cortlandt manor invisalign

Early Orthodontic Treatment: When Is the Right Time?

Early Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting improper bites, dental misalignment and jaw irregularities. Early orthodontics treatment is recommended and encouraged since it’s the most beneficial for a child’s long-term oral health. The early stages of treatment can be used to prevent more serious issues from developing in the future. In this blog, we’re here to tell you when is the right time for early treatment in Westchester County, NY.

Early Orthodontic Treatment

When is the Right Time for Early Orthodontics Treatment?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, early orthodontic treatment or interceptive orthodontics is generally recommended between the ages of 7 and 11. During this time period, the early stages of treatment can be used to guide the growth of your child’s mouth and jaws, preventing more serious issues from developing. Early treatment can also help to reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic care in the future.

What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontics Treatment?

#1 – Improves the overall dental health of your child

Early treatment can help to improve the overall dental health of your child. This is because early treatment can address any potential issues that may be present early on, thus reducing the chances of more complex issues developing in the future.

Also, straight teeth are easier to clean and maintain, making early orthodontic treatment beneficial in promoting better oral hygiene habits. This lessens the risk for cavities, tooth decay, and gum problems.

#2 – Boosts your child’s self-esteem and confidence

When a child develops uneven teeth or a misaligned bite, this can lead to social and emotional issues. This is because crooked teeth and jaw problems significantly affect appearance and even speech. Early orthodontic treatment can help to address these issues, thus boosting your child’s self-esteem and confidence.

#3 – Promotes less treatment time and less invasive procedures.

Early treatment can reduce the amount of time and treatments needed to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. When a pediatric patient goes through regular monitoring and early treatment, the orthodontic process can be completed in a shorter amount of time.

When an orthodontic issue is addressed in adulthood, the treatments may require more invasive procedures, for example, tooth extractions and surgery. However, early treatment can help to prevent the need for such extreme treatments.

#4 – Early detection of other health issues

Early orthodontic treatment can also be used to detect any other potential health problems. Certain early warning signs of conditions like sleep apnea, TMJ disorder and oral cancer can be detected early on.

How to Start Early Orthodontics Treatment for Your Child

Early Orthodontic Treatment

First, you need to consult a pediatric orthodontist. A pediatric orthodontist is specially trained to detect early signs of any potential orthodontic issues and to provide early treatment if necessary. They will evaluate your child’s teeth and jaws, as well as take X-rays to accurately diagnose any issues. Afterwards, they will recommend the best early orthodontic treatment plan for your child.

In the early stages of orthodontic treatment, there are many non-invasive procedures available. These include the use of braces, aligners, retainers, space maintainers, headgear, and other appliances. Then, the orthodontist will continue to monitor your child’s progress and adjust the early orthodontic treatments as needed.

How to Choose a Pediatric Orthodontist

It is important to find a qualified and experienced pediatric orthodontist. Before booking an appointment, make sure to check for the following:

  • The orthodontist’s qualifications, credentials and experience
  • Their track record in early treatment of pediatric issues
  • Their office location
  • The types of orthodontics services they offer
  • Any specializations in early orthodontic treatments
  • The fees and payment plans offered
  • What is included in the early orthodontic treatment plan
  • Patient reviews
  • Before and after photos

Consult Dr. Barry Glaser in Westchester County, NY

 

If you are looking for an experienced, qualified and caring pediatric orthodontist in Westchester County, NY, Dr. Barry Glaser is your best choice. He has extensive experience in early orthodontic treatments and is committed to providing the highest quality of care.

Dr. Glaser continuously strives to provide excellence in orthodontics and is an active member of numerous professional organizations including the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, Ninth District Dental Association and the Peekskill-Yorktown Dental Society, of which he is a past-president.

Glaser Orthodontics is located at 1983 Crompond Rd, Cortlandt, NY and our orthodontic services include all types of braces, Invisalign, early treatment, orthognathic surgery, retention, and remote monitoring. Parents trust that their child’s early orthodontic treatment is in good hands with Dr Glaser and his team.

