Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is one of the most common reasons why people need orthodontic treatment. It is also a common habit among young children, so parents are often reasonably concerned about it.

Until the child’s permanent teeth start coming in, there is little cause for worry. Children’s skull bones are more flexible than those of adults, and while thumb sucking puts pressure on them, they can spring back. However, with the eruption of the first permanent teeth around the age of five, children’s faces start to solidify. After this point, continued thumb sucking will draw the teeth forward, resulting in an open bite, and they have a higher chance of being stuck that way.

An open bite makes oral hygiene difficult and may interfere with speech, which is why orthodontics is needed to correct it. If thumb sucking continues during or after orthodontic work, the patient will have a high risk of relapse. Because thumb sucking is often motivated by a need to self-soothe, it is best to include the child in developing strategies for breaking the habit. In extreme cases, assistance from a child psychologist may be necessary.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit DrCynthiaWong.com and send a message.

 

How Long Will I Need My Retainer?

Once you’ve completed the first portion of your orthodontic treatment, it will be important to continue keeping your appointments so that we can ensure your retainer fits properly. Teeth continue to shift around after braces are removed or Invisalign treatment is complete, so it is important for patients to wear a properly-fitted retainer to prevent relapse.

Ideally, patients will keep a working retainer for the rest of their lives. However, in most cases, they will not need to wear a retainer for twenty-four hours a day on a permanent basis. The exact amount of time they will need a retainer varies from case to case, but it will probably be for at least a year and is often for as long as they were undergoing orthodontic treatment. Corrections for gap teeth usually require the longest treatment, since they are the type of misalignment which has the greatest risk of relapse. While retainers should fit snugly, bring them in for adjustment if they are becoming tighter or you have difficulty getting them to fit right. Do not attempt to adjust them yourself.

Cynthia Wong, DMD, operates at 15614 S Harlem #B, Orland Park, Illinois, 60462. To contact her office, call 708-444-8341 or visit DrCynthiaWong.com and send a message.

 

Treatment for Worn Down Teeth

Your teeth are strong, but they are not invincible. Sometimes, teeth become worn down over time due to bad habits, health conditions, or dental trauma. When this happens, wear and tear on the teeth can be mild, moderate, or excessive. Fortunately, Dr. Cynthia Wong has cosmetic and restorative treatment options for all cases.

When a tooth becomes worn down, treatment is necessary to prevent further damage to the tooth. Because worn down teeth affect the tooth root, teeth may be extra sensitive. If more than the tooth’s surface has been damaged, Dr. Wong may suggest dental crowns or veneers cover the surface and improve the overall appearance of the tooth. If damage to a tooth’s structure is mild, dental bonding can be used to protect the tooth from further damage.

If you have questions or concerns regarding worn down teeth, 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.

Wisdom Teeth Headaches

With age, comes wisdom teeth and when wisdom teeth are impacted, they can cause throbbing in the back of the mouth, swelling around the jaw, and headaches. When wisdom teeth are impacted, this simply means that they are sitting comfortably (or uncomfortably) below the gum line. Just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean they aren’t causing problems. If you experience frequent headaches due to wisdom teeth, Dr. Cynthia Wong may suggest extracting them.

Frequent headaches that occur as a result of jaw pain are a warning sign that wisdom teeth may need to be extracted. This is because wisdom teeth that are pushing through but can’t erupt can put pressure on the jaw joint. If you are experiencing pain and swelling in the jaw, swollen and bleeding gums, or ear pain, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong to discuss extraction.

If you have concerns about wisdom teeth extraction, 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.