How Do Braces Fix My Teeth?

You understand why you’re getting braces, but do you understand how they work? Learning how your teeth are shifting make the obstacles that come with braces somewhat more bearable. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics can provide you with answers. Knowing what's happening assures you that you’re getting the best treatment available. Dr. Cynthia Wong is located in Orland Park, IL.

 

Braces apply pressure to your teeth, shifting the bones into their new positions. The brackets and wires keep this pressure constant. Brackets are attached to each individual tooth. They are bonded onto the front surface. They connect through bands, with the wire running between each of them. As your treatment progresses, the wire is eventually replaced with a heavier one. Altogether the provided pressure gradually moves the teeth at a fast pace.

 

Patients of all ages can receive braces. Children between the ages of eight to fourteen are the most common recipients. This is because its easier to move the teeth when a child is growing. It takes longer with adults, but the results are worth it.

 

How long you wear braces is entirely dependent on your body. The quicker your teeth move, the faster your treatment is. Most patients have their braces on between one to three years. Afterward, you will most likely receive permanent retainers, a removable retainer, or both.

 

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, visit our website or call 708-444-8341.

 

Dangers of Soda on your Teeth

At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics office in Orland Park, we encourage our patients to drink more water and less soda. Soda is unhealthy for your teeth because the bacteria in your mouth feed off of sugar to create acids.  When acid is created it feeds off your tooth enamel which is there to protect your teeth and leads to tooth decay.

To limit the amount of damage soda does to your teeth, we advise our patients to drink soda with a straw. Using a straw will limit the amount of sugar that rests on your teeth and causes harm. Every time you drink soda, the acid eats away at your tooth enamel for about 20 minutes. If possible, you should brush your teeth after drinking soda or rinse your mouth with water.  

Regardless of how much soda you drink, we want all of our patients to brush twice a day to fight tooth decay. If you quit soda and use a healthier alternative such as water or tea your teeth will be healthier and you will have your best smile!

To learn more about all of the services we provide, please visit our website at https://www.drcynthiawong.com/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341. 

Tongue Scrapers

Tongue scrapers are small dental appliances that can be used to scrape or clean your tongue. They are sold in most grocery stores in various shapes and sizes. They are a way to get rid of bad breath (halitosis). It can also help clear off a coated tongue. Dr. Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics recommends tongue scrapers for daily use in your oral hygiene routine.

 

When using a tongue scraper, place it at the back of the tongue and gently run it forward along your tongue. After each movement, rinse the scraper off with water and wash out your mouth. Do this for as many times as necessary. Coated tongues can be caused by smoking, dry mouth, yeast infections, medications, or poor oral hygiene. It is an accumulation of bacteria and dead cells on your tongue. A tongue scraper can get rid of these harmful pathogens. At the minimum, scraping your tongue at every meal can lead to positive results.

 

There are many benefits to using tongue scrapers besides an improvement in your breath. Some studies have shown daily tongue scraper use has lead to a heightened sense of taste. Because it scrapes off debris and bacteria, it can lead to an overall healthier mouth. Without bacteria, it is harder for cavities and other problems to arise.

 

Remember to be cautious when using the tongue scraper. Do not go too far back on your tongue. Be careful how much pressure you are applying and to where. You can accidentally cut the surface of your tongue if you aren't being careful.

 

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Wong, visit our website or call 708-444-8341.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a mouth rinse that is used to prevent cavities and acid from damaging your teeth along with fighting bad breath. Our staff at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics encourages our patients to add mouthwash to your daily oral health care routine. Fluoride is a mineral in mouthwashes that makes your teeth stronger and is resistant to decay caused by acid and bacteria. It can be difficult to get rid of all the bacteria and debris on your teeth with braces, which is why we recommend mouthwash to help keep your teeth cleaner.

A traditional over-the-counter mouthwash is usually for making your breath smell better. At Fresh Meadows Dental, we advise our patients to use fluoride mouthwash that will protect your teeth from cavities and acts as an enamel-protecting your teeth.

For you to benefit the most from mouthwash, we advise our patients to you use mouthwash at the same time every day to be the most effective. Remember to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after using.

Be sure to practice good oral hygiene, we want you to have your best smile!

To learn more about all of the services we provide, please visit our website at https://www.drcynthiawong.com/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.