Orthodontic Emergencies

Here at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, we understand that accidents happen. If you experience an orthodontic emergency, as a general rule, you should always call our office as soon as the accident occurs. However, it’s also critical to remember that not all orthodontic emergencies include loose brackets, wires, or bands. The following orthodontic emergencies and their treatments are listed below and the majority of these are easily treated with a follow-up by Dr. Cynthia Wong.

·       Ligatures come off - If a rubber ligature should come off, you may be able to put it back in place using sterile tweezers. If a wire ligature comes loose, simply remove it with sterile tweezers. If the wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, it may be bent back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser to eliminate irritation.



• Loose Brackets, Wires or Bands - If the braces have come loose in any way, the parent/guardian needs to be notified and they should call the orthodontist to determine appropriate next steps.  

• Protruding Wire - Occasionally, the end of a wire will work itself out of place and irritate the patient’s mouth. Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax.

If you have an orthodontic emergency, give us a call immediately. To learn more about the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Benefits of Clear Braces

Crooked or misaligned teeth not only look unsightly, they can also make cleaning the teeth difficult. As adults, we may want to fix this problem however, we grow self-conscious and we don’t want metal taking over our mouth. Conventional braces can be less than attractive, decidedly uncomfortable, and painful to wear for some people. Fortunately, Dr. Cynthia Wong is an Invisalign preferred provider and can also provide clear ceramic braces to help her patients avoid that metallic look.

The benefits of clear braces extend far beyond a pretty smile. Depending on which option is best selected for you, clear aligners such as Invisalign are barely noticeable and can be removed when necessary to help patients clean their teeth a lot better than they could with wires wrapped around them. Another added benefit of clear braces, in general, is that can prevent patients from the need to invest significant amounts of money in restorations in the long run. Overall, clear braces increase your self-esteem and allow you to straighten your teeth almost invisibly.

If you are searching to straighten your smile, give us a call to discuss your orthodontic options. To learn more about the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Orthodontic treatments like braces help move teeth that are crooked or that do not fit together right. By fixing these problems, orthodontics can also help keep your mouth healthy because crooked teeth can be harder to clean, putting you at risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. Dr. Wong has enjoyed a long and rewarding orthodontic career. She also specializes in Invisalign Clear Braces in addition to traditional braces.

Only your dentist or orthodontist can determine whether you can benefit from orthodontics. Based on diagnostic tools, that include a full medical and dental health history, a clinical exam, plaster molds of your teeth, and special X-rays and photographs. Straightening your teeth using orthodontics will put less stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome and neck, shoulder, and back pain. The overall benefits of orthodontics include a healthier mouth, a more pleasing appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime.  

If you are searching to straighten your smile, give us a call to discuss your orthodontic options. To learn more about the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.