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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

Invisalign

Invisalign are a clear, invisible alternative to traditional metal braces. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics provides patients with a free exam and consultation for Invisalign.

 

At your free consultation, Dr. Wong can answer any questions and concerns that you might have. She will then pinpoint the issues with your orthodontic alignment and potential for Invisalign eligibility. You’ll have the chance to see and feel for yourself what Invisalign is like. A rundown of what kind of results you should expect, and the cost and payment of Invisalign, are also included.

 

Patients that experience the best results from Invisalign only have mild to moderate spacing and crowding issues that need to be fixed. Unaligned teeth, or malocclusion, are also treatable through Invisalign. Malocclusion, when left untreated, can lead to periodontal disease and create stress on the teeth and jaws. This results in tooth decay, tooth loss, and an unsightly smile.

 

The Invisalign procedure itself will occur over various appointments. Invisalign works by shifting your teeth through multiple retainers. As your teeth shift, you will need to come in and receive a new retainer. These retainers are custom designed to fit you and your mouth. Invisalign are worn 24/7 and are only removed to eat, brush, and floss.

 

The benefits of Invisalign are comfortable and invisible orthodontics, allowing you to have the smile you deserve. Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, D.M.D. visit our website or call 708-444-8341.

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.

Adult Orthodontics

Dr. Cynthia Wong provides orthodontic care for adolescents and adults.  It is often recommended to start treatment on an adolescent patient once all the permanent teeth have come in, but adults can still get great results from orthodontic care.  There are several options for adults beginning orthodontic treatment, and the best one for you will depend on what needs to be corrected.

To correct bite issues and straighten teeth, the traditional braces method includes brackets on the teeth and connecting wires that are tightened over the course of treatment. Clear braces use the same method but the materials are tooth-colored to avoid a metallic look.  Accelerated orthodontics are applied to correct cosmetic issues in about six months. Severe misalignments and bite issues can’t be corrected in such a short time, but if your concerns are purely cosmetic, it’s a great option for a short treatment time that can completely transform your smile. Invisalign treatment is popular because of its almost invisible appearance.  A treatment plan consists of a series of clear aligners that straighten teeth over time.  Come see us and find out what will be best to correct your smile!

To learn more about all the orthodontic treatments 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.

Dry Mouth and Orthodontics

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is both uncomfortable and unhealthy. People undergoing Invisalign or traditional orthodontic treatment may be especially sensitive to anything that makes their mouths less lubricated, so we at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park orthodontic office want our patients to understand when they’re at risk and how to avoid it.

Saliva is produced by glands in the mouth and helps to keep it disease-free. Besides washing away food debris, saliva also helps the immune system by maintaining the mouth’s pH level. If the saliva glands are swollen, as can result from an autoimmune disease such as Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis, the patient will be at a higher risk for xerostomia and gingivitis.

Dry mouth can also be the result of something the patient consumes. Medications for ADHD and mood disorders are likely culprits, as are alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. Orthodontic patients may need to ask about switching medications that are imperiling their oral treatment. They may also try over the counter throat moisturizers or oral rinses that can be obtained with a prescription.

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.

 

American Diabetes Month

November is American Diabetes Month, and at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s orthodontic practice in Orland Park, we’re observing it by sharing information about how diabetes affects orthodontic treatment. People with diabetes are used to having to take extra care of their eyes and feet, and they also have to be especially vigilant about their oral hygiene. Diabetics are much likelier than other people to suffer from gingivitis and periodontitis. In turn, periodontal disease makes it harder to control glucose levels, creating a vicious circle.

People who have suffered periodontal disease often have lost gum ligaments and jaw bone tissue, causing their teeth to migrate. While these people would benefit from orthodontic treatment, they were formally considered poor candidates because of the added difficulty with oral hygiene caused by fixed appliances. But with the advent of Invisalign and better means of keeping blood sugar under control, that’s changing. Removable aligners allow people with diabetes to brush and floss normally, making it easier for them to fend off gingivitis. They also put less pressure on the teeth, which is accepted as preferable for this demographic. If you have diabetes, our office will work with you to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy at each visit and to schedule appointments for when you’ve eaten recently.

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.

 

Benefits of Invisalign

Crooked or misaligned teeth can not only diminish a person’s self-esteem, they can be detrimental to oral health. Wearing braces is an excellent way to correct the problem, but with so many options available, how do we know which one to choose? Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners that straighten teeth almost invisibly. Dr. Cynthia Wong is here to discuss further benefits of Invisalign.

Metal brackets and wires can cause irritation to the gums and oral cavity. Invisalign is removable, making eating and drinking as well as brushing and flossing, a breeze. Depending on the individual case, Invisalign treatment can take one year to complete. Since Invisalign is a planned process, you’ll know exactly what to expect during treatment. Anyone considering Invisalign should book an appointment with Dr. Wong as soon as possible.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic options or Invisalign, please give us a call. To learn more 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.

