Dr. Cynthia Wong

Showing posts with label IL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IL. Show all posts

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Different Kinds of Braces


We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics are excited to offer our patients three types of braces: clear braces, traditional braces, and Invisalign®. It is now common for patients of all ages to undergo dental work to straighten their smile. While in some ways a rite of passage for kids entering their teen years, adults who have never had braces are taking on the commitment.




Sometimes we all want to look our best, even during the process of straightening our smiles. Changing the layout of your teeth takes time. Dr. Wong offers clear braces, made from translucent ceramic to match the color of your teeth, for adults who wish for their braces to be less noticeable. Traditional braces are the standard for kids, and are made with exceptionally strong metals and are metallic colored. Kids can even choose different colored rubber bands for that extra pizzaz!




Invisalign® is a clear and comfortable alternative to braces, should you be a candidate for it. The teeth are moved gradually through a series of custom-made aligners. The aligners are virtually invisible, allow you to eat what you want, removable and promote less gum irritation. To see if Invisalign® is right for you, Dr. Wong offers a free, professional exam and consultation during which all your questions can be answered. 



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


 


 



Thursday, September 26, 2019

Uneven Jaw


If you have an uneven jaw, you may have some difficulty or pain associated with eating, sleeping, talking, or even breathing. In some cases, an uneven jaw can be treated with physical therapy, braces, retainers, but in severe cases, oral surgery may be necessary. We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics want to make sure that our patients live a pain-free life. Dr. Wong specializes in orthodontic treatment and can assess the severity of an uneven jaw, and recommend a course of action.




Signs that you may have an uneven jaw:






  • Temple pain




  • Jaw joint pain




  • Jaw clicking




  • Tight jaw




  • Shoulder or back pain




  • Popping in the ear




 


Some causes of an uneven jaw include jaw trauma, birth defects or teeth misalignment. For temporary relief, ice or an over-the-counter pain reliever can be used. But if you are experiencing extreme pain in your jaw, it is recommended that you see your dentist as soon as possible. Though most cases of uneven jaw can be treated with dental appliances or exercises, surgery may be required.


 


 Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. To schedule a checkup or for more information, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.


 


 



Thursday, September 19, 2019

Bruxism and Night Guards


Night guards are placed in the mouth as a sort of “cushion” during sleep to prevent someone from grinding and gnashing their teeth together, though some patients do this consciously during the day. Also called bruxism, grinding your teeth damages enamel, wears down teeth, causes jaw pain and can irritate your gums. If you think you are grinding your teeth, contact Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics to see what you can do to stop it. 




Severe bruxism can lead to tension-type headaches and disorders in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), where a clicking noise can be heard when you open and close your mouth. Bruxism has also been seen in quite a few children. According to WebMD, “approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth.”




There are several factors that increase the chances of grinding your teeth:






  • Stress and anxiety




  • Age (though common in children, bruxism goes away by adulthood)




  • Aggressive or competitive personality type




  • Psychiatric medications




  • Smoking tobacco




  • Consuming caffeine and alcohol




  • Family history of bruxism




  • Other disorders such as Parkinson's, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, night terrors, sleep apnea and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)




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


 


 



Saturday, September 14, 2019

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:






  • 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.


 



Thursday, February 14, 2019

Cleaning your Braces

At Dr. Cynthia Wong, DDS, we advise our patients to maintain good oral hygiene with braces even though it can be difficult to clean your teeth. Braces are an additional place for plaque, food debris, and acid to collect and damage your teeth and gums. Cleaning your teeth with braces takes considerably more time but is important to keeping your teeth healthy while you have them.


When it comes to brushing your teeth with braces, make sure you brush at a 45 degree angle at the gum line and on the surface of your teeth. We suggest our patients brush the top and bottom of the bracket along with the front to remove plaque.


Flossing is important with braces because there are so many places for plaque to build. We encourage our patients to floss daily with braces to prevent cavities and tooth decay. If you find it challenging to floss with braces, soft picks are a good alternative to traditional flossing.


Don’t forget, any food you eat has a chance to get stuck and around in your braces. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene care so that you have a beautiful smile!


