northern westchester

The Orthodontic team in Northern Westchester ask “Is it more effective to floss teeth with a water pick or standard dental floss?” Dr. Barry Glaser of Glaser Orthodontics tells his patients in Northern Westchester that standard dental floss is generally considered the most effective tool for cleaning the tight spaces between the teeth. Dr. Glaser recommends that using the dental floss to scrape up and down the sides of each tooth to remove any unwanted plaque.

A water pick or an oral irrigator is a device that aims a stream of water at your teeth. The team at Glaser Orthodontics says a water pick can help remove food particles from your teeth and might help reduce bleeding and gum disease.  Although a water pick is helpful to remove particles, it is not a substitute for brushing and flossing says Dr. Glaser.

Some patients at Glaser Orthodontics complain that plain dental floss gets stuck in their teeth.  Dr. Glaser recommends trying the waxed variety. If you have a hard time manipulating dental floss, there are many varieties of dental floss holders available in local stores in Westchester, NY. Glaser Orthodontics says you can try other products like special brushes, picks or sticks designed to clean between the teeth.  If our patients at Glaser Orthodontics have any questions regarding their oral health, Dr. Glaser is available in the Cortlandt Manor office in Upper Westchester for assistance.

Malocclusion, also known as “bad bite,” is a very common problem for children and adults. The result of severe malocclusion is that your teeth may become worn down, crooked, or protruded if left untreated. Most have some malocclusion, but it usually doesn’t warrant surgery or any corrective procedures. Malocclusion can be further categorized as underbite, overbite, and crossbite, and at Glaser Orthodontics we recognize each type and treat it accordingly. Below you’ll see the difference between each of these three types of malocclusion.

• Underbites occur when the lower teeth stick out past the front teeth. This can be a result of an undergrowth of the upper jaw or an overgrowth of the lower jaw. Underbites can lead to joint and jaw pain, as well as tooth wear.

• Overbites occur when the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth, and can be the result of an overdeveloped supporting bone, poor oral habits, or genetics. Overbites can cause joint and jaw pain and problems, as well as gum problems and irritation.

• Crossbites occur when a tooth or group of teeth are misaligned, causing the upper teeth to bite into the inside of the lower teeth. Crossbites can occur anywhere in the mouth, and like with overbite and underbite, can result in tooth wear. Crossbites can also lead to bone-loss and gum disease.

The good news is that malocclusion, whether it be underbite, overbite, or crossbite, can be treated by an orthodontist. If you or your child is suffering from malocclusion, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Glaser today and schedule an appointment at his Cortlandt Manor office.

1983 Crompond Road
Cortlandt Manor, New York 10567
Phone: (914) 739-6400
info@glaserortho.com

Here at Glaser Orthodontics, we encourage what people have been taught from a young age — that it is a daily ritual to brush your teeth twice a day, after waking up and before going to sleep. This year, make your smile even brighter by learning why it is so important to keep your teeth healthy and by acting on these ideas at home and with the help of Dr. Glaser.

Your teeth are the focus of your smile — kind of hard to miss when posing for a picture or just laughing with a friend. But that’s not all they do. Healthy teeth are essential to overall health as well. Some research has shown that healthy, or rather unhealthy, teeth are linked to many other, seemingly unrelated, health problems or benefits. For example, brushing and cleaning teeth can prevent heart disease! It has also been found that brushing your teeth can aid weight loss. The mental signal to the brain that eating is finished occurs when you brush your teeth after dinner. So after your next meal, brush your teeth to signal to yourself that eating time is over. Plus, even if you do eat again, the minty fresh feeling in your mouth may make the food less appetizing and cause you to eat less of, or even skip, the meal! Studies have even found that brushing your teeth can improve cognitive function by preventing gum disease, which often has a negative effect on this. According to Dr. Angela Kamer, “people with periodontal inflammation are at an increased risk of lower cognitive function compared to cognitively normal subjects.”

So, not only is a sparkling smile essential to self esteem and taking a good photo for picture day, but it is also great for your bodily health! Be sure to continue brushing twice a day and flossing consistently. Stop by or call Dr. Glaser with any concerns or questions and let us help you reach your best dental health!

1983 Crompond Road
Cortlandt Manor, New York 10567
Phone: (914) 739-6400
info@glaserortho.com

Orthodontic treatments and dental treatments and quite different. Orthodontic treatments, such as those used by Glaser Orthodontics, are used to address issues such as malocclusion, tooth alignment, and jaw spacing, while dental treatments are aimed at maintaining overall tooth health. Because of the specific nature of orthodontic treatments, if can sometimes be tough for parents to know when their child needs to see an orthodontist. Below are some telltale signs for parents for keep an eye out for.

