable and tiny.

I spent five days in the hospital with Katt before Jaylynn was born. He was five weeks early but is doing great. He was 19 inches long and five pounds 9.8 ounces and growing fast. He looks like he has nuts in his cheeks they are so pudgy and he is very alert, always turning his head toward the voice in the room.

This was an unexpected vacation from work and I have a lot to catch up on now that I’m back. Don’t worry; I’ll be quick to get those insurance forms in order!
I’m a grandma for the first time!!!! WOW! (I’m too young for that, but whatever, I’m taking it as it comes. So its ok.)

Tracey
Office Manger, Okun Orthodontics

Dr. Okun and Her Family Do Great Community Work with Bikkur Cholim of Rockland County

2009-05-22T15:05:00.000-04:00

"Bikkur Cholim" is a phrase that means "visiting the sick." All of us, sometime during our lives, will be put in the position of visiting someone we know who is sick. Some of us choose to visit lots of people who are sick, to see if we can help them with anything, or just to visit and make them feel better because they have someone to keep them company.

When Orthodox Jews arrange to visit someone who is sick on the Sabbath, they find a place that is walking distance from the sick person to stay for the duration of the Sabbath (Friday evening until Saturday night), and arrange in advance for food. This is because we don't travel, cook, or spend money on the Sabbath (unless it is a life or death situation.) Sometimes we don't have the luxury of planning in advance.

Bikkur Cholim of Rockland County is a Charitable Organization that rents three rooms on the property of Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY for Orthodox Jews to stay if they have someone to visit at this hospital. One room has beds and a bathroom for women (complete with a pack and play for babies), one room has beds and a bathroom for men, and one room has a table and chairs, refrigerator, and warming drawer. This organization also provides food. The organization has volunteers from Rockland County who purchase food (both catered foods- like chicken and cakes, and supermarket foods- like yogurt and fruit) and drop it off at the "kitchen" room on Fridays. The student volunteers from Westchester Hebrew High School in Mamaroneck come on Friday afternoon to put the food away- some in the refrigerator, and some on the hot plate. The volunteers from the Young Israel of White Plains come on Saturday night to clean up. (I, Dr. Judith Okun, am a Saturday night volunteer.) There is a cleaning service that washes the linens and towels during the week.

Every second to fourth Saturday my family goes to Valhalla to throw out any spoiled foods and take the trash to the garbage bins in the parking lot. Any food which is going to spoil within the week we take with us back to White Plains. There is a battered women's shelter behind Grace Church that takes contributions 24 hours a day, and accepts food that is not sealed in a package. We bring them cake, juice, milk, chicken soup, salads, and even "kugels" (potato or noodle pudding.) This way the leftover food can benefit even more people and not go to waste.

Sometimes when we arrive at the hospital we find the rooms empty. Sometimes the guests are still there. We have met many grateful recipients of this charity. Last Saturday night the guest was a young woman and her son. Her son was hit by a car on Friday afternoon right before the Sabbath. His leg was treated at the hospital and then he was released. It was already after sunset on Friday night, and now that the emergency was over they could not travel back home. The woman could not thank us enough that they had a clean and comfortable place to stay, and that there was good food to eat, food that was fit for honoring the Sabbath. We tried to explain that all of this was provided by Bikkur Cholim of Rockland County, and she should extend her "thank you" there, but she saw us as representatives of the whole "process" and kept thanking us. It's hard to accept the thanks, when our part in the process is so small, but its wonderful that this service is here for those that need it!

--Dr. Judith Okun, of Okun Orthodontics

Okun Orthodontics Is Greening Their Practice

2009-05-12T14:21:00.000-04:00

At Okun Orthodontics, we care about making the world a better, happier place, and we know that you do too. We want to take this opportunity to share the many approaches we take to ensure that we have a healthy and safe environment both in our practice and outside in the world.

One of the biggest things we do is to take only digital x-rays. Digital x-rays are healthier for you and better for the environment. They are healthier for you because of their low radiation. They are healthier for the environment because they do not require toxic developing and fixing chemicals. In addition, they have several advantages for you. The images are available instantly on our computer- there is no wait time for processing! Also, you and your general dentist can view your images online through the log-in feature on our web site and we can easily print out copies of your x-rays for you to take to your dentist if he/she does not have internet access or does not have an e-mail address.

