Removing Braces

When it’s time for braces to come off, patients can’t wait to see their new smile!  Dr. Cynthia Wong has revealed many new smiles to her patients and we always look forward to the payoff.  But how are braces removed? Understanding this process is important for you to know what to expect and how to care for your teeth afterward. 

Removing braces is accomplished in one relatively painless visit, and each element of the braces is removed in reverse of the order it was applied.  This begins with removing the small elastic bands around each bracket with a small, hooked instrument.  Specialized pliers are then used to gently pull the wire away from each bracket and to help your dentist remove each bracket individually.  Once all components of the braces have been removed, you will still feel residue from the powerful adhesive on your teeth.  Once your teeth are polished and cleaned, this residue will be gone and you can enjoy your brand new smile!  If necessary, your dentist will discuss the need for a permanent or temporary retainer.

To learn more about the different orthodontic treatments available, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Cleaning Your Retainers

If you’re wearing a retainer, congratulations! Your orthodontic treatment has ended and you are on your way to having straight teeth for years to come. Dr. Cynthia Wong hopes you are wearing your retainers for the maximum amount of time, and if you are, they may seem cloudy or foggy in appearance. Here are some tips and tricks for cleaning them and bringing them back to life.

If you’ve been told that cleaning your retainer with a toothbrush will scratch it – this is a myth. In fact, brushing your retainer with a toothbrush is the only way to remove tartar that naturally builds up. Regardless of what type of retainer you have, it’s always best to keep them moist – either in the mouth or soaking in distilled water. You should never use harsh chemicals or boiling water to clean your retainers as this will damage them. If you feel like the at-home care routine isn’t cleaning them enough, bring them to our office and we’ll h help you clean them!

If you have questions or concerns about orthodontic treatment, 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.

Drink More Water

A healthy smile is just a sip away if you drink more water for your oral health. Our bodies are 60% water, so by consuming sugary beverages, we aren’t doing anything to improve our overall health. Sugary beverages like juice or soda pop may wash away food particles but they leave unwanted sugar behind on teeth.  Water cleans the mouth with every sip and Dr. Cynthia Wong is here to tell you why.

The cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth feed off sugars and produce acid that wears away enamel. Water dilutes these acids to keep your smile cavity-free. Additionally, human saliva has 99% water content, so when drinking water, you are preventing yourself from experiencing dry mouth and reducing your risk of tooth decay. Though drinking water helps you maintain a healthy smile, don’t forget to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and visit us for professional cleanings.

If you have questions or concerns about orthodontic treatment, 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.

Brushing and Flossing with Braces

The staff at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics wants patients to remember that brushing and flossing are important no matter what stage of orthodontic treatment you are in.  But how do you get the best clean with braces? Here are some tips!

• ·        Holding the head of the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gum line will help the bristles clean around the brackets most effectively.


• ·        Floss threaders and orthodontic floss help you thread floss underneath the wires of your braces.  Once you thread the floss underneath each wire, wrap your pointer fingers around each end of the floss. 


• ·        Rub the side of each tooth up to the gum line, and once you’ve removed the plaque and food particles, remove the floss the thread it underneath the next wire. 


• ·        If you feel flossing between your braces does not remove all the lingering food particles, you may be more effective with a water flosser.  Water flossers use a stream of water and pulsing pressure to clean between your teeth and any brackets or appliances.

To learn more about oral hygiene and all the services we provide at the practice, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.