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

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Diet with Braces

When our patients get braces, we advise them to avoid eating foods that can cause damage to your braces. Foods that are hard, sticky, and chewy can cause damage to the wires, bracket, and rubber bands. Hard foods such as nuts and chips should be avoided to prevent damage while sticky foods such as caramel and gum can get stuck to your braces and cause damage.


At Dr. Cynthia Wong, DDS, we encourage our patients to follow a diet that contains softer foods that are less likely to damage your braces. Foods that are safe to eat include dairy, meat, fruit (soft), vegetables (soft), bread, and seafood. Any vegetables or fruits that are harder should be cut up into smaller pieces.


After patients get their put braces put on and later tightened, your teeth will feel sore for a couple of days. During this time we recommend our patients stick to the softest foods possible that require as little force to chew as possible to prevent soreness.


Don’t forget to practice good oral hygiene with braces to keep them as clean and healthy as possible!


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

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Causes of Crooked Teeth

Although everybody wants to be born with straight teeth, this is not the case for most people. The majorities of people have some crooked teeth and require braces or invisalign to straighten their teeth. At Dr. Cynthia Wong, DDS, we want our patients to understand why your teeth may be crooked and the solutions.


A possible reason for your teeth being crooked is crowding which happens when there isn’t enough room in your mouth to fit all of your teeth. With no room for your teeth to fit naturally, your teeth can rotate or become displaced.


Other causes of crooked teeth can include thumb sucking and losing your baby teeth prematurely. Children that suck their thumb when their permanent teeth are developing can push the teeth forward and cause crooked teeth. If your children's baby teeth begin to fall out prematurely, the development of their permanent teeth can be altered as well.


Regardless of your age, braces and invisalign are the best solutions to fixing your crooked teeth. We encourage our patients with children to come in for a consultation to see if their children need braces. Research has shown that fixing orthodontic problems are easier when their mouth is still growing and is flexible.


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

National Children's Dental Health Month

Every February is National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health for children. At Dr. Cynthia Wong, DDS we encourage our patients to bring their children in for a free consultation to see if their children need braces.


Children need braces when their teeth are crooked or if there is crowding. When their teeth don’t have room to grow in naturally, they will begin to shift and become crooked. At our practice we offer a variety of options for braces for your children.


There are a few options for your children to choose from outside of traditional braces. We offer clear braces which are translucent and make it hard to notice you have braces at all. An alternative option to traditional braces is removable aligners called invisalign. Invisalign braces use clear aligners to straighten your teeth. The benefits to invsalign are they are comfortable, removable and are less irritable on gums.


During this month we want your children to be aware of the importance of oral health care including braces to make sure they have the best smile!


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

Saturday, June 17, 2017

Why Not to do Orthodontics Yourself

It was nearly a year ago that the American Association of Orthodontists released a public service announcement warning people not to attempt to do orthodontic work on themselves. That warning is back in the news following a study by the Association, released in February of this year, finding that thirteen percent of its members have treated a person who tried to straighten their own teeth through unprofessional methods. These practices are much more likely to do severe damage to a person’s teeth than they are to help them.


One of the purported benefits of DIY orthodontics is that it works faster. But the reason professional orthodontics is slow is not because the patient is being milked for money, but because there is a careful balance to maintain in moving teeth through other bones without making them come loose. Teeth that are moved very quickly could easily migrate back or fall out completely. DIY guides also frequently encourage people to use bonds without cemented brackets to keep them from sliding into their gum pockets. The bonds are also frequently of a biodegradable material which will rot in the user’s mouth while strangling their teeth.


Our office offers free initial exams and consultations. Orthodontic treatment is an investment—it prevents a lifetime of dental problems resulting from a bad bite, but only when overseen by an expert.


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


 

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Why Our Teeth Can't Fit in Our Mouths

The human body is far from perfect, but people may justifiably be perplexed as to why so many of us require orthodontic work and wisdom teeth extraction. Why would nature cause us to have such overcrowded and misaligned teeth? Well, the short answer is, it didn’t. A number of studies in recent years, including one published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2011 and one in Plos One in 2015, found that an agricultural lifestyle has caused modern people to have underdeveloped jaw bones which aren’t big enough for our teeth.


