What are Clear (Ceramic) Braces?

Orthodontic braces serve to reposition your teeth and may be necessary if you suffer from an overbite, misaligned teeth or a misaligned jaw. All types of dental braces rely on a metal arch wire that applies steady pressure to move teeth. The wires attach to the teeth with brackets, and the material of the bracket varies according to the type of braces selected. Here at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, Dr. Wong suggests ceramic braces so that the brackets blend into the tooth and are virtually invisible except for the arch wire.

Clear (ceramic) braces are composed of ceramic brackets (rather than metal) that are attached to each tooth. Because the brackets match the color of your teeth, ceramic braces are less noticeable and beneficial for those who want to correct their bite or misalignment but worry about their appearance during the process. The greatest benefit of clear braces is that your teeth won’t have that metallic look. In addition, clear braces are specifically designed so that they won't stain or wear over time.

If you are searching to straighten your smile give us a call today to see if you're a candidate for ceramic braces! To learn more about clear braces, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Traditional Braces in Orland Park, IL

Here at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, traditional braces are the standard among patients looking to straighten their smile. They’ve been around for years, but have since gone through some cosmetic upgrades. Especially after all of the improvements, they still remain the most trusted form of adjustment for orthodontists today.

Dental braces are used to straighten crooked teeth, align upper and lower jaws, improve the aesthetics of smiles and faces, and relieve pressure on temporomandibular joints. With traditional braces, metal brackets are the sturdiest option, which means less chance of damage to the appliance and less time spent in the orthodontist’s office.  To apply traditional braces, Dr. Cynthia Wong will thoroughly clean and dry your teeth. Next, she will apply the bonding glue to your teeth and attach the brackets. Finally, Dr. Wong will place the archwire in the brackets and secure them with elastic bands. Getting them on doesn't hurt, but your teeth and mouth will be sore afterwards. Most people want a great smile and many say that the payoff is worth the temporary inconvenience and expense of braces.

If you are searching to straighten your smile, give us a call today so we can discuss in more detail about getting you that perfect smile. To learn more about traditional braces visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341. 

Do You Need a Night Guard?

During the day, a person who is concentrating on a task will often place his teeth together and apply force through a contraction of the jaw muscles. This is commonly associated with the daytime tasks of lifting heavy objects, driving, reading and writing. During sleep, it presents as clenching and rhythmic contractions. If you frequently wake up with a sore jaw, a dull headache or tooth pain, you may want to ask Dr. Cynthia Wong if you are suffering from a condition called sleep bruxism.

Bruxism can erode enamel, making your teeth vulnerable to tooth sensitivity. The best way to protect your teeth and prevent tooth wear and fracture is to wear an occlusal appliance, such as a night guard. Here at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics we can provide you with a custom night guard. Wearing a custom night guard provides a tough protective layer between your teeth which prevents destruction of your irreplaceable tooth enamel which also cushioning your jaws to ease daily muscle pain.

If you are waking up every morning with pain around the cheeks, give us a call to discuss your treatment 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. 

What is TMJ/TMD Syndrome?

 

Your temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, which are in front of each ear. This joint allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side, so you can talk, chew, and yawn. Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to a variety of conditions that affect TM joints, jaw muscles and facial nerves. Here at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, Dr. Cynthia Wong can help diagnose you and provide relief for your symptoms.

The main symptom of a TMJ disorder is pain in the jaw joint. Although the causes of TMJ syndrome are not completely understood, the causes may include: misalignment or trauma to the teeth or jaw, teeth grinding (bruxism), poor posture, stress or anxiety, excessive gum chewing, or arthritis and other inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders. Part of the dental examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving.

If you are waking up with jaw pain, or experience clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing your mouth, give us a call to discuss your treatment 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. 

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.