Preserving the Tooth Extraction Site

Sometimes pulling teeth is a necessary procedure for overcrowding in the mouth or infection due to tooth decay. It isn’t a procedure to be taken lightly. Like wisdom teeth removal where they are located in the back of the mouth and sutures are used, the tooth extraction site essentially becomes an open wound, one that needs to be monitored and given time to heal. We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL understand that getting a tooth pulled isn’t very fun, but we are committed to making the procedure and healing process as comfortable as we can for our patients. 

If you ever think your healing process doesn’t feel normal, you should contact our office. Signs of complications include:

- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

- Severe nausea or vomiting

- Redness, swelling, or excessive discharge from the extraction site

- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills

Something else to keep in mind when removing teeth is what to do with that open space once it has healed. If a tooth is removed and nothing is done to the extraction site, your jaw bone will degenerate and change shape while the site heals. This can create problems in your bite and may affect chewing and speaking. Make sure you and your orthodontist come up with a plan to fill this space.

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.

 

 

 

Sugar and Your Teeth

We know it’s not something you want to hear or maybe you’ve heard it a thousand times before. But it’s true, sugar negatively impacts your teeth in a big way. We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL take pride in educating our patients about the importance of restricting sugary foods and drinks. It would be ideal to cut these out of your diet completely, but we understand that sometimes there’s nothing better than a crisp soda on a hot day. More attention should be paid to, say, how many sugary beverages you drink in a day or week. Is it really adding up? If so, consider restricting your intake for the sake of your teeth.

Sugar easily coats the surface of your teeth and attracts the “bad bacteria,” such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. These destructive bacteria feed on the sugar and disturb the natural pH of your mouth, to the point where the acidity is too much for your teeth. Over time, the enamel on your teeth is broken down little by little. This isn’t so good since tooth enamel cannot be replaced. Once that natural barrier is gone, it’s gone for good. Having braces speeds up this process if you do not practice proper measures of oral hygiene.

If you can’t give up sugar completely, then consider these tips to fight tooth decay:

- Watch what you eat and drink. Make sure to incorporate healthy options, such as fibrous vegetables.

- Restrict the sugar. Try drinking more water, your teeth will thank you (and so will your body).

- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing two to three times a day.

- Visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist will be able to take a closer look inside your mouth, monitor anything suspicious, and give your teeth a good professional cleaning. 

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.

 

Periodontal Disease

Did you know that it’s abnormal for your gums to bleed while brushing your teeth? Your hands shouldn’t bleed when you wash them, but many people seem to think that bleeding from the gums is normal. In actuality, this is a sign of an underlying issue. We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics dedicate our time and expertise in educating our patients about good oral health. Your Orland Park, IL dentist will help you achieve that smile you’ve been longing for.

If your gums are swollen and bleeding, these are signs of the beginning stages of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. The gums have been infected with bacteria-infested plaque, which is usually caused by poor dental hygiene or pre-existing conditions. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of the disease, where the teeth can actually be loosened and fall out.

Factors that increase your risk of periodontal disease include:

- Chronic stress

- Certain medications such as antidepressants, diuretics, high blood pressure meds, seizure-controlling meds, and calcium blockers

- Poor nutrition

- Fluctuating hormones

- Diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, inflammatory bowel disease, and HIV

- Teeth grinding

- Crooked or crowded teeth

- Tobacco use

- Genetics

- Poor dental hygiene, especially with braces on your teeth

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.

 

Fluorosis

Dr. Cynthia Wong treats patients of all ages at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, though a large majority are children and adolescents. Because of this, she often treats the dental phenomena known as Fluorosis. This occurs when a child is exposed to an abnormal amount of fluoride. The results are thin and white streaks on the teeth. Fluorosis isn’t harmful, but it does alter your child’s appearance. To learn more, visit our office in Orland Park, IL.

 

It’s important to note that fluorosis isn’t a dangerous or harmful condition. This isn’t a cause for concern. Children are the only ones at risk because fluorosis affects teeth that haven’t emerged from the gum line. Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in our water supply. It keeps teeth clean and healthy! It’s only recommended that a child is evaluated for fluorosis because it is a sign of a nutritional imbalance.