Call us today at (914) 353-4823 to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Glaser. We look forward to helping your child achieve the best possible early orthodontic care.

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How Invisalign Aligners Can Help You with Your Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is important, but it can be a challenge to keep up with all our multitasking lives. Between work, school, and friends, it’s tough to find time for a full-on dental check-up. Fortunately, there are some great options available to help you improve oral hygiene needs on the go. 

Invisalign aligners are one of these solutions to adapt to your busy lifestyle. Invisalign is an FDA-approved treatment that uses clear aligners to correct teeth’ positions. As the name implies, Invisalign is designed to be invisible to the naked eye. 

This means that you can wear them every day without anyone knowing – including your Orthodontist in Cortlandt! Invisalign may be the solution for you if you’re looking to improve your oral hygiene. 

What are Invisalign Aligners?

Invisalign is a type of clear, removable dental brace that can help people achieve perfect teeth alignment. Traditional braces use metal wires and brackets to hold teeth in place. Opposite it is Invisalign which uses small, clear plastic beads that are inserted into the teeth. 

The patient wears the brace for about two months at a time and then it is removed, revealing perfectly aligned teeth. There are many benefits to using Invisalign over traditional metal or ceramic braces. First, because the brace is removable, so it is much easier to keep clean. 

Second, because there are no metal wires or brackets interfering with food intake or chewing ability, Invisalign can be worn during activities such as sports and recreation. And finally, because it is so easy to put on and take off, patients can often wear their braces all day long without having any major concerns.

How do Invisalign Aligners Work?

Invisalign is a popular, clear, and temporary dental solution that uses clear aligners to help you achieve straight teeth. The aligners are inserted into your teeth, one at a time, over the course of about two weeks. They flex and shift your teeth into their desired positions, based on tracked data from your consultations.

Once the aligners are in place, you will need to visit the dentist every two weeks for adjustments. The process is relatively painless and generally takes about two hours. You can expect to feel some mild discomfort during each visit, but it should quickly disappear once the aligners are in place.

The benefits of using Invisalign include:

  • Reduced anxiety and stress around oral hygiene
  • Improved confidence when smiling and speaking
  • More efficient use of dental resources – fewer visits overall

Your Mouth is Easier to Clean With Invisalign

Invisalign in Cortlandt is a great way to help with your oral hygiene. They work by using the natural movement of your teeth to keep your teeth in position, which makes it easier for you to clean them. Additionally, they can help to improve your smile.

One of the benefits of using Invisalign is that it can make it easier for you to floss and brush your teeth. This is because the aligners help push the tooth toward the gum line, making it easier for you to reach those hard-to-reach areas. 

Additionally, since Invisalign moves your teeth in their natural alignment, it also helps remove plaque and bacteria more effectively.

Overall, using Invisalign aligners can be a great way to improve your oral hygiene habits. They can make it easier for you to brush and floss, as well as remove plaque and bacteria more effectively. 

Straighter Teeth from Invisalign Helps You Avoid Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a dental disease that is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus mutans. It could result in tooth loss, and often requires professional treatment such as root canals or crowns. 

One of the ways to prevent tooth decay is to have straight teeth. This can be achieved through regular dental hygiene and braces, but Invisalign aligners can also help.

These aligners are placed on the teeth in small increments, and over time they push the teeth into their correct positions so that they stay that way – even when you eat and drink. 

Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can always have them replaced if they start to come out or if your teeth start to shift around (this usually happens after about 6 months).

Invisalign has been shown to be more effective than braces at achieving long-term straightness, and it is also more comfortable because there is no need for wires or brackets. 

A Healthy Mouth Contributes to Overall Health

If you’ve ever experienced bad breath, you know that it’s a common problem. Around 60% of Americans report having bad breath, and it’s not just embarrassing – poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems. 

Fortunately, there are ways to improve your oral hygiene without spending hours in the shower every day. One easy way is to use Invisalign aligners to improve your smile.