• Asymmetry – If you notice that your child has an asymmetrical face or if their teeth don’t line up, you should probably consult an orthodontist

• Problems with Speaking and Eating – A visit to an orthodontist should be scheduled if you notice your child is having trouble biting or chewing food, speaking, or is experiencing cheek-biting

• Bad Bite – Malocclusion, or bad bite, can begin to develop as the adult teeth grow in and replace the primary teeth. You can usually see the signs of bad bite between middle childhood and the pre-teen years, and an orthodontist should be consulted in order to evaluate and diagnose bad bite.

• Tooth Crowding – If your child’s adult teeth have started to grow in and are already showing signs of crowding, see an orthodontist and discuss braces.

• Tooth Grinding – Many children grinding their teeth either at night or unconsciously, which can lead to tooth damage, TMJ, and headaches.

These are the most common signs that indicate your child should see an orthodontist, but the American Association of Orthodontics suggests parents should bring their children in for an examination either way before the age of seven. This is done because an orthodontist can detect problems that may be more subtle, and come up with an effective treatment plan. If you suspect your child is suffering from any of these symptoms, schedule a visit with Glaser Orthodontics at Northern Westchester, NY, office.

1983 Crompond Road
Cortlandt Manor, New York 10567
Phone: (914) 739-6400
info@glaserortho.com

When the day finally comes for you to get your braces removed, you’ll probably be pretty excited…then maybe a little confused. Once the braces come off, its time for a retainer. Retainers are either removable or permanent, and your orthodontist will make recommendations on which option is best for you. At Glaser Orthodontics, we feel it’s important that you know the difference between the two though.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers are fairly easy to use and care for. The retainer is placed in at night and 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 you won’t have to wear it, which is nice. This can lead to forgetfulness though, and if you don’t remember to wear the retainer you won’t be benefiting from it completely.

Removable retainers also make brushing and flossing easier and more comfortable. And while removable retains can be effective, they may not be as effective as permanent retainers if not used properly.

Permanent Retainers

Permanent Retainers are a great option for patients who don’t want to have to worry about retainer schedules, and who just want to get something done that they can forget about. When the retainer is placed in the mouth, it’s permanently fixed to the teeth.

Permanent retainers are often the more effective option because they’re much better at dealing with the shifting in the teeth that occurs with age. Many also prefer permanent retainers because they like the fact that they don’t have to worry about putting the retainer in.

The only thing you should be mindful of when using a permanent retainer is that it may be more difficult to floss. Some find that permanent retainers make flossing harder, but an orthodontist can help show you how to quickly and effectively do so.

In some cases your orthodontist may recommend a combination of removable and permanent retainers, with a permanent retainer on the bottom and removable one on top. No matter what the situation is, you should be sure to always follow your Dr. Glaser’s advice when using and caring for a retainer.

1983 Crompond Road
Cortlandt Manor, New York 10567
Phone: (914) 739-6400
info@glaserortho.com

The discouraging connotation surrounding braces that implies their sole use in the mouths of kids and teens has kept the idea of adult orthodontic treatments, through braces or Invisalign, on the outskirts of many adult minds. Invisalign, however, is becoming increasingly popular within the adult demographic. At Glaser Orthodontics, we encourage adult orthodontic treatment. Whether going with braces or Invisalign, here are a few key points to keep in mind in preparing for all that comes with orthodontic treatment:

• • If you have sensitive teeth, brush with Sensodyne or a similar toothpaste to help desensitize your teeth.
  • Practice excellent oral hygiene to prepare your gums for braces! Ask Dr. Glaser for suggestions!
  • Lips tend to get chapped in the process of putting on braces, so make sure to have a trusted lip balm application every night before bed.
  • It may hurt or feel uncomfortable at first, this will go away and the feeling of the braces behind your lips will disappear and become very natural.
  • Chewing may be difficult and consumption of certain foods may be impossible; ask Dr. Glaser for a list of foods to avoid.
  • Finally, your brushing routine may need to be amped up a bit or altered to fit more often into your schedule.

All of these points are just a few of the commitments one must make when deciding to live with braces. However, all of the discomfort will pass, and eventually the routine will feel natural and comfortable. Think of these as small bumps in the road to achieving better-looking teeth! There are many benefits that come with adult braces including improved self-esteem and better dental health. And, thanks to Invisalign, braces can be invisible and removable, making your experience more pleasant and easy. Visit Dr. Glaser, at his Cortlandt Manor office, for a free consultation to discuss your adult braces. Allow us to help your smile reach its wonderful potential through Invisalign or braces!

1983 Crompond Road
Cortlandt Manor, New York 10567
Phone: (914) 739-6400
info@glaserortho.com