Retainer Care

Many orthodontic patients require a retainer at the end of orthodontic treatment.  Removable retainers are an easy step to take to preserve a straight smile. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics provides retainers for patients, and caring for your retainer properly is important so that it functions and lasts as long as possible.  A silly but common mistake people make with their retainers is trying to cut corners -- don’t try to clean or brush your retainer while it’s still in your mouth!  You can’t quickly scrub your retainer while brushing your teeth -- the retainer cannot be completely cleaned of debris this way, and toothpaste can also be abrasive to the plastic of the retainer.  Always remove your retainer before cleaning thoroughly with water and your toothbrush, and use a mild dish or hand soap to help clean off debris, never abrasive toothpaste.

You should clean your retainer daily, and also treat it weekly by soaking.  Soaking helps maintain the cleanliness of the retainer and keep it from drying out.  To soak the retainer, dissolve denture cleaning tablets in water or add a little baking soda to water to make a solution.  Storing your retainer properly is also important for its longevity.  Get in the habit of always using and carrying a case.  Many retainers have disappeared after being folded up in napkins!

To learn more about caring for your retainer, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Avoid Damage to Brackets and Wires

If you’ve completed orthodontic treatment without damaging your brackets or wires, then you may just be one of the lucky ones. Braces breakage is fairly common and often happens when people use their teeth as tools. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics encourages patients to avoid doing so because this will prevent unnecessary visits to the office.

Breakage of orthodontic appliances during treatment can be unfortunate, unnecessary, and aggravating. Though the braces are attached with glue, they are not indestructible. The best way to avoid breakage during treatment is to avoid hard and sticky foods such as candy, chips, popcorn, and jerky. Also avoid chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils and ice cubes. It doesn’t hurt to incorporate soft, healthy, foods into your diet. If your braces break due to a sports injury, contact our office immediately to have the issue repaired.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. To learn about 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.

Avoid Damage to Brackets and Wires

If you’ve completed orthodontic treatment without damaging your brackets or wires, then you may just be one of the lucky ones. Braces breakage is fairly common and often happens when people use their teeth as tools. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics encourages patients to avoid doing so because this will prevent unnecessary visits to the office.

Breakage of orthodontic appliances during treatment can be unfortunate, unnecessary, and aggravating. Though the braces are attached with glue, they are not indestructible. The best way to avoid breakage during treatment is to avoid hard and sticky foods such as candy, chips, popcorn, and jerky. Also avoid chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils and ice cubes. It doesn’t hurt to incorporate soft, healthy, foods into your diet. If your braces break due to a sports injury, contact our office immediately to have the issue repaired.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. To learn about 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.

Oral Care with a Floss Threader

A floss threader is a flexible, yet rigid plastic device used for passing dental floss under fixed bridgework, fixed retainers, or behind orthodontic brackets and wires. Floss threaders make flossing easier with these dental appliances and resemble large plastic “needles” that are effective in getting the job done. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics may give you some in your dental goody bag if you are visiting her for a routine tightening, or to have orthodontics placed.

To ensure the optimal health of your gums, Dr. Cynthia Wong recommends flossing at least once a day, but if you have traditional braces, it might be best to aim for twice a day. A threader is a simple, disposable tool that you can find in the dental care section of your local drug store. To use a floss threader, simply thread the floss into the eye of the threader. Once the floss has been inserted, the ends can easily be manipulated to floss underneath your oral appliance.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic oral care, please give us a call. To learn about 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.