Selecting a Mouthwash that Meet Your Oral Health Needs

Mouthwash or rinses are used for a variety of reasons: to freshen breath, to help prevent or control tooth decay, to reduce plaque, to prevent or reduce gingivitis, to reduce the speed that tartar forms on the teeth, or to produce a combination of these effects.  Mouthwash has a few beneficial properties and our doctors at Dr. Cynthia Wong would like to explain some of them.

• Antimicrobial agents act directly on oral bacteria to help reduce plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath.


• Fluoride helps reduce tiny lesions (tooth decay) on tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay.


• Astringent salts can serve as temporary deodorizers that mask bad breath.


• Odor neutralizers act by chemically inactivating odor causing compounds.

If you desire a brighter smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Notes on Novocain

When you think of visiting the dentist’s office, the term “Novocain” probably comes to mind. Novocain is a local anesthetic used to suppress pain in patients who remain conscious. Though Dr. Cynthia Wong is an orthodontist, she may administer this drug to numb sensitive gums during a dental procedure such as braces being applied or applying a tooth crown. During your consultation, Dr. Cynthia Wong will determine if Novocain is appropriate for your treatment plan as well as if it is the best option for you.

Novocain is commonly used and is normally injected into an area during surgery and other procedures to cause numbness of the surrounding tissues. Like any medication, however, side effects include numbness around the injection site that can last for several hours, a tingling sensation around the injection site, as well as minor swelling around or near the injection site. Novocain is a good option for some, but not for others. Be sure to provide us with as much information about your medical history as possible so that you and Dr. Cynthia Wong can make an informed decision.

If you have questions about our pain management options, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Dental Crown Details

Over time our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks, and discoloration. Fortunately, Dr. Cynthia Wong offers restorative treatment options, such as dental crowns. A dental crown also known as a tooth crown, is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth – to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance. Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or gold. However, to maintain a natural look and feel a porcelain finished crown is highly recommended as it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth.

The procedure for installing a dental crown typically takes two separate visits. On the first visit, your tooth will be reshaped and by filing down the enamel so that the crown can be placed over it. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be taken of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. This mold will be sent to a dental lab so that the permanent crown can be made. Before you leave the office, you will be fitted for a temporary crown so that you have some protection on the tooth. In about two-three weeks you will come back for the final result.

If you think you may benefit from a dental crown, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Straight Teeth are Healthy Teeth

Swollen red gums can often be the result of having teeth that are crowded or too widely spaced. When teeth are properly aligned, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems. At Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, Dr. Cynthia Wong supplies a variety of options to straighten your teeth so that you can have a beautiful healthy smile.

When teeth are properly aligned, they’re easier to clean and when your teeth are clean and dental plaque free, you’re less likely to need a tooth filling or gum disease treatment. When teeth are straight, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems. Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by bacteria. Left untreated, they can cause mouth sores, tender or bleeding gums, bad breath, and possible tooth loss.  Correctly aligning your teeth can also alleviate the issues that can be caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems and increased wear on the tooth enamel.

If you would like to discuss your orthodontic treatment options, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visitwww.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

How Does Grinding Make Teeth Sensitive?

Sensitive can make brushing unpleasant. It can even make you want to skip your favorite drinks or foods. While there are a few different reasons that teeth can be sensitive, a common reason is grinding. At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, we can provide our patients with night guards so that they can protect their teeth while they grind at night.

If you are experiencing sensitivity to your teeth, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist to make sure it isn’t a cavity or an infection. If you suspect you grind your teeth at night or have been told that you do, schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics. Night grinding and clenching is a common occurrence and it often creates sensitivity. This is because the constant pressure and grinding of your teeth begin to wear down enamel. When enamel is worn down, the dentin is exposed. Dentin is what makes up the center of our teeth and it contains tiny tubes that lead to the nerves of our teeth. When this dentin is exposed, the nerves are exposed and you feel pain. This is what makes it uncomfortable to brush your teeth and eat/drink hot and cold foods/drinks. Changing your behavior can help stop the grinding. In addition, we can make you a custom night guard to protect your teeth.

To learn more about the custom night guards we can create for you, be sure to schedule an appointment with us at our Orland Park, IL office or visit our website. To schedule with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, call us at (708) 444-8341 or visit www.drcynthiawong.com.