yorktown heights

Glaser Orthodontics is Proud to Present: 10 Things That Will Make You Smile in Westchester County NY

1: Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival. This event makes for a lovely summer day. You can take flight in a real hot air balloon, enjoy entertainment like foods, drinks, and music. Fun for the whole family in Westchester County.

2: Sunset Jazz Concerts! Thursday evenings from Jully 11 – August 29, 2019. Open at 4:00 and music kicking off at 6:00, there is a $5 fee for parking. Come enjoy a night that will make you smile in Lyndhurst, NY.

3: Explore the Lyndhurst historic mansion. This is where the Hudson Valley shines. A beautiful sight with astounding grounds. This 19th-century masterpiece has been set on 67 acres. You can feel free to walk on the grounds anytime and explore.

4: At Glen Island Beach there will be a sand art competition August 3, 2019 from 11 – 4 PM. Take part in a locally celebrated competition featuring some funky and art! Free with paid entrance. You are welcome to build your own sculpture.

5: The annual Putnam County Fair is coming back for the 48th run this July. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, kicking off July 26th. With free admission, this fair features musicians, crafts, animals, and more! Enjoy the weekend out with family and friends. Come together with our community for this summer celebration. 

6: Wolf Conservation Center: Take part in an engaging learning experience with real wolves! First you have to sign up for a program, they are fun and welcoming. You can even set up a birthday party or enjoy Sleeping With Wolves for a night with 20 furry wolves! Space fills up quickly, so definitely plan ahead for this one. A great cause, and a great way to spend time this summer.

7: Want more fun with wildlife? You can also visit The Greenburgh Nature Center and enjoy the Live Butterfly Exhibit. A way to appreciate the sheer beauty nature has to offer as well as learn about what makes these creatures important to our ecosystem. You can also enjoy camping out here too through another program!

8: Take up indoor skydiving! You don’t need to ascend 30,000 feet for this thrilling adventure. iFly brings Westchester a whole new experience that will be sure to make you smile. 

9: Legoland Discovery Center. A great place for kids and grown-ups alike. Share the magic of Legos this summer in this indoor playground. 

10: Croton Gorge Park consists of 97 acres and has a base at the base of Croton Dam. Here you will be able to take in some worthy sightseeing, and adventure!

10 things that will make you smile in Westchester County NY. Brought to you by Glaser Orthodontics. We aim to do more than just perfect your smile, we want to make you smile too. We know when you look good, you feel good. So before you head out on all your adventures, start your orthodontic journey and feel confident in your smile. Giving beautiful smiles to residents of Westchester County is what we do. When our community comes together, we all smile! Contact us today!

Why bother to spend thousands of dollars and years of your time on straightening your teeth, and then ignore your oral hygiene? When you have braces, you will need to brush your teeth several times per day, ideally after every meal. Glaser Orthodontics says that this may sound like a big pain, but you’ll get used to it. In fact, you will want to brush your teeth often, because food gets stuck between your brackets, which can be really disgusting and cause bad breath and tooth decay. At the very least, Dr. Glaser says you should swish your mouth with water after eating.

For brushing your teeth while wearing braces, Dr. Glaser says you can get an orthodontic toothbrush or use a regular soft toothbrush. Both types of toothbrushes are available in the Yorktown Heights area. The important thing is to clean your braces thoroughly, making sure that there is no food debris on any of the brackets. You should also floss at least once per day. It isn’t always easy, but there are many “floss threader” products on the market that help. The team at Glaser Orthodontics can show you how to brush and floss properly. Speaking of brushing, remember that it is not recommended that you use a whitening toothpaste when you have braces. It could cause you to have “two tone” teeth after the brackets are removed!

Another thing to remember is that although a device like a Waterpik is great for gum stimulation and dislodging food, it is not a substitute for flossing. Even if you use an oral irrigator, you still need to floss daily. Because you will be brushing so often, it helps to keep a dental kit with you. Glaser Orthodontics recommend that you keep a toothbrush, floss and a spill-proof folding cup in your dental kit. 