We also avoid chemicals as much as possible in our sterilization and cleaning procedures. Instead of chemicals, we use heat sterilizers, so we achieve the same effect but without introducing toxins. To clean our floors and counters, we strictly use green all-purpose cleaners.

Another great thing about greening our practice is that it is great for people with allergies. We take every precaution to prevent allergies in our office. We ask that you inform us of any chemical sensitivities and allergies so that we know when we need to avoid Nickel in the brackets and arch-wires of your braces. Also, the elastic ties that we use at Okun Orthodontics are not latex or silicone; they are polyurethane.

Whenever possible, we use fragrance-free products so that we do not pollute our indoor air. (Also, none of our staff wears perfume.) We have a HEPA air filter which we consistently run it to make sure our air remains clean and pure. Instead of latex or nitrile (which are both common allergens), we use vinyl latex-free gloves.

So, next time you visit Okun Orthodontics, you can breathe deep knowing that you are not only getting the best orthodontic treatment around, but you are visiting a truly green and environmentally friendly practice.

Swine Flu Awareness in New York State

2009-05-01T14:00:00.000-04:00

I recently attended the NYS mandated Infection Control lecture. The following text was in one of the handouts from the New York State Department of Health:

"It is important to note that ordinary seasonal flu, which has symptoms similar to swine flu, is still active in New York State. Precautionary measures for both seasonal flu and swine flu include:

-Washing your hands often with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.

-Avoiding people who are ill.

-Staying home from work or school if you are sick.

-Using a tissue when you cough, sneeze or spit, and dispose of the tissue in a covered trash bin.

-Keeping hands away from your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

-Cleaning shared space more often such as phone receivers, keyboards, steering wheels and office equipment.

-Refraining from sharing personal items such as forks, spoons, toothbrushes and towels.

--Dr. Okun

Another Satisfied Patient from Okun Orthodontics

2009-04-22T21:32:00.000-04:00

From our great staff to our state-of-the-art technology, patients love coming to Okun Orthodontics. Read this letter from a very happy patient!

Dear Dr. Okun

I am writing to thank you and commend you for your care over the past two years. As you know, I have suffered with jaw pain for years which after a particularly stressful time in my life led to a very painful “locking” of my jaw. I was unable to open my mouth and getting routine x-rays at my dentist’s office was extremely painful.

After being referred to you by my dentist, I was immediately impressed by your professionalism and thoroughness. Your explanations every step of the way put my mind at ease. I was fitted for a biteplate to wear daily to ease the pressure on my jaw. I went from wearing the device all day to wearing it only at night.

While there is no “cure” for my ailment, the biteplate has helped with the management of the jaw pain. Another thing that helped was the energy medicine that you recommended. The goal of the medicine is to “decrease the pain and spasm of the muscles in the face and jaw”. While I must admit I was skeptical at first by this “alternative medicine”, after sitting at the machine I would feel my jaw relax and sometimes a headache I was suffering from would even ease. I did not realize how well the medicine made me feel until I came back for a follow up appointment months later and did not think I needed the energy medicine. I did try it again however, and I was amazed at the difference it made, my face even looked more relaxed when I left.

I would just like to thank you again for your patience, care and for helping me to manage my jaw pain.

Sincerely,
M.H.

Patient Appreciation Letter to Dr. Judith Okun

2009-04-16T21:28:00.000-04:00

Read this letter from a happy patient to Dr. Judith Okun!

Dear Dr. Okun,

I am writing to thank you for suggesting that I bring my children to you for “electric medicine” treatments following their wisdom tooth extractions. It clearly worked like a charm to alleviate a great deal of the swelling, pain and discomfort that they had to endure. Although my oldest two children had all four teeth extracted at the same time, they came directly to your office for treatment and experienced minimal swelling and discomfort for a few days.