Over time, Invisalign improves your overall smile design and oral hygiene because:

1) The alignments move all the teeth in the same direction. This reduces crowding and makes room for new dental growth (dentification). Dentification is when natural new tooth formation replaces lost or abraded dental tissue.

2) The movement creates spaces between your teeth where bacteria cannot thrive. Reducing bacterial levels helps keep your teeth clean and healthy!

Most patients who undergo Invisalign see significant improvement in their smile within 2 years of treatment completion – often with little or no visible restoration work! 

That’s why so many people trust Invisalign to help them improve their oral hygiene and achieve a beautiful, healthy smile!

improve oral hygiene

Conclusion

As we get older, our teeth start to decline in quality. This is due to a combination of environmental factors (such as fluoride and sugar) and genetics. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help restore the structural integrity of your teeth and prevent them from getting worse. 

One such treatment is Invisalign – an invisible dental aligner that uses clear braces to correct misaligned teeth

Schedule Your Consultation With Glaser Orthodontics!

If you are looking for a way to improve your oral hygiene and smile, Invisalign may be the right solution for you! Our orthodontists can help you to schedule a consultation to learn more about this popular treatment.

Invisalign is a series of clear, removable aligners that help you to achieve better alignment in your teeth. The aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth specifically and are designed to move with your teeth as they change throughout the treatment process.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Invisalign might be able to improve your oral hygiene and smile, contact us at Glaser Orthodontics and schedule your appointment with us today!

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How Long to Recover from Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is one of the most popular surgical procedures in the world. It’s undergone by people of all ages to improve their facial appearance and increase their confidence level. However, like any major surgery, orthognathic surgery carries with it a certain level of risk. 

In this article, our orthodontist in Westchester County NY will explore the risks associated with orthognathic surgery. And we’ll also provide you with an estimate of how long you should expect to recover. We’ll also cover the expectations during your postoperative recovery period and offer tips on how to best manage your symptoms.

Orthognathic Surgery: Explained

Orthognathic surgery is a type of surgery that is often used to correct problems with the alignment of the jaw. The surgery can be performed on either the upper or lower jaw and can be done in an outpatient setting. Recovery time for orthognathic surgery varies depending on the specific procedure performed. 

There are a few factors that can affect the speed of recovery. This includes the severity of the original problem and whether any pre-existing conditions were also affected by the surgery.

The Different Types of Orthognathic Surgery

There are a few different types of orthognathic surgery, which can range in complexity. The most common type is the Stryker procedure, which uses a clip to tighten the muscles around the jaws. This procedure is generally less complicated and typically results in shorter recoveries than other surgeries. Other Procedures include:

The Fusion Procedure –

Fusion is a surgical process that combines two or more existing bones together to create a stronger joint. This can improve the function of the jaw and allow for a more accurate appearance. 

The fusion process typically starts with making an opening in the skin over the area of interest. Next, surgeons use an incision to access the bone below. Once they have located the bone, they’ll cut it into small pieces and place them into the opening of the skin. Then, they will close the skin wound with stitches.

The Bone Graft Operation –

In orthognathic surgery, a bone graft is often used to correct dental problems. The procedure is done by surgically removing some of the bone from another area of the patient’s body. And then transfer it to the affected area. This can be done in the form of a full-thickness graft or a segmental graft.

Full-thickness grafts are made from several pieces of bone that are cut and then joined together using special techniques. The advantage of this type of graft is that it provides more structural support than a segmental graft. Segmental grafts, on the other hand, are made from just one piece of bone. They offer less support but are easier to implant.

The Plateau Expansion Operation –

The Plateau Expansion Operation is a surgical procedure used to expand the maxilla (upper jawbone) in patients with orthognathic surgery. This operation is performed through a small incision in the side of the neck. And uses a custom-made expansion device to stretch and widen the maxilla. 

The goal is to improve facial symmetry and provide more room for dental prostheses and other medical devices. This operation can be performed on patients of any age but is most undergone by people between 18 and 30 years. 

The average length of time required for complete recovery following this procedure is approximately six weeks.

