Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety affects many patients.  An overwhelming fear of dentists or dental treatment can stem from negative experiences with dental procedures in the past.  Other patients have a sensitive gag reflex that always makes dental work dreadful.  Whatever the cause, Dr. Cynthia Wong does not want patients to delay treatment because of anxiety.  Over the years, her technique and gentle touch have helped many anxious patients feel as comfortable as possible.

The best way to ease any dental anxiety is to explain and discuss your fears with your doctor.  Once your dentist understands what your fears are, you are both better prepared to determine the best way to make you less anxious and more relaxed.   It is also important to ask your dentist explain every stage of a procedure or appointment. This way you can mentally prepare for what’s to come.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, give us a call so we ease your fear. 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.

When Braces Cause Pain

Dr. Cynthia Wong loves to see smiles transformed with braces.  But we all know braces are a long process and there is some pain and discomfort along the way.  Patients with braces often feel a little discomfort after their wires have been tightened, and patients with new braces usually experience some uncomfortable chafing as their mouth gets used to braces.  These are both normal occurrences and you can ease the pain while getting to your perfect smile!   

With a new set of braces, the insides of cheeks and lips will rub against the brackets and wires.  The soft tissue will toughen as your mouth gets accustomed to the braces, but at first it can create sore spots.  Dental wax is a great defense against this.  Just a small piece can cover the edge of a bracket and relieve any chafing.  After a set of braces is tightened a patient will also feel some pain and soreness.  The patient should eat soft foods right after a tightening if they are experiencing discomfort.  If the pain continues, over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil and Motrin are helpful.  Please still contact the office if you experience any extreme or long-lasting discomfort.

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

Tooth Sensitivity and Braces

If you cringe while eating an ice cream cone or a hot beverage, you may have fallen victim to tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can occur with or without braces, but if occurs with them, it may be attributed to internal or external factors. If your teeth are sensitive, Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics will need to see you for a consultation to determine the cause and discuss treatment options.  

Tooth sensitivity can be caused for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you grind or clench your teeth, or you aren’t brushing and flossing as you should be. Proper oral hygiene is essential in preventing pain from tooth sensitivity. However, if your teeth are sensitive because you’ve recently had braces applied, the sensitivity may only be temporary. If you experience any orthodontic discomfort of any kind, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Wong so that she can fix the problem.

If you have questions about orthodontic oral hygiene or our orthodontic options, please give us a call. To learn about 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.

Water Flossing

A little floss goes a long way when it comes to oral health. This is because it removes food particles that have been left behind after brushing. Flossing can significantly reduce periodontal disease and cavity-causing causing bacteria that leads to tooth decay but sometimes the act of flossing is difficult for a patient with orthodontics. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics suggests using a water flosser for those hard to reach places.

A safe, easy, and effective way to remove plaque around dental braces is to use a water flosser. A water flosser is a handheld device that sprays streams of water in steady pulses. Not only is this beneficial to patients with traditional braces, water flossers are also an option for people who have trouble flossing by hand. You should never get by on flossing alone. It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to reap the maximum benefits of a healthy mouth.

If you have questions about orthodontic oral hygiene, please give us a call. To learn about 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.

What is Invisalign?

Dr. Cynthia Wong has an orthodontic solution for every patient, and Invisalign may be what you’re looking for.  Invisalign is an invisible and removable alternative to traditional braces for adults and teens, and is recommended to correct mild to moderate spacing or crowding of the teeth.  Severely crooked teeth or a misaligned bite may require another method, so always consult your dentist. 

Straightening your teeth with Invisalign always begins with an examination to ensure you can expect positive results from treatment. Then, impressions or scans of your teeth are used to create a series of aligners customized to your teeth and treatment plan.  An average treatment plan with Invisalign might include around 20 sets of aligners and be completed in about a year.  Depending on your individual treatment plan, each set of aligners should be worn at least 20 hours a day for about two weeks. The aligners should be removed to eat, and to brush and floss.

To learn more about Invisalign and all 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.