I was still a little skeptical that the treatments actually worked until my youngest daughter had her teeth pulled recently. The first tooth was pulled in August and I was unable to bring her to your office from the surgeon’s. The swelling and pain from this one tooth was extreme and lasted more than a week. After the other three teeth were pulled this past December we took no chances and came directly to your office. She used the “electric medicine” for the prescribed time and had no swelling on one side and minimal swelling on the other. Within a few days she was completely comfortable with no signs of the surgery.

We are all now firm believers in this method that noticeably speeds the healing process. My children used it whenever you adjusted their braces over the years and I can confirm that this “medicine” really worked. They never complained about pressure from their braces and the treatments definitely healed cuts in their mouths right before our eyes.

I am no longer skeptical in the least because this last success was not one that could be explained away by the power of suggestion. We saw and felt the results. I cannot thank you enough for all your wonderful work and sage advice.

Sincerely,

J.T.

A Layperson's View of a Beautiful Smile as Relayed to Dr. Okun

2009-04-09T18:16:00.000-04:00

I’ve known Barbara* for years. She never really had an awful smile. She was a cute girl. She had her orthodontics in high school and got her retainers. I didn’t see her much after high school until yesterday. I was wearing my retainers and was smiling big. I love my smile both with and without my retainers. Barbara was covering her mouth. I thought she was covering her mouth because of my retainer.

As I was walking, I didn’t cover my mouth because I wasn’t shy about wearing my retainers. I saw her teeth when I hugged her and was really shocked. They were awful. The teeth were crooked and her mouth was dirty. You could tell that she just let them go. Right now, in this day and age, your smile is everything. It’s going to get you your job and get you noticed. You want to have a beautiful smile. A beautiful smile goes a long way.

I spoke to one of Barbara’s friends. She told me that Barbara didn’t comply with her orthodontics, and didn’t wear her retainers. I couldn’t believe it. Why would anyone spend money on a beautiful smile and not do what she needed to do to keep it. No matter what you have to do, you have to do it. Your smile is everything.

If you’re just standing at a party looking at two people, would you go to the person with the smile, or the person who was not smiling, who had their mouth closed? Of course you’d go to the person who was smiling. That’s what’s going to stand out.

My sister-in-law had this really huge gap in the front of her mouth. Now she’s wearing braces. She wears her elastics and everything. I can see her teeth moving every day. She’s going to get the surgery (frenectomy) to help the space stay closed. She’s going to be a model, and will do everything she needs to do to get that pretty smile. She has a pretty smile and she knows its worth it. And honestly, what is two years to have something for the rest of your life. It’s not a lot of time to correct something.

*name has been changed to protect the identity of the individual

If you care about your smile and want to receive the highest quality service in a state-of-the-art practice, give Dr. Okun a call. She'd love to have a consultation and let you know what you can do to keep smiling.

What Do We Need Spit For Anyway? -- Dr. Judith Okun Explains

2009-04-02T19:06:00.000-04:00

This past week, Dr. Okun attended a lecture entitled “Clinical Pearls for Treating Older Patients” by Dr. Randy Huffines. One of the biggest issues with sickly and elderly patients is that they have decreased salivary flow (i.e. spit). Saliva is necessary to start the digestion of our food, but is also necessary to buffer acids in the mouth and keep minerals in our teeth. With poor quality saliva, or too little saliva, we not only have that uncomfortable dry-mouth feeling, but we also get MANY MORE cavities.

Why does an orthodontist need to know about treating older patients? Many more adults are wearing braces than ever before. Many of them want to achieve that smile they never had when they were young. Many of them were told by their dentists that they need to align their teeth in order make it possible to restore their broken- down teeth or replace their missing teeth. Some have even come to us because their improper bites are causing them pain. Okun Orthodontics attracts many adults seeking braces because we have individual treatment rooms for all of our procedures. This enables all of our patients, no matter how young or how old, to have the privacy they deserve at each visit.