 

The best way to minimize a young child’s oversaturation of fluoride is through breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents breastfeed their child until it reaches the age of three. This is not possible or recommended for everyone. Breastmilk contains all the necessary nutritional elements that your child needs. Using formula increases your child’s risk of fluorosis. That’s because many types of formula require water. As mentioned, water is one of the largest sources of fluoride. You also need to pay attention to how much toothpaste you’re using. Your Orland Park dentist recommends brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they come in. Children under the age of three should never use more than a grain of rice worth of toothpaste.

 

Once a child reaches the age of three, they should start brushing twice a day. Being negligent of their dental care guarantees gum disease and cavities. Children don’t need more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste each time. Make sure they aren’t swallowing it after brushing. Using too much toothpaste or ingesting dental products is a surefire way to develop fluorosis.

 

At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, your child’s health is our top priority. If you are interested in learning more about Fluorosis or our orthodontic services, contact our office in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, visit her website or call 708-444-8341.

Broken Retainer

After your braces are removed, you will require some sort of retainer. This might be bonded, removable, or a combination. But what should you do if you break your retainer? You’ll need to reach out to Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics right away! It must be replaced immediately. Your retainer keeps your teeth in their new position, maintaining all your progress. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong as soon as possible. Contact her office in Orland Park, IL.

 

You might not notice right away when a bonded retainer is damaged. It’s one of the reasons you need checkups with your Orland Park orthodontist. No matter how careful you are, wear and tear put your retainer at risk. There are also hard foods and sports injuries too.

 

Do not try fixing your retainer by yourself. It needs to be repaired by an orthodontic professional only. You may cause more damage to the retainer, or even injure yourself. There are a few things that you can do while you wait. First, buy an over-the-counter nightguard. This works as a makeshift retainer for your teeth. It helps prevent your teeth from moving too majorly while you sleep. Make sure to avoid any harder foods too. These will damage your retainer even more.

 

Pay attention to any irritated or injured areas. Treating these early stops them from worsening. Try gargling with salt water to soothe these spots. You might also want to invest in an antibacterial mouth rinse too.

 

Straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment is a lifelong investment. Your retainer is what keeps it all together after! Contact Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics right away when your retainer is damaged. She is located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, visit her website or call 708-444-8341.

Getting Your Braces Removed

After all the appointments, discomfort, and pain, you’re finally getting your braces off! Congratulations! There’s no need to be nervous before your last orthodontic adjustment with Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics. It’s a straightforward and simple process. Just in case you are worried, your Orland Park, IL, orthodontist has put together this simple guide. Here is everything you need to know about getting your braces off.

 

The braces removal process is quick. It takes about an hour maximum. The best part is that it is completely painless! The only thing you’ll notice is a bit of pressure and some scrapping while finishing everything up. Your orthodontist clips off the brackets while a scrapper or polisher removes the adhesives from the surface of the teeth. After Dr. Wong finishes, your teeth will look brand new! The only thing you might notice is some white spots where the brackets were. These are easily treated though.

 

Almost everyone requires a retainer of some sort after removal. This is to keep your newly aligned teeth in place. Your teeth will be loose for a while so they need the support. The type of retainer and how long you wear it depends entirely upon your Orland Park, IL, orthodontist’s discretion. There are both permanent and removable retainers. With removable retainers, it’s recommended you wear them at all times in the beginning. Once your teeth set a bit more, you can start just wearing it at night. Dr. Wong will let you know when and how long you should be wearing it for.

 

After your braces are removed, care for your teeth just like you always have! Always brush twice a day for at least two minutes! You should also floss daily. Keep up with any followup orthodontic appointments and regular cleanings.

 

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

Treating Braces Pain

When the phrase “beauty is pain” was coined, it wasn’t used in reference to orthodontic care. But anyone who has braces would most likely agree! Braces are aligning teeth that are out-of-place. They are literally moving your bones, so some discomfort is expected. But what can you do when the pain gets out-of-hand? Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics has some tips for alleviating your discomfort. Located in Orland Park, IL, she provides you with top-tier orthodontic care.