The earlier study established that people in agricultural societies tend to have more malocclusions than non-agricultural people. This is widely believed to be because a diet of soft foods, such as grains, during childhood causes people to not develop as large jaws, but tooth size remains controlled by genetics. The second study found that people in agricultural societies not only have smaller jaws, but differently shaped ones from hunter-gatherers and pastoralists, and that the change occurred piecemeal throughout the world as different civilizations adopted agriculture. Agricultural peoples’ jaws are shorter in length and depth, resulting in overcrowding and incomplete eruptions.


So it seems that a dependence on orthodontics is the trade-off for reliable food.


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


 

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Types of Teeth

At Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park office, we often educate patients about why their misaligned teeth are causing them problems. Therefore, we thought we’d offer this run-down of the types and purposes of teeth.


Adults naturally have thirty-two teeth, with sixteen in each jaw. Per jaw, there are two pairs of incisors, one pair of canines, two pairs of premolars, and three pairs of molars. The backmost molars are called wisdom teeth, but they are functionally the same as the other molars.


Incisors are the front teeth and are used to tear food and form most consonants. They are further divided into central and lateral incisors. Canines are the pointy teeth next to the incisors which are used for piercing food. They often have difficulty erupting from the gum line, which is why orthodontic devices are used to guide them into place.


Premolars and molars are used for chewing. Their surfaces are made up of indentations in between cusps. Some premolars and molars, especially the wisdom teeth, are often removed so that they will not cause overcrowding. Orthodontists place brackets on the back molars to secure the arch wires which bind all the other teeth.


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


 

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Orthodontics for Cerebral Palsy Patients

A long-standing problem in orthodontics was that people with cerebral palsy were among those who would most benefit from malocclusion correction but were not considered good candidates for traditional braces. However, the rise of invisible aligners, such as Invisalign, has made it much easier to provide care for these patients.


People with cerebral palsy commonly suffer from misalignment problems which cause them to produce too much saliva, not be able to chew safely, and sometimes even prevent them from closing their mouths. As with other patients, tooth overcrowding also makes oral hygiene difficult. Traditional braces require even greater attention to oral hygiene, which people with cerebral palsy often cannot do for themselves and which caregivers may struggle with.


However, overcrowding is one of the problems which Invisalign is best suited for. The removable aligners make oral hygiene much easier and are generally considered much more comfortable and less prone to accidents. Invisalign cannot be used to correct the most severe cases of malocclusion, but if a child with cerebral palsy begins a treatment plan at a young enough age, a great deal of dental stress for patient and caregiver may be avoided in the future.


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


 

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Dental Supplies for Braces

Brushing and flossing with braces will take some extra care to ensure you are doing a good job. Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics of Orland Park, IL wants patients to know how to take proper care during their orthodontic treatment. Check out some of the dental supplies that will help you do that!


 


Floss Threaders


Floss threaders are loops that help you get the floss under your wires quicker and easier. They look like a sewing needle with an eye at the end, but larger. Many patients enjoy using it because flossing with regular floss can be time-consuming and tedious.


 


Superfloss


Superfloss refers to a brand of floss that has a stiff end that makes it easy to get underneath wires. It also has a patch of thicker floss to better remove plaque.


 


Interdental Cleaners


These are tiny brushes that are able to get underneath wires. These make it so it is possible to brush the sides of brackets. Without an interdental cleaner, a regular toothbrush will miss much of the plaque that surrounds the brackets.


 


Be sure to take extra-special care of your teeth while you wear braces to keep away cavities and uneven staining. To schedule your next appointment at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call our office at (708) 444-8341 or visit our website, www.drcynthiawong.com

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Invisalign vs Braces

When it comes to options for straightening your teeth, there is often a clear favorite (pun intended). Invisalign is a clear, nearly invisible tray aligning system that we offer patients here at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL. Many patients prefer Invisalign over traditional braces for great reasons.


 


Invisibility


One of the major advantages Invisalign has over traditional metal braces is the invisibility. Invisalign is made of clear aligners, so they are nearly invisible. Many people will not even notice you are wearing them. Braces consist of metal brackets and wires that cannot be hidden.