What can we do for patients at increased risk for cavities? (This includes both the elderly as well as the young who have difficulty keeping their teeth clean.) We can show you how to clean around the braces with special aids like inter-proximal tooth brushes (mini-bottle brushes for cleaning teeth) and floss- threaders. (We often recommend that you have someone help you clean your teeth if you are not able to clean them well by yourself.) We also can provide you with MI Paste- a dentist supplied topical crème with calcium phosphate and fluoride that can strengthen your teeth and decrease your cavity-risk. Of course, we also recommend that you get more frequent dental cleanings so that both the gum disease and cavities are minimized.

Give a Smile, Get a Smile From Okun Orthodontics

2009-03-26T19:49:00.001-04:00

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

2009-03-18T13:53:00.000-04:00

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

2009-03-05T19:23:00.001-05:00

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.

How Headgear Can Improve Your Smile! --Dr. Judith Okun

2009-02-27T10:49:00.000-05:00

Hollywood has given headgear a bad rap, but in certain cases, it’s the best tool for a tough job. The result is a stunning smile that can’t be attained any other way. Braces are capable appliances, and regularly achieve excellent results when it comes to straightening teeth. But our area of expertise includes your face and jaws as well as your teeth. At Okun Orthodontics, our specialty is not only the straightening of teeth, but also guiding the growth of the jaws and face.

When there is a discrepancy in the growth of the jaws – such as when the upper or lower jaw lags behind the other in development – we may prescribe headgear to help the jaws grow together properly. In order to guide the growth of a jaw, its teeth must be anchored to a fixed point outside the mouth. Headgear anchors the teeth to either the head or the back of the neck.

In some cases headgear is used to hold certain teeth in place, usually to keep them from crowding into a space from which a tooth has been extracted. Again, an extra-oral anchor point is needed, and headgear fits the bill.

If we have prescribed headgear as part of your treatment, you may feel some soreness during the first few days of wearing it. The trick is to persevere and keep wearing it until your teeth acclimate. If you take it off, you’ll have temporary relief, but the soreness will reappear when you wear it again. If you wear it consistently, your teeth will get used to it and any discomfort will recede.

While you’re acclimating, we recommend taking Tylenol (Acetaminophen) to ease any soreness, and sticking to soft foods for a few days. You can also try decreasing the force on the headgear by wearing it on a looser hole for the first week or two, and then return to the setting that was prescribed for you. If your teeth stay sore for more than a few days, or are too sore to wait a few days, let us know. We can schedule time for you to use the electric medicine (Electro-Accuscope) in our office to eliminate the soreness.

Keep in mind the following when you’re wearing headgear:
• Be careful when removing headgear to avoid injury to your face, mouth, or eyes.
• Remove your headgear when engaging in activities that could jolt it loose, such as sports.
• Avoid any situation in which your headgear could be grabbed or jostled.
• Bring your headgear each time you visit our office.
Every patient is different, and everyone with headgear will have a different prescription for how often and how long it must be worn. The key is to follow our instructions precisely. If you wear your headgear as directed, your treatment will go more smoothly, take less time, and have better results. Give us a call at Okun Orthodontics and we can evaluate if orthodontic treatment is right for you.

OkunOrtho.com Has a New Look!

2009-01-23T16:47:00.001-05:00

We're excited to announce the recent launch of our beautiful new web site! Visit us at www.okunortho.com to learn more all about our orthodontic practice in Rye Brook, New York, or to find out more about Board-certified orthodontists Dr. Judith Okun.

Need to access your account information between appointments? You can look up the time of your next appointment, or whether that check you mailed was received. You can also print out how much you spent in the calendar year for your flex plan, or view your photos or x-rays that were taken at your last visit. Simply sign on using the Patient Login button at the top of our page. While you're there, you can also take a tour of our office and even enjoy a few arcade classics in our online Game Room!

Good Breath Gone Bad!

2008-11-03T14:02:00.000-05:00

Bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date with that girl or boy you’ve had a crush on all semester! However, bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having bad breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH: Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit your dentist every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh! Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date? That’s up to you!!!

Chewing Gum - What's the story?

2008-10-27T13:52:00.000-04:00

We know the rumors going around – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing!

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

2008-10-20T13:49:00.001-04:00

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in, or what we call a “severe malocclusion” (the orthodontic word for “bad bite” which means the jaws don’t fit together correctly).