 

Braces pain is split into two causes, internal and external. External pain is the irritation of the gums and soft tissues in the mouth from the orthodontic gear itself. This happens when the brackets and wires cut or rub the mouth. Over time, your mouth toughens in these vulnerable areas. Talk to your Orland Park, IL, orthodontist about products for relieving discomfort. Different over-the-counter products provide relief to cut or scrapped soft tissues. Internal factors, however, are caused by changes in the blood flow. This is from the orthodontic gear placing pressure on the teeth.

 

Pain relief is found through over-the-counter pain medications. These remove the aches stemming from pressure. Motrin or Advil are the best for this. There are also topical pain relievers you can try. Talk to your orthodontist for suggestions. Dr. Wong also recommends dental products that target oral aches. Try following this advice too! After an adjustment to your braces, try eating softer foods. This includes pudding, jello, pasta, and softer vegetables. You should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritation.

 

It’s also important to protect both your mouth and braces. A facial injury forces your braces towards your vulnerable areas. A trauma or fall to the face will knock or break wires and brackets. If you play sports, always wear a mouthguard.

 

If you are having problems with orthodontic pain or have suffered an injury, reach out right away to Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics. We are located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, visit her website or call 708-444-8341.

Orthodontic Emergencies

No matter how careful you are, orthodontic emergencies do happen. When these occur, contact Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics right away. Conveniently located in Orland Park, IL, Dr. Cynthia Wong will see you as soon as possible. Many of these emergencies are handled over the phone. The more serious troubles require an office visit. Just remember that there is no need to panic. Here are both minor and major emergencies and what you should do.

 

Minor emergencies are the ones handled over the phone. You won’t need to see Dr. Wong to fix these problems. Call our office and we will walk you through the issue. Discomfort is the main issue we hear about. As your braces move your teeth, there is bound to be some achiness. Invest in over-the-counter pain medication to relieve the pressure. Others find relief through warm salt-water rinses. There are also over-the-counter dental products that focus on pain relief. Another common emergency is minor wires that move out-of-place. Use a clean utensil, like a q-tip or tweezers, to push the wire into a comfortable position. You can also cover it in dental wax.

 

A major orthodontic emergency constitutes serious harm or danger to your mouth and braces. A situation we frequently encounter is broken or loose brackets. Call our office right away when this happens. If the orthodontic gear isn’t applied correctly, it won’t work. Your mouth is also at risk of getting seriously injured by the exposed sharp materials. If a piece of your braces falls out, do your best to locate it. Bring it with you to your appointment. Other major emergencies focus on injuries or facial trauma. These can happen from a hit to the face, sports, or even a fall. After being cleared of other injuries, we can fix any broken orthodontic gear.

 

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located in Orland Park, IL. We provide quality and family-friendly orthodontic services. Our goal is to keep you healthy and happy, with a smile that can’t be beaten! To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, visit her website or call 708-444-8341.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Maintaining good oral hygiene is of critical importance when a patient is undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you are pregnant, you may have noticed that you develop gingivitis and your gums bleed more easily. Although this is distressing, it is also expected. We at the Orland Park orthodontic office of Dr. Cynthia Wong pay especially close attention to pregnant women’s gum health to ensure that their orthodontic therapy will be completed on time and satisfactorily.

Pregnant women’s bodies produce large amounts of the hormone progesterone. This hormone triggers the growth of new blood vessels. Although it is necessary elsewhere in the body, it causes the gums to become especially sensitive and prone to swelling. Gingivitis occurs when oral bacteria produce acid as part of their metabolization process. When they have a lot of food available to them, they’ll produce and multiply more. The acid becomes stuck in the biofilm created by bacteria on the teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum recession.

If a patient with fixed braces suffers extensive tooth decay and instability, the orthodontic brackets may have to be removed prematurely. Patients must frequently use Christmas tree toothbrushes to push food debris out of their brackets and use threaders to loop floss around their wires. People with Invisalign must also brush and floss twice daily, and also brush the aligner. Pregnant women who are eating more should be aware that carbohydrates are easy for oral bacteria to digest, so they should be quick to brush away debris from crackers and similar foods. They can also combat oral bacteria by drinking more water and using nonalcoholic mouthwash.

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.

 

Oral Hygiene during Halloween

Halloween is always a challenging time for oral hygiene, but that’s especially true for people with traditional braces. People not only have easy access to sugary candy, but also sugary and acidic drinks. We’ve been in the orthodontic business for a long time at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park office, so we wanted to advise parents and patients on some of the pitfalls of Halloween treats and how to mitigate them.

