Causes of Gap Teeth

A common problem we provide correction for at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s orthodontic office in Orland Park is a gap between the top front teeth. Gaps are scientifically known as diastemas, and we want our patients to understand what causes them so they’ll better understand their treatment options.

One common cause is tongue thrusting. This can be a habit or something people do because they are unable to swallow properly. Either way, the pressure on the front teeth pushes them outward and apart, which can also cause an overbite. There are orthodontic devices which can discourage tongue thrusting which are usually used in conjunction with psychological therapy.

Gap teeth can also be caused by a large labial frenum. This means that the tissue that connects the inside of the upper lip to the gum is too large and is keeping the teeth apart. Fixing this requires reductive surgery to the labial frenum before orthodontic work can begin.

Most often, gap teeth are simply the result of the teeth being too small for the jaw. The older a person is, the more likely it is they will require braces or invisible aligners to fix this.

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.

 

Retainer Emergencies

If you haven’t worn your retainer for a while and when you go to place it, it doesn’t fit, this might be a problem for Dr. Cynthia Wong. Wearing a retainer as instructed is critical for keeping teeth in place after all that hard work from orthodontic treatment. The keys to avoiding problems with your retainer are simple, keep it in a safe place at all times, keep your retainer check appointments, and call us if a problem develops.

If you lose or break a removable or fixed retainer, call us immediately so that we can replace the appliance and get you back to maintaining a straight smile. Never place your retainer in a purse, or a pocket, unless it is in its appropriate container. If you have a fixed retainer, it’s possible for the wire to break after eating crunchy foods, or after nail-biting and other bad oral habits. Regardless of how your retainer breaks, Dr. Wong is here to fix it.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment or retainers, 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.

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

Here at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, our staff appreciates feedback from patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Tess and Cassi for this positive review, but we would like to thank them for being excellent patients. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“We love everything about Dr.Wong and her staff. We found them very professional, friendly, clean and prompt. Dr. Wong is always very accommodating. Thank you for everything, you were awesome!” – Tess and Cassi

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment or wish to leave a testimonial, 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.