 


Convenience


Another major reason why patients choose Invisalign over braces is the convenience factor. Invisalign aligners are able to be taken out for eating and dental hygiene. This means you do not have to avoid certain types of food like you do with braces. It also means you do not have to spend extra time brushing and flossing with special supplies. You can brush and floss normally.


 


Comfort


The smooth plastic trays are also more comfortable than metal braces, so the calluses and irritated spots that braces cause are less likely.


 


If Invisalign sounds like the right choice for you, set up a consultation with us! To schedule your appointment at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call our office at (708) 444-8341 or visit our website, www.drcynthiawong.com

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

How Does Grinding Make Teeth Sensitive?

Sensitive can make brushing unpleasant. It can even make you want to skip your favorite drinks or foods. While there are a few different reasons that teeth can be sensitive, a common reason is grinding. At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, we can provide our patients with night guards so that they can protect their teeth while they grind at night.


If you are experiencing sensitivity to your teeth, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist to make sure it isn’t a cavity or an infection. If you suspect you grind your teeth at night or have been told that you do, schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics. Night grinding and clenching is a common occurrence and it often creates sensitivity. This is because the constant pressure and grinding of your teeth begin to wear down enamel. When enamel is worn down, the dentin is exposed. Dentin is what makes up the center of our teeth and it contains tiny tubes that lead to the nerves of our teeth. When this dentin is exposed, the nerves are exposed and you feel pain. This is what makes it uncomfortable to brush your teeth and eat/drink hot and cold foods/drinks. Changing your behavior can help stop the grinding. In addition, we can make you a custom night guard to protect your teeth.


To learn more about the custom night guards we can create for you, be sure to schedule an appointment with us at our Orland Park, IL office or visit our website. To schedule with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, call us at (708) 444-8341 or visit www.drcynthiawong.com

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Fighting Bad Breath

Along with keeping oral care for a nice smile, it is also important for keeping fresh breath. If you deal with frequent bad breath, keep reading for some tips! Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics of Orland Park, IL wants all of their patients to practice good oral hygiene.


Bad breath is caused from bacteria in your mouth. There are certain kinds of bacteria that cause odor and the foods we eat can contribute to them. Foul-smelling breath can also be worsened by a dry mouth, as bacteria thrive in dry mouth conditions.


In order to keep bacteria at bay and your breath fresh, make sure to keep a clean mouth and stay hydrated. Brushing two or three times per day and flossing once per day will keep plaque and debris away. When brushing, make sure to hit all the surfaces of your mouth, especially your tongue. The tongue has hair-like taste buds where bacteria love to hide. Keep hydrated by getting in your daily water recommendation every day. It’s a good idea to mark a water bottle with times of the day so you get even hydration.


Avoid drinks that dry out the mouth like alcohol and caffeine, especially if you have an event you want fresh breath for, like if you will be sharing an elevator, a car, or have a date. If you do need a boost of caffeine, try green tea. It still has caffeine, but it hydrates you and has properties that fight bad breath bacteria!


To have fresh breath and keep it, oral hygiene is very important! To schedule an appointment at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics of Orland Park, IL, call our office at (708) 444-8341 or visit our website, www.drcynthiawong.com

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Avoiding Cavities While Wearing Braces

Wearing braces unfortunately means that there are more places for bacteria to hide. This is why it is important to keep good oral hygiene, especially while wearing braces. At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, we want to advise our patients about proper oral care while wearing braces to avoid unwelcome cavities.


Cavities happen when bacteria sit on a tooth long enough for the enamel to start decaying. Sugar is a huge cavity-causer; therefore, your first tip is to avoid consuming sugary foods and drinks all day. It is okay to have a sugary snack or drink once in a while, but making it a staple of your diet is a bad idea for both your teeth and your health. If you do choose to have some candy or a pop with lunch, be sure to rinse your mouth afterward and brush your teeth when you can.


The most important rule of keeping cavity-free teeth is brushing and flossing. Make sure you are brushing two to three times per day, including after meals, and flossing once per day. It will help to have braces-friendly dental supplies on hand to make the job easier.