There are two issues to beware of: exposure to sugar and impact on the structure of braces. Sticky candies can dislodge orthodontic elastics and wires; hard candies can break them. As alternatives, consider soft, chewy candies such as chocolates. These candies are still high in sugar and will need to be quickly brushed off the teeth, but the risk from sugar has more to do with the length of time it remains on teeth than the sugar content of the food. To ensure the teeth are not exposed to sugar for long periods, limit the consumption of candy and soda or cider to set mealtimes, when the mouth is producing more saliva and the sugar can easily be brushed away afterward. Drinking more water throughout the day will also keep the mouth clean of sugar and acid. Lastly, we want to remind patients that it is much easier to maintain oral hygiene with Invisalign, but brushing and flossing must still be done regularly and that people shouldn’t put their aligners back in while there is still sticky material trapped between their teeth.

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.

 

Treating the Causes of Gap Teeth

A gap between your teeth may cause you to whistle while you speak, or it may just make you self-conscious. Either way, we at the Orland Park orthodontic office of Dr. Cynthia Wong can help you correct it. But because gaps between the teeth (also known as diastema) can have a variety of causes, we may use different treatments, particularly for patients who are still children.

Children are especially likely to develop gap teeth if they suck their thumbs. If this is a coping behavior for severe anxiety, they may need help from a child psychologist. However, once the psychological problem is resolved, the gap and accompanying overbite can be fixed with traditional braces. Tongue thrusting is also a behavior that puts pressure on the teeth and is sometimes a psychological coping mechanism, but it could be caused by an involuntary muscle issue that would require help from an ear-nose-and-throat doctor to solve. A gap may also be caused by overly large connective tissue between the upper palate and the inside of the upper lip. This would push the upper central incisors apart and would require an oral surgeon to reduce the size of the connective tissue.

Many diastema are caused by the teeth simply being too small for the mouth. When there are not severe accompanying misalignments, such a gap may be closed with Invisalign. Once a gap has been closed, a patient will have to wear their retainer regularly and keep good care of their oral health, but if a gap does reappear, further Invisalign treatment can usually close it.

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.

 

Lip Protection in Cold Weather

As we enter another Chicagoland winter and the temperature drops, the air is retaining less moisture. Some people are already suffering from chapped lips. We at the Orland Park orthodontic office of Dr. Cynthia Wong know that this is especially irritating for people with fixed braces and wire retainers, who already have to be careful to control dry mouth. To help keep our patients comfortable and ensure their mouths won’t be damaged by their orthodontic treatment, we wanted to provide some guidance about lip protection.

The lips become chapped as moisture on them evaporates. Lip balm will seal moisture in, while licking the lips only adds more fluid to be evaporated. But not all lip balms are equal. Those that use spice as fragrance or flavoring, as well as those containing menthol, salicyclic acid, or eucalyptus could cause further chemical irritation. Instead, patients should stick to balm with sun-protective minerals such as titanium oxide and zinc oxide and that is made from a petroleum or mineral oil base. Balm will likely have to be applied throughout the day and before bed. Patients may also want to try placing small humidifiers where they sleep and other places where they have to spend a lot of time, such as at a workstation. They should also avoid long showers, which will cause further dryness.

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.

 

Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment

Oral hygiene is already important when it comes to a healthy mouth, but it’s even more important when the mouth is going through orthodontic treatment. There are more nooks and crannies when brackets are placed on the teeth, where food can be trapped and turn into plaque. Since Dr. Cynthia Wong specializes in orthodontic care, she takes pride in educating her patients about the importance of an at-home oral hygiene regimen. 

Patients with braces are at an increased risk for early stages of tooth decay and gingivitis if proper oral hygiene isn’t used. Dr. Wong recommends brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, as well as flossing, two to three times a day. You should be brushing in and around each bracket and wire, brushing in a circular motion where the gums and teeth meet, and brushing in a back and forth motion for the tops of molars.

Other things to consider during orthodontic treatment:

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  Pay attention to what you eat and drink. Sugary foods and drinks erode enamel and make the teeth more susceptible to tooth decay, especially if you aren’t brushing properly or regularly.