What is Invisalign?

Dr. Cynthia Wong has an orthodontic solution for every patient, and Invisalign may be what you’re looking for.  Invisalign is an invisible and removable alternative to traditional braces for adults and teens, and is recommended to correct mild to moderate spacing or crowding of the teeth.  Severely crooked teeth or a misaligned bite may require another method, so always consult your dentist. 

Straightening your teeth with Invisalign always begins with an examination to ensure you can expect positive results from treatment. Then, impressions or scans of your teeth are used to create a series of aligners customized to your teeth and treatment plan.  An average treatment plan with Invisalign might include around 20 sets of aligners and be completed in about a year.  Depending on your individual treatment plan, each set of aligners should be worn at least 20 hours a day for about two weeks. The aligners should be removed to eat, and to brush and floss.

To learn more about Invisalign and all the different orthodontic treatments available, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Mouth Sores and Orthodontics

Braces have improved a lot over the years, but traditional metal braces still have the ability to cause discomfort. When a dental appliance such as traditional braces, or even Invisalign, rubs against the cheek, mouth sores may occur. Dr. Cynthia Wong may recommend orthodontic wax to relieve irritation, but she can discuss treatment options with you if they become persistent.

Mouth sores can be quite painful, especially when talking or eating your food. To minimize the pain, you should always avoid spicy foods and foods with sharp edges such as chips, or crackers. If you have a loose orthodontic wire or a denture that doesn’t fit, you should contact Dr. Wong immediately to discuss your treatment options. Depending on the cause, Dr. Wong will adjust, reposition, or reattach existing wires or brackets. To ease the discomfort of your mouth sores before your appointment, you may want to take over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil or apply an over-the-counter topical anesthetic to numb the area.

If you suffer from persistent mouth sores, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

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.

 

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. 

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. 

Benefits of Clear Braces

Crooked or misaligned teeth not only look unsightly, they can also make cleaning the teeth difficult. As adults, we may want to fix this problem however, we grow self-conscious and we don’t want metal taking over our mouth. Conventional braces can be less than attractive, decidedly uncomfortable, and painful to wear for some people. Fortunately, Dr. Cynthia Wong is an Invisalign preferred provider and can also provide clear ceramic braces to help her patients avoid that metallic look.

The benefits of clear braces extend far beyond a pretty smile. Depending on which option is best selected for you, clear aligners such as Invisalign are barely noticeable and can be removed when necessary to help patients clean their teeth a lot better than they could with wires wrapped around them. Another added benefit of clear braces, in general, is that can prevent patients from the need to invest significant amounts of money in restorations in the long run. Overall, clear braces increase your self-esteem and allow you to straighten your teeth almost invisibly.

If you are searching to straighten your smile, give us a call to discuss your orthodontic options. To learn more about the services we provide, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

How Does Invisalign Move Your Teeth?

At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics we offer Invisalign as a modern approach to straightening teeth. If you decide to straighten your teeth without brackets or wires, these clear aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. We’re sure you’re probably wondering how plastic aligners can straighten your smile, so allow us to explain.

Depending on your individualized treatment plan that Dr. Cynthia Wong maps out for you, you will be given a specific number of aligners. You will swap out each aligner approximately every two weeks and each aligner is responsible for just one step of your treatment. Since each aligner shape represents a future arrangement of your teeth (not their current one), when it’s first worn it might not fit right in some regions.

When an aligner is worn, its “ill-fitting” region will apply a constant, gentle pressure to the teeth it encases. This pressure will gradually guide your teeth into an aligner that perfectly matches the aligners shape. As evidence of the movement it generates, you should notice a more relaxed fit and less pressure on your teeth. Each aligner straightens your teeth little-by-little until treatment is complete.

If you have questions about the Invisalign technique, give us a call. To learn more about the type of braces we provide at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Invisalign Braces in Orland Park, IL

If you want clear, comfortable, removable aligners instead of braces and wires-Invisalign is a great choice. Using a custom-made series of aligners for you and only you, Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth. Here at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, let us help you straighten your teeth the invisible way.

With Invisalign, the aligner trays are not only smooth and comfortable to wear, but they are also removable. That means you can continue doing all the things you normally would, from brushing and flossing, to eating whatever you like. With Invisalign, there are no metal brackets and no wires to tighten, because Invisalign is made up of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic aligner trays that you wear over your teeth. Here at the office, Dr. Cynthia Wong will take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth, which Invisalign will use to create a 3-D image of them.  From these images, Dr. Wong will map out a precise treatment plan, including the exact movements of your teeth, and tell you the approximate length of treatment.

If you are searching to straighten your teeth, give us a call to discuss your options. To learn more about Invisalign braces visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.