Glaser Orthodontics wants to remind you that your braces and brackets will rub on the inside of your gums and lips and may cause mouth sores so it is imperative to keep up with your oral hygiene while wearing braces.  If your mouth is sore, you can rinse with warm salt water or take Tylenol or ibuprofen.  If you ever have questions or concerns with your orthodontic treatment, please feel free to stop by the office near Yorktown Heights or call us at 914-739-6400. Glaser Orthodontics wants you to be happy with that beautiful smile,

Are you thinking about getting braces? Glaser Orthodontics near Yorktown Heights says that braces have changed in recent years. Here are three facts about braces that you might find interesting:

1. There is no age limit for dental braces

When most people think of orthodontic braces, they think of teenagers. But an increasing amount of adults are getting braces, too. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, Glaser Orthodontics says you could benefit from getting your teeth straightened. One of the most important things to consider is the state of your gums and jaw bones. If you have unhealthy gums, a lot of gum recession, or bone loss, braces may not be recommended because the pressure they put on your gums could cause unfavorable complications.

Why do people get braces in adulthood? Dr. Glaser says that some patient’s families could not afford braces when they were children. Now that they are adults, they want to improve their smile and their dental health. Some adults had braces as children or teenagers, but didn’t wear their retainers, causing their teeth to become crooked again. So make sure to wear your retainer after your braces come off.

2. Your “bite” is as important as the straightness and aesthetics of your teeth

Many people think that braces only make teeth straight. In fact, they accomplish a lot more than that. Dr. Glaser will evaluate a lot of things when you go in for your consultation. Are your teeth straight? Do they meet properly? Does your tongue stick out of your front teeth? Does your jaw hurt or click? Do you have a lot of crowding or large gaps? Have you lost all your baby teeth? Are your teeth and gums healthy? Do you have problems breathing or speaking?

One of the most important things that Dr. Glaser evaluates is your “bite.” This is the way that you’re top and bottom teeth meet when you open and close your mouth. Glaser Orthodontics is just as concerned with how your mouth functions as it is with making your teeth look great. After all, what good are straight teeth if you can’t chew or speak properly, or if you get TMJ headaches?

3. Cost and treatment times vary

Braces aren’t cheap. Glaser Orthodontics accepts many different insurances. If braces are not covered by your insurance, Glaser Orthodontics will work with you and put together a payment plan that you are comfortable with.

Everyone’s first question with braces is How long will I be in braces? That depends on your individual case. While the average treatment is two years (24 months), Glaser Orthodontics will evaluate each individual and give their expert advice. Although two years in braces may seem like a long time, it will go by faster than you realize.

Glaser Orthodontics near Yorktown Heights is always here to help you with your braces. If you have any concerns or questions, call us at 914-739-6400.

When the day finally comes for you to get your braces removed at Glaser Orthodontics near Yorktown Heights, NY, the next step is a retainer! Retainers are used to hold the teeth in their new positions, and are either removable or permanent.

Removable retainers are fairly easy to use and care for, and they make brushing and flossing easier and more comfortable. The retainer is placed in at night, worn while you sleep and taken out in the morning. Retainer schedules may vary from individual to individual, but there are generally times during the day where Dr. Glaser may or may not mandate wearing it. Dr. Glaser stresses that the removable retainer schedule can lead to forgetfulness. However, if you don’t remember to wear the retainer, you won’t be benefiting from it completely.

Permanent retainers are more effective than removable retainer, and are a great option for patients who don’t want the extra responsibility of a retainer schedules. The only thing you should be mindful of with a permanent retainer is that it may be more difficult to floss, but Dr. Glaser can help show you how to quickly and effectively do so.

Both may be recommend in some cases with a permanent retainer on the bottom and removable one on top. Whatever the case may be, be sure to follow Dr. Glaser’s advice when using and caring for a retainer.

When Glaser Orthodontics removes your braces, Dr. Glaser will use pliers to remove all the brackets, thoroughly scrape and clean all the glue off your teeth, and take a mold for your new retainer. You will feel a little pressure when the braces are being removed, but no pain. Noteworthy, the newly exposed enamel and your gums will be sensitive at first so Dr. Glaser encourages you to stick to your braces-friendly diet for a little while longer. Just like your braces in the beginning, it will take some time to get use to your retainer, and it may be difficult to speak normally at first. Dr. Glaser recommends practicing speaking, reading aloud or singing as much as you can.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Glaser Orthodontics at 914-739-6400.