  
  


• 
  

  Certain foods can loosen, break or bend wires. To limit stress on your braces, avoid eating hard or sticky foods.

  
  

Remember, broken or bent braces means more appointments and a lengthier treatment time! Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. For more information on braces or orthodontic care, or to make an appointment, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.

 

Orthodontic Safety and Youth Sports

The fall sports season will soon be underway, which means now is the time for athletes to get fitted for mouthguards. As one of the south suburbs’ trusted orthodontic specialists, we at the Orland Park office of Dr. Cynthia Wong are especially concerned about children’s dental safety. It is vital for our patients to understand which mouthguard option will best preserve their orthodontic progress.

An Invisalign aligner is not a mouthguard, and patients will need to remove their aligner or retainer before putting a mouthguard in. Although mouthguards should be made of sturdy material, they should not cause obstructed breathing when fitted properly. The one-size-fits-all models available from athletic retailers are better than using no protection at all, but orthodontic patients may prefer boil-and-bite models. These oral appliances can be reshaped after each orthodontic check-up, allowing them to keep pace with the changes in a patient’s teeth’s position. They can also be shaped to accommodate traditional braces.

Student athletic associations generally require participants to have gotten their mouthguards refitted recently, and sports such as wrestling require participants with fixed braces to wear mouthguards on their upper and lower teeth. Like aligners and retainers, mouthguards and their cases need to be cleaned after each use. Cleaning instructions will vary by model, but unlike dentures and retainers, mouthguards and their containers should be kept dry to prevent the growth of pathogens.

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.

 

Preventing and Treating Impacted Teeth

When it comes to impacted teeth, the earlier the intervention, the better. Dr. Cynthia Wong is a long-trusted Orland Park orthodontist who regularly assesses children for risk of dental impaction. What this means is that we’re able to determine whether anything will prevent their teeth from erupting in the right place, and if so, what can be done.

People may be familiar with the concept of dental impaction from unerupted wisdom teeth. These are often treated late in adolescence by extracting them. But the wisdom teeth are not the only ones which may be stuck, and extraction is not always necessary. The upper canine teeth often push through the side of the maxillary ridge or are unable to erupt at all. If the patient is a teenager, we may be able to use orthodontic brackets and specially-shaped wires called ballista springs to guide the canines downward.

The bones in children’s skulls have not yet fused together, which allows them to undergo orthodontic procedures unavailable to adults. A procedure like guided canine eruption is unlikely to be successful in a person who has finished adolescence, but a child may not need it if they undergo palate expansion. With a specialized orthodontic appliance, the upper jaw can be widened, making more room for the adult canines and other teeth. It may also be possible to make room for unerupted teeth using ordinary braces if the potential for overcrowding is recognized early enough.

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.

 

Bad Breath and Oral Appliances

Has bad breath become a frequent problem for you since you started wearing a retainer? Do your orthodontic aligners taste foul? We at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park orthodontic office have seen a lot of patients with these problems. Halitosis isn’t just inconvenient; it also indicates that an oral appliance has become unsanitary. Therefore, we wanted to remind our patients of hygiene protocol.

Retainers and aligners need to be cleaned every day, and they should be cleaned with non-abrasive materials. Ordinary toothpaste contains fluoride, a mineral that strengthens natural enamel but can scratch soft plastic. Instead of using normal toothpaste, patients are better off soaking their retainers in white vinegar or baking soda to combat odor and using toothpaste specially made for dentures to combat plaque growth. They may also want to keep a separate toothbrush just for their retainer.

The retainer’s carrying case should also be cleaned frequently. Antibacterial soap is good for this, but the case will have to be thoroughly rinsed out before the retainer is placed inside. People who wear oral appliances also need to take care that their mouths don’t dry out, which they can do by drinking more water and using over-the-counter throat moisturizers.

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.

 

Combating White Spot Lesions

Good oral hygiene is always important, but when a patient has fixed braces, it is critical. We’ve helped a lot of people at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s orthodontic office to develop healthier smiles, but there are particular problems that many people struggle with during their treatment. Those are white spot lesions, the first sign of tooth decay, and they tend to occur around orthodontic brackets.