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one treatment may involve partial braces, or may use a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch any early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit our office even sooner. Give us a call at 914-253-0722 or email us at: info@okunortho.com

Your Friend: Fluoride

2008-10-13T13:46:00.000-04:00

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Orthodontists and other dentists use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing dental/orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Why Is It So Important To Have Straight Teeth?

2008-10-06T13:38:00.000-04:00

Some people wonder why we work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to decay – and because they are easier to keep clean. Plaque can lead to cavities and can increase the risk of gum disease.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at Dr. Judith A. Okun's to set up a consultation. Dr. Judith A. Okun can help you decide whether you could benefit from orthodontic treatment. Give us a call at 914-253-0722 or email us at: info@okunortho.com

Everybody Benefits from Braces!

2008-09-30T13:39:00.000-04:00

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; whether it is correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life! Give us a call at 914-908-5480 or email us at: info@okunortho.com

Caring for Orthodontic Patients in Rye Brook, NY

2008-06-04T13:49:00.000-04:00

As orthodontists in Rye Brook, NY, we work hard to make our patients smile. To better understand how we treat our patients, please take a look at the following excerpt from our orthodontic web site:

We provide comprehensive, individualized orthodontic care to all of our patients. Our comfortable, family environment helps provide a positive experience.

We offer the following patient care services:

Emergency Care

We recognize that emergency situations do arise and will do our best to respond promptly. If no one is available to take your call please leave a message on the answering machine. We usually respond in less than 24 hours. Emergency Care is provided on a same day basis.

We offer Hope for TMJ pain, as well as Braces

2008-05-02T13:47:00.001-04:00

Having TMJ whether it is an acute case or chronic inflammation is a painful experience, but there are some things you can do for yourself at home. When you are experiencing jaw joint or facial pain eat a softer diet. Extra chewing only makes the pain worse. Also try using hot compresses or ice paks on the sides of your face and head to relax the muscles associated with your jaw joint. In our office TMJ Therapy includes helpful home tips like these, as well as the use of custom fabricated night guards and electric stimulation treatment with the electro-accuscope and myopulse system (by Advanced Biomedical Technologies). This microcurrent modality is FDA approved for pain management, and has also been shown to decrease inflammation and muscle spasm, and increase rates of healing. At Okun Orthodontics we treat both TMJ/facial pain as well as crooked teeth and facial imbalances. Braces may include:

Interceptive treatment: Early treatment to normalize the face and dental arches so that future growth and development can continue in a healthy and normal manner. This may be done with a combination of fixed or removable appliances.

Fixed Appliances (braces): Includes orthodontic (tooth) and orthopedic (bone) movement in growing children, and just orthodontic (dental movement) in adults. The purpose of treatment is to align the teeth and jaws to improve dental health, occlusion (the way the teeth bite) and appearance. Variations may include:

Non-extraction, extraction, and minimal extraction treatment options.
Clear or metal brackets which are both available.
Non surgical correction of skeletal discrepancies is often possible.
Correction of "overbites" and "underbites" is a routine part of treatment.
Palatal expansion: Changing the width of the upper arch to increase arch circumference (alleviate crowding) or to bring the top teeth outside the bottom teeth (crossbite correction).
Orthopedic movement is used to direct growth in a favorable direction.
Correction of crossbites, teeth that stick in or out too far compared to the opposing dental arch. Sometimes these teeth are in traumatic occlusion.
Correction of traumatic occlusions - bites where some teeth are banged too hard when the patient chews.
Correction of crowded or rotated teeth, using available space or making space (by increasing arch circumference or by removing teeth).
Space closure - closing spaces in either or both arches that exist either because of development, habits, or missing teeth.
Headgear - to redirect growth of the upper jaw, or to move the molars backwards.
Lip bumpers - to maintain or increase arch length, to make enough space for incoming teeth.
Lingual arch - to maintain or increase arch length, or to change arch form.
Habit appliances - to help the patient stop harmful habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. These habits can alter the position of the teeth and change the dental arch form.