Are you thinking about orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth or correct jaw alignment? Make your first step be a free consultation with Glaser Orthodontics. During the orthodontic consultation, Dr. Glaser will address your questions, concerns, and talk about a treatment plan that will best suit your situation.

We want you to feel prepared and in charge of your orthodontic treatment decisions, so keep these questions in mind when you come in for your appointment:

• If I do need some adjustments to my teeth, what options will I have besides braces?

(This will help you determine what approaches we use to straighten your teeth.)

• What kind of preparation is needed to get braces? How many visits will it take?

(It’s important to know how many appointments may be needed and what you will need to do between appointments to be ready for braces.)

• Can I expect any pain when getting braces?

(Ask about the ways we address pain management.)

• What determines how long I have to wear braces?

(The length of treatment will vary from patient to patient. During your consultation we can evaluate your teeth and jaw alignment to determine the correct course and length of treatment.)

• How will braces affect my lifestyle? Foods I can eat? Activities I can do?

(You may find that little needs to change in your daily routine to have a successful orthodontic outcome. We can discuss and address any changes so you can be prepared before you get your braces.)

• Who will be involved in the orthodontic work? Whom can I expect to see during my adjustment visits?

• What will my orthodontic work cost? What is the “average” cost and what could be the maximum?

(Make sure you are clear about what your insurance covers, who contacts the insurance company for pre-authorization, who files the insurance forms, and what flexibility there is to pay the remaining amount not covered.)

Your initial orthodontic consultation is just the first step towards that perfect smile that awaits you. Going in with the right questions will help you to understand the entire process and prepare you to do your part for your orthodontic experience. Be sure to bring a list of your questions to our office near Yorktown Heights! To schedule a consultation with Glaser Orthodontics please call 914-739-6400.

Say cheese to improve your smile. Glaser Orthodontics near Yorktown Heights wants to know if dairy is a part of your diet. If not, it should be because it can help your overall oral health! According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), regular consumption of dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but it’s essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Did you know that cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your teeth? In addition to providing large amounts of much needed calcium and phosphorous that reduce and/or prevent decreases in the plaque’s pH level and work to remineralize the enamel of your teeth, cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheese, for example, stimulate the body’s salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them.

The next time you reach for a quick snack get creative with some dairy products, and remember with each bite and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your mouth healthy, please contact Glaser Orthodontics, or stop by for a visit at our office near Yorktown Heights!

It’s flu season near Yorktown Heights and Glaser Orthodontics says not to forget to protect your teeth during flu season. Glaser Orthodontics warns that some of the remedies you use to help get over the flu can lead to cavities if you’re not careful. So to avoid cavities this flu season, follow Dr. Glaser’s advice.

Just because cough drops are sold in the medicine aisle near Yorktown Heights doesn’t mean they’re healthy. Glaser Orthodontics says that most cough drops are loaded with sugar. So after soothing your throat with a lozenge, be sure to brush well especially if you have braces. Whether the sugar comes from a cough drop or a hard candy, it reacts with the sticky plaque that coats your teeth. Then bacteria in the plaque convert the sugar into an acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Hello, cavities.

Sometimes we need a little soda to help us feel better during the cold and flu season but remember about your teeth. Candy isn’t the only culprit when it comes to added sugar. Sodas can have up to 11 teaspoons of sugar per serving. To add insult to injury, sodas also contain phosphoric and citric acids, which eat away at tooth enamel. Diet soft drinks let you skip the sugar, but they may have even more acid in the form of the artificial sweeteners. The team at Glaser Orthodontics says to make sure you rinse your mouth with water after consuming sugar sodas to prevent cavities.

Fruit juice is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, but unfortunately most juices are also loaded with sugar. Some juices can have as much sugar per serving as soda. For example, there are only 10 more grams of sugar in orange soda than in orange juice. Fruits are naturally sweet, so look for juice that has no added sugar. You can also reduce the sugar content by diluting juice with some water.