Enamel that has lost minerals looks unnatural. It has a chalky white appearance and commonly results from tooth decay. Although any natural teeth can develop white spots, teeth with orthodontic brackets glued to them are at much greater risk. White spots commonly develop within a month of the braces being placed. If the decay is allowed to continue, they may permanently scar the teeth and the brackets may have to be removed prematurely.

To prevent enamel erosion, patients are commonly treated with fluoride varnishes before orthodontic therapy begins. They have to be vigorous in their oral hygiene afterward, and we’ll be on the lookout for signs of decay during the first month of treatment when patients are getting used to using Christmas tree toothbrushes and floss threaders. Fluorinated toothpaste and mouthwash can provide additional protection. Once orthodontic therapy is complete, it may be possible to cover up scars associated with past infections.

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.

 

Dental Sensitivity and Hygiene

People with straight teeth have a much easier time keeping them clean. But until the braces come off, they have to be especially careful to keep their mouths free of food debris. One of the most reliable signs of tooth decay is sensitivity. If you’ve noticed a shooting pain in your teeth when you eat or drink something cold, we at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park orthodontic practice want you to understand why that’s a problem.

It is normal for people to feel pressure after their braces have been tightened. This sensation is noticeably different from the sharp pain that comes from biting into an ice cream sandwich. The inner pulp of our teeth contains a sensitive nerve and the outer layer of the crown, the enamel, is made up of hard minerals. In between them is dentin, a yellow-grey porous substance that heat is easily transmitted through. Although enamel is thick, cementum, the outer layer of a tooth root, is much thinner, leaving the dentin less insulated. When tissue has receded, the tooth roots will become very sensitive to temperature changes.

When enamel has been thinned by acid erosion, the dentin beneath may become visible. Acid erosion and gum recession are usually caused by oral infections. Acid reflux may also be a factor, although usually not in children. Patients who notice sensitivity should make greater effort to clean using a standard tooth brush, Christmas tree brush, and floss threader or super floss. They may also want to try fluoridated toothpaste to help their enamel remineralize and make sure they brush for two whole minutes during each session.

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.

 

Orthodontics and Cleft Palate

There are many reasons why a child might have overcrowded teeth, but one in particular requires close coordination between an orthodontist and an oral surgeon. Cleft palates have many implications for a child’s oral health. We can provide crucial treatment at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park office, and we want parents to understand how orthodontics will make a positive impact on their child.

Overcrowded, crooked teeth are difficult to clean. Children who have cleft palates suffer from especially high rates of tooth decay and are often unable to brush and floss thoroughly on their own until they are about nine or ten. Tooth decay is especially devastating during a child’s early years, since pain can disrupt their sleep, eating, and speech development. The misaligned teeth themselves can also make speaking difficult.

Oral surgeons may treat children by grafting bone tissue into the gap in their upper palates. But first, they often require the assistance of an orthodontist to use braces to move the child’s teeth out of the way. Children with cleft palates are usually referred to orthodontists early in life and aveolar bone grafts typically take place between the ages of eight and twelve. If a child is missing a permanent tooth, we may use braces to move their teeth to create room for an artificial crown.

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.

 

Dry Mouth and Braces

Nobody wants dry mouth, but it’s especially troublesome for people undergoing orthodontic therapy. We work hard at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park orthodontic office to make patients as comfortable as possible, and keeping the mouth lubricated is a major part of that. It’s also essential to oral hygiene, so let’s take a closer look at the effects of dry mouth.

Saliva neutralizes the acid produced by oral bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum recession. It contains enzymes that allow us to digest food and rinses the mouth of food debris, depriving oral bacteria of their food source. It also allows the lips to slide over fixed braces easily, reducing their risk of tearing. Dry mouth is officially known as xerostomia. It is common among smokers, people with autoimmune disorders, and as a side effect of medications and cancer treatment.

Simple ways of managing xerostomia include throat sprays and sucking on sugar-free candy. Some of these contain over-the-counter medication; prescription-strength xerostomia medications are also available. Orthodontic patients with dry mouth need to be especially vigilant in maintaining their oral hygiene. Patients undergoing Invisalign treatment may want to get a fluoride treatment. Our patients should also remember to stay hydrated and avoid sugary, acidic drinks such as soda and citrus juice.

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.