When to Replace Your Toothbrush

You may know when to replace your shoes, but do you know how often you should be replacing your toothbrush? With cold and flu season in full-force, Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics encourages patients to ditch the toothbrush after coming in contact with a virus to avoid spreading germs. This isn’t the only time during the year to replace your toothbrush, allow us to explain why.

Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months or the moment those bristles become frayed. Frayed bristles can cause abrasion to the gums and may make teeth more sensitive than they already are. A toothbrush should always be kept in a dry place facing upright so that the brush is able to air dry. Always keep your toothbrush away from others to avoid cross-contamination.  

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about night guards and all the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Orthodontic Wax

Whether you’re a new orthodontic patient, or a reaching the end of treatment, you’re likely to experience some wire pain with traditional braces. Once your braces are applied, Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics will gift you with orthodontic wax. Orthodontic wax protects the gums and the linings of your cheeks, and lips, to provide a comfortable barrier when the sharp end of the wire begins to irritate these areas.

Orthodontic wax is designed to fit easily into your pocket, purse, or backpack, so you can use it wherever and whenever you may need it. Because this dental wax is non-toxic, it’s no big deal if you accidentally swallow a piece. You should apply the wax to the area of discomfort, and remove it before brushing and flossing your teeth. Be sure to reapply the wax regularly, especially after meals, to prevent irritation from getting worse.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about night guards and all the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Palate Expansion

Orthodontic treatments are used to correct for many problems in tooth alignment, but sometimes, the problem is the arch of the jaw. If the upper (maxillary) arch is too narrow, there may not be enough room for all the teeth, or the patient may have a cross-bite, one in which some of the upper teeth close inside the lower ones. In these situations, extracting teeth is not the only option; there is also treatment with palate expanders.

A palate expander is a functional orthodontic device which fits in the roof of the mouth. It works by putting pressure on against the teeth with two movable parts which are connected by a screw. At regular intervals, the patient or their caregiver turns the screw, causing the pieces of the expander to move outward. Fixed palate expanders are attached to the molars, although there is a removable variety that works more like a retainer. This type of treatment is usually recommended for children and adolescents because their skull bones are still flexible enough to undergo the type of change caused by palatal expansion; adults may not be able to undergo it except for minor adjustments. Orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth may accompany or follow the use of a palate expander.

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

 

TMD-Fibromyalgia Connection

At Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park orthodontic office, we provide crucial assistance to people suffering from temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD or TMJD). Characterized by painful sensations in the joint which connects the jaw to the rest of the head, TMD can radiate outward and cause the patient to grind their teeth at night. Today, we’re looking at another disorder which has a high rate of comorbidity with TMJ: fibromyalgia.

One of the more poorly understood disorders, fibromyalgia causes fatigue and pain throughout the body. It is believed to be caused by a problem in how the brain reacts to input from the nervous system and can be triggered by trauma or illness. Besides TMD and the headaches, neck aches, and shoulder aches TMD causes, fibromyalgia also is associated with migraines, menstruation difficulty, and irritable bowel syndrome and can cause cognitive and memory problems for patients. As with TMD, women are likelier to get it than men, but fibromyalgia tends to show up in middle-aged people, while TMD more often occurs in young adults.

TMD poses a threat to patients’ oral health by causing teeth grinding and jaw clenching. If a patient’s TMD is related to fibromyalgia, it is even more important for them to reduce their pain, protect their teeth, and get better rest by getting fitted at our office for a customized night guard.

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

 

Dangers of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth are impacted, this means that they are lying under the gum and have yet to erupt. Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17-22, so if yours haven’t developed by then, Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics may suggest extraction. Extraction is recommended for impacted wisdom teeth because they put the patient at risk of infection and it usually does more help than harm to have them removed.

Impacted wisdom teeth increase a patient’s risk of infection and can also cause damage to surrounding teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth try to erupt, and while doing so, tend to push on surrounding teeth, causing them to be crooked and misaligned. Partially impacted wisdom teeth are harder to clean and because it’s easier for food to become stuck in these crevices, tooth decay or cavities may develop. Impacted wisdom teeth can additionally lead to periodontal disease and headaches. Schedule a consultation today to discuss if extraction is right for you.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth or tooth extraction, please give us a call. To learn more about night guards and all the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.