So when fighting the flu this season, Glaser Orthodontics recommends that you follow the above advice to help prevent cavities. As always, contact our office near Yorktown Heights at 914-739-6400 with any orthodontic questions regarding your teeth this flu season.

Treat yourself to a dazzling smile in 2015!! If your pearly whites have lost their luster and appear dingy gray or yellow, teeth whitening may be the answer. Thanks to a booming teeth-whitening business, Glaser Orthodontics says a dazzling smile with renewed pearly white teeth is within everyone’s reach in Yorktown Heights.

Glaser Orthodontics advises that there are may choices when it comes to teeth whitening. There are over-the-counter options as well as a trip to the dentist’s office. Some of the over-the-counter choices include strips, whitening toothpaste, mouthwashes and gels that contain peroxides, typically carbamide peroxide. Make sure to follow the directions on the packaging to avoid any problems. Glaser Orthodontics says side effects are not common when using at-home teeth whitening products but make sure you follow the directions to keep your smile perfect.

You may be able to get rid of superficial stains by yourself with home whitening kits available at stores in Yorktown Heights. For deep stains, it maybe necessary to consult with a dentist. Also, some foods such as celery, apples, pears, and carrots trigger the production of saliva, which helps wash away food debris on your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum is a tooth-cleansing action and also triggers saliva. Saliva neutralizes the acid that causes tooth decay.

Glaser Orthodontics says to use these teeth-whitening tips to get closer to having dazzling white teeth and brighten your smile. As always, Glaser Orthodontics is here to help you with any of your orthodontic needs so call the office near Yorktown Heights. Let’s bring in 2015 with the brightest smile ever.

Invisalign Teen is available in Yorktown Heights with Glaser Orthodontics. We are very sensitive to the fact that image is very important to teens. Image is so important at any age but especially to teens. Some teens do not like the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to their teeth and this may intensify their already-delicate confidence. The good news is that there is a clear alternative to traditional braces with Invisalign Teen! Glaser Orthodontics wants to remind you that Invisalign Teen gives your teen a whole new way to wear braces for a “clearly” amazing smile!

How does Invisalign Teen work? Much in the same way as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles in Yorktown Heights. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two-week period during which that particular tray is used. Once the indicator has faded, teens know to change trays. Replacement Invisalign Teen aligners can be ordered in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken, which is another big benefit for the patient!

For Invisalign Teen to be the most effective to teens in Yorktown Heights, the same guidelines for Invisalign should be followed. They are:

Wear each set of aligners for about two weeks.

Remove the aligners only to eat, drink, brush and floss.

Wear the clear aligners for at a minimum of 20-22 hours per day

Visit Glaser Orthodontics every 8-10 weeks for an orthodontic check-up

See your dentist every 6 months for regular cleanings

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 24 months, but varies depending on each case. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact Dr. Glaser and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen. It could be the perfect choice for your teen in Yorktown Heights!

Did you know that your memory can be linked to your oral hygiene?? A report in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry (webmd.com) showed that adults with gingivitis (swollen, bleeding gums) performed worse on tests of memory and other cognitive skills than did those with healthier gums and mouths. Individuals with gingivitis were more likely to perform poorly in mainly two areas, subtraction and verbal recall.  Both are skills that are needed every day. 

A common hindrance to good oral hygiene is crooked teeth.  Having crooked teeth makes it harder to floss and many give up flossing because it is difficult to get in between teeth.  What people need to remember is that flossing is THE best way to remove plaque from in between teeth!  Plaque is essentially bacteria and, if not removed, grows within the gums, causing gingivitis.

Let Glaser Orthodontics help you and your child with good oral health. The staff in Yorktown Heights is available to do a full evaluation of your mouth and give expert advice on how to have optimal oral health.  Who knows it may help increase your child’s test scores. Why not give it a try.

Research supports that a healthy mouth and a healthy body go hand in hand (webmd.com). Good oral hygiene and oral health can improve your overall health, reducing the risk of serious disease and perhaps even preserving your memory in your golden years.

Give Glaser Orthodontics a call today in their office in Yorktown Heights to improve your oral health and improve memory!