Straight teeth have many health benefits for the mouth; however, if poor oral care is taken, it can lead to some nasty cavities. Take our tips for good care! To learn more about Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics here in Orland Park, IL, call our office at (708) 444-8341 or visit our website, www.drcynthiawong.com

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Avoiding Staining While Wearing Braces

When you get your braces off, you are going to have a wonderfully straightened smile. Many patients cannot stop smiling the day they get their braces off! However, with poor dental hygiene, sometimes the day the braces come off can reveal some uneven staining. At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, we want all of our patients to know how to take good care to avoid staining with braces. Keep reading for our tips!


 


Keep it Clean


Be sure that you are brushing and flossing as often as you are supposed to. This means brushing in the morning, before bed, and after meals. You will also need to floss every day. While wearing braces, you will need some special supplies to take good care of your teeth.


 


Use Special Dental Supplies


There are tiny tree-shaped brushes called interdental cleaners that should be used to brush the sides of the brackets under the wires. These are important so that plaque does not build up around the brackets. A regular toothbrush can be used to brush along the tops and bottoms of the brackets. You will also want threaders that can be used to easier flossing.


 


Watch out for Stain-Causers


Dark foods and drinks are able to stain teeth if they are consumed frequently. Although they can stain teeth slowly over time, since you are most likely wearing braces for at least one year, you will want to make sure you are paying attention to these stain-causers. Examples are coffee, cola, blueberries, and beets. Drink dark liquids through a straw, limit the amount of dark foods and liquids consumed, and rinse your mouth after consumption.


 


Braces create a beautiful smile and healthy teeth. Make sure your beautiful smile stays beautiful after braces by keeping these tips in mind. To schedule an appointment at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call our office at (708) 444-8341 or visit our website, www.drcynthiawong.com

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Propel Orthodontics for Faster Treatment

As technology advances, we like to advance with it to provide our patients with the best care possible. At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, Dr. Cynthia Wong utilizes Propel Orthodontics to speed up orthodontic treatment time.


Propel Orthodontics is the method of using a minimally invasive device to create micro-osteoperforations in a patient’s gum tissue and bone tissue surrounding a tooth. This actually stimulates the patient’s biology to speed up the movement of the teeth.


When the perforations are made, the body responds by increasing blood flow and cytokine to the area. This allows the tooth to move quicker in response to the pressure the braces are continually applying. The perforations are micro, so the patient can continue their day afterwards as they would normally.


Since the patient’s teeth are moving faster, this equates to reducing the overall treatment time and results in fewer appointments. Propel Orthodontics can be added in combination with either braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. Propel can also be used from the beginning of treatment or added in at any time.


Straightening teeth creates a beautiful and healthy smile. To learn more about the orthodontics we provide here at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, give our office a call at (708) 444-8341. More information can be found on our website, www.drcynthiawong.com

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Bad Habits to Kick While Wearing Braces

When wearing braces, it is important to steer clear of a few habits that may delay treatment. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL wants her patients to know which habits to kick to the curb for healthy treatment.


Biting Fingernails and Other Non-Food Objects


Biting your fingernails is already bad for your teeth, but when you bite them while wearing braces, it could create enough pressure to cause one of your brackets to break or pop off. Even if the brackets remain intact, the pressure will make the braces less effective, therefore delaying treatment. This rule also goes for biting on pen caps, pencils, water bottles, etc. Just stick to biting food!


Hard or Crunchy Foods


Okay, so we said to stick to food. What you really should do is stick to the right foods, and avoid some of the others. Hard foods like popcorn, bagels, and raw carrots are common culprits for popping off brackets. In addition, skip the sticky stuff like chewing gum and caramels.


Brushing Too Hard


Many people think they need to apply force and really scrub their teeth to get them clean. However, all it takes is a light touch with a soft toothbrush. Scrubbing hard is not only bad for your gum tissue and enamel, but it can cause damage to a bracket or wire.


Your Daily Pop


Pop is filled with sugar that can hide in between teeth and around your brackets! Pop is also very acidic, so drinking it frequently can contribute to worn down enamel. Frequently drinking dark colas can also stain your teeth and while you have brackets on, the staining won’t reach that area of the teeth. It could result in some uneven staining. Stick to keeping pop as a treat instead of a staple in your diet.


To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call us at (708) 444-8341 or visit our website, www.drcynthiawong.com