Orthognathic Surgery

What to Expect After Surgery

The recovery time after orthognathic surgery can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and your individual situation. Generally, most patients report feeling recovered in about two months. 

However, some patients may experience mild discomfort or swelling for a few weeks or months after surgery. Always consult with your surgeon regarding specific post-operative instructions.

How Long to Recover from Orthognathic Surgery

There is no definitive answer to the question of the length of recovery time after undergoing Orthognathic Surgery in Cortlandt Manor, NY. Because the time it takes for someone to recover from orthognathic surgery will vary depending on a variety of factors. This includes the severity of the surgery and individual biochemistry. 

In general, however, most patients can resume normal activities within two weeks following surgery. And they can expect a full recovery within six to eight weeks. But most patients typically recover completely within six to twelve weeks.

Why Do Some People Need to Undergo This Type of Surgery?

There are a few reasons why some people need to undergo orthognathic surgery. The first is that the jawbone may not be able to expand or contract as it should. This is due to abnormalities in the skull or facial muscles. 

It can lead to difficulty chewing and speaking, among other problems. In some cases, orthognathic surgery may also be necessary to correct certain dental defects.

The average time for patients to recover from orthognathic surgery is about six weeks to twelve weeks. Most people find that they can resume their normal activities within a few weeks after the procedure. Patients should refrain from biting hard foods for at least four weeks following the surgery. And they should take it easy on their mouth during this time. They should also avoid strenuous activity for six months following the surgery.

Conclusion

Recovery from orthognathic surgery can vary depending on the extent and severity of the surgery. In general, most patients experience minimal discomfort and can return to their usual activities within one or two weeks. 

However, some patients may experience more significant discomfort for a longer period. In these cases, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure a speedy and smooth recovery.

Schedule Your Consultation with Glaser Orthodontics Today!

If you are considering orthognathic surgery, we at Glaser Orthodontics want to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the recovery process. Following surgery, patients will typically require several weeks of rest and healing to fully recover. While some complications may occur, most patients will resume their regular activities within two to four weeks after surgery.

For more information regarding the applicability of orthognathic surgery to you, let’s discuss it even further. Contact our clinic today at (914) 739-6400 (for existing patients) or (914) 353-4823 (for new patients).

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Avoid Orthodontic Emergencies While on Vacation

At Glaser Orthodontics, there are a few things we want to remind you of when you’re on vacation, so that a day with friends and family won’t be spent dealing with an orthodontic emergency. Firstly, we are here for you whether you are in town or out of town on vacation. Give us a call and we may be able to address the problem over the phone. Second, if we are unable to help you fix the problem over the phone, we will help you find an orthodontic practice in your vacation area that can help you.

If you experience problems reaching our office, we suggest going online and searching for orthodontic practices in your area. Most orthodontists will lend a helping hand to another orthodontic patient and get them out of pain or discomfort.

If you have braces, whether they are metal, ceramic, or lingual, Dr. Glaser and our team suggest steering clear of the following foods to avoid broken brackets and/or wire distortion while you are on vacation:

  • -Chewy, sticky, or gummy food

  • -Apples, pears and other whole fruits (cut fruit into thin wedges before consuming)

  • -Bagels and hard rolls

  • -Bubble gum

  • -Corn on the cob

  • -Hard candies

  • -Hard cookies

  • -Pretzels

  • -All varieties of nuts, including peanuts, almonds, and cashews

Finally, if you have clear aligners and you lose your tray, don’t worry! Simply put in either the previous tray or the next tray and contact us as soon as you get home.

Make sure to keep our phone number close at hand so you can easilly reach us in case of an event. Follow these tips and you can have a worry-free vacation! 

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Prevent Tooth Decay While Wearing Braces in Westchester New York

Having braces can present some new challenges when it comes to oral hygiene. Preventing tooth decay can be a big challenge simply because of the tendency for braces to trap food under the wires and between the teeth and the brackets. Here are a few tips from Glaser Orthodontics to keep your teeth healthy while wearing your braces:

  1. Eat Braces-Safe Foods
    Keeping your teeth from decay starts with a proper diet. Foods that are high in sugar or starch can cause more plaque which is difficult to remove during your brushing. There are certain foods that should be avoided while wearing your braces. First, sticky foods like caramel or gum can get stuck in your braces and be difficult to remove during brushing. Next, hard foods such as nuts and candy could bend wires or even break a bracket. Foods that are firm or hard to bite into like apples, carrots, or corn on the cob should be avoided. As much as we like to snack on them, those crunchy treats can harm your braces. Things like chips, ice, popcorn can also bend or break your braces. On the other hand, bananas, mangoes, milk, water, poultry, and pasta all tend to be low in enamel-busting acids.

  1. Proper Brushing
    You want to place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums in order to clean the whole tooth, and brush gently in the area between the wiring and the teeth. Use a softer toothbrush with fluoride paste for best results. Rinsing every day will help, too. Rinsing is important regardless, but especially important when you have braces as you need to disinfect the entire mouth, including those spots under the braces where your brush can’t always reach.

  2. Ask About Special Cleaning Tools
    There are also special brushes, or other tools, to get under and clean your braces. You can also find many of these items at your local pharmacy.

  3. Regular Teeth Cleaning
    It’s important to keep your routine appointments with your dentist and dental hygienist for a thorough cleaning twice a year or as directed. The exact frequency of these visits will be up to your dentist as some types of braces are more demanding of a regular cleaning than others.
    As long as you practice good oral hygiene and follow these basic tips, you should have no problem keeping your teeth from decaying while you wear braces.

Contact Dr. Glaser at his Cortlandt Manor office for more information about keeping your teeth healthy or just stop by for a visit!

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Kicking Your Nail Biting Habit Can Improve Your Oral Health

Also known as onchophagia, the habit of nail biting is one of the so-called “nervous habits” that can be triggered by stress, excitement, or boredom. Approximately half of all kids between the ages of ten and 18 have been nail biters at one time or another. Experts say that about 30 percent of children and 15 percent of adults are nail biters, however most people stop chewing their nails by the time they turn 30.

 

Here are four dental and general reasons to stop biting your nails:

 

1.It’s unsanitary. Your nails harbor bacteria and germs, and are almost twice as dirty as fingers. What’s more, swallowing dirty nails can lead to stomach problems.

 

2.It wears down your teeth. Gnawing your nails can put added stress on your pearly whites, which can lead to crooked teeth.

 

3.It can delay your orthodontic treatment. For those of our patients wearing braces, nail biting puts additional pressure on teeth and weakens roots.

 

4.It can cost you, literally. Our friends at the Academy of General Dentistry estimate up to $4,000 in extra dental bills over a lifetime.

 

Dr.Glaser and his team recommend the following to kick your nail biting habit:

  • – Keep your nails trimmed short; you’ll have less of a nail to bite.

  • – Coat your nails with a bitter-tasting nail polish.

  • – Ask us about obtaining a mouthguard, which can help prevent nail biting.

  • – Put a rubber band around your wrist and snap it whenever you get the urge to gnaw on your nails.

  • – Think about when and why you chew your nails. Whether you are nervous or just bored, understanding the triggers can help you find a solution and stop the habit.

  • – If you can’t stop, behavioral therapy may be an effective option to stop nail biting.

 

If you are interested in more information about nail biting or would like to assess your oral health, please contact Glaser Orthodontics or just stop by a visit at our Cortlandt Manor location!

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Ten Tips to Keep Your Braces Clean

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces! Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you’ll experience better results and shorter treatment time. We at Glaser Orthodontics want to help you keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time! When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.
2. It’s all about the angles! Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.
3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth! While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.
4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean! While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.
5. Always be prepared! The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.
6. Remove the moving parts! If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.
7. Fluoride is your friend! Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.
8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places! Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.
9. Find the floss for you! Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.
10. Make time for the pros! It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide.
We hope this helps, and remember to give Dr. Glaser and his team a call at their Cortlandt Manor office if you have any questions, concerns or would like to schedule an appointment!

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