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.

 

Digital X-Rays

The advancements in dental technology have now made it easier for dentists to deliver efficient care and diagnoses to their patients. One such advancement is digital x-rays, which are becoming a staple in dental practices all over the country. We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics are always looking to stay up to date with the latest technology, products, and treatments. Digital x-rays allow dentists to look more closely at your teeth than ever before!

A digital x-ray takes an image of your teeth and puts it into an imaging program. With special tools exclusive to this imaging program, your dedicated Orland Park orthodontist can take a closer look at your teeth with impeccable accuracy. Digital x-rays emit eighty percent less radiation than a standard x-ray since they are actually sensitive to radiation. This is a great benefit to the patient since the patient is exposed to less radiation. Digital x-rays can be classified as intraoral (inside the mouth) or extraoral (outside the mouth), though intraoral x-rays are the most commonly taken.

Intraoral x-rays allow us to:

- Observe the status of developing teeth

- Monitor tooth health

- Look at the tooth roots

- Find cavities

- Check the health of the bony area around the tooth

- Determine if there are signs of periodontal disease

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.

 

How Do Braces Fix My Teeth?

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Damon Braces

As an adult, choosing the type of orthodontic treatment that's right for you is a life-changing decision and this is why it’s essential to know what type of teeth-straightening options are out there. At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, Damon Braces are a type of orthodontic appliance that uses advanced shape memory wire and tie-less brackets to move your teeth into position without tightening.

With Damon Braces, you don’t need elastic or metal “ties” that create friction and pressure that slow treatment time and cause discomfort. Damon “tie-less” braces and advanced shape memory wires gently move teeth quickly and comfortably while giving you a broad, full smile with better facial balance and aesthetics. Patients will also be lucky enough to avoid “tightening appointments,” because Damon system braces have a unique slide mechanism that allows our doctor to use lighter forces to move teeth to their correct positions.

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.

Retainer Care

Many orthodontic patients require a retainer at the end of orthodontic treatment.  Removable retainers are an easy step to take to preserve a straight smile. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics provides retainers for patients, and caring for your retainer properly is important so that it functions and lasts as long as possible.  A silly but common mistake people make with their retainers is trying to cut corners -- don’t try to clean or brush your retainer while it’s still in your mouth!  You can’t quickly scrub your retainer while brushing your teeth -- the retainer cannot be completely cleaned of debris this way, and toothpaste can also be abrasive to the plastic of the retainer.  Always remove your retainer before cleaning thoroughly with water and your toothbrush, and use a mild dish or hand soap to help clean off debris, never abrasive toothpaste.

You should clean your retainer daily, and also treat it weekly by soaking.  Soaking helps maintain the cleanliness of the retainer and keep it from drying out.  To soak the retainer, dissolve denture cleaning tablets in water or add a little baking soda to water to make a solution.  Storing your retainer properly is also important for its longevity.  Get in the habit of always using and carrying a case.  Many retainers have disappeared after being folded up in napkins!

To learn more about caring for your retainer, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Common Retainer Options

Retainers are used during the final phase of orthodontic treatment. When kids and adults wear retainers correctly, the hard work and time that went into creating a straighter smile will be rewarded. Retainers help keep teeth straight and straighter teeth are easier to clean and reduce the chance of developing cavities. There are two types of retainers Dr. Cynthia Wong will address with patients depending on his or her needs.

• Removable Retainer – a removable retainer is the most common type, but depending on the individual, it may not always be the best choice. A removable retainer is crafted from a clear plastic that is formed by heat and a model of your teeth.  Removable retainers can be virtually invisible, and easy to wear.


• Fixed Retainer – also known as a bonded retainer, a fixed retainer consists of a wire being bonded to the back of the six bottom teeth. Bonded retainers tend to protect fewer teeth than removable retainers, but are ideal for the patient that may forget to wear his or her retainer at night.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment or retainers, please give us a call. To learn more about night guards and all 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.

When Braces Cause Pain

Dr. Cynthia Wong loves to see smiles transformed with braces.  But we all know braces are a long process and there is some pain and discomfort along the way.  Patients with braces often feel a little discomfort after their wires have been tightened, and patients with new braces usually experience some uncomfortable chafing as their mouth gets used to braces.  These are both normal occurrences and you can ease the pain while getting to your perfect smile!   

With a new set of braces, the insides of cheeks and lips will rub against the brackets and wires.  The soft tissue will toughen as your mouth gets accustomed to the braces, but at first it can create sore spots.  Dental wax is a great defense against this.  Just a small piece can cover the edge of a bracket and relieve any chafing.  After a set of braces is tightened a patient will also feel some pain and soreness.  The patient should eat soft foods right after a tightening if they are experiencing discomfort.  If the pain continues, over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil and Motrin are helpful.  Please still contact the office if you experience any extreme or long-lasting discomfort.

To learn more about orthodontic treatment, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Tooth Sensitivity and Braces

If you cringe while eating an ice cream cone or a hot beverage, you may have fallen victim to tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can occur with or without braces, but if occurs with them, it may be attributed to internal or external factors. If your teeth are sensitive, Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics will need to see you for a consultation to determine the cause and discuss treatment options.  

Tooth sensitivity can be caused for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you grind or clench your teeth, or you aren’t brushing and flossing as you should be. Proper oral hygiene is essential in preventing pain from tooth sensitivity. However, if your teeth are sensitive because you’ve recently had braces applied, the sensitivity may only be temporary. If you experience any orthodontic discomfort of any kind, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Wong so that she can fix the problem.

If you have questions about orthodontic oral hygiene or our orthodontic options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the 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.

Removing Braces

When it’s time for braces to come off, patients can’t wait to see their new smile!  Dr. Cynthia Wong has revealed many new smiles to her patients and we always look forward to the payoff.  But how are braces removed? Understanding this process is important for you to know what to expect and how to care for your teeth afterward. 

Removing braces is accomplished in one relatively painless visit, and each element of the braces is removed in reverse of the order it was applied.  This begins with removing the small elastic bands around each bracket with a small, hooked instrument.  Specialized pliers are then used to gently pull the wire away from each bracket and to help your dentist remove each bracket individually.  Once all components of the braces have been removed, you will still feel residue from the powerful adhesive on your teeth.  Once your teeth are polished and cleaned, this residue will be gone and you can enjoy your brand new smile!  If necessary, your dentist will discuss the need for a permanent or temporary retainer.

To learn more about 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.

Braces and Gum Disease

The first stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, occurs when the tissues around the teeth become inflamed. This is already a pesky problem without braces, but when braces are involved, gum disease becomes a little trickier. While orthodontics can promote periodontal disease, they can also reduce the symptoms of it. The case will depend on the patient and Dr. Cynthia Wong can discuss these issues during a consultation.

It is normal to feel pain in your mouth after receiving new braces or wire adjustments because your teeth are working hard to give you a brand new smile. However, the patient should always be aware of gum disease symptoms because the risk is always there. The patient may experience tender or bleeding gums, as well as redness or swelling. To prevent this from happening, those who wear braces should vigilantly brush after every meal and floss at least once a day. It is important to contact Dr. Cynthia Wong if you are experiencing any pain.

If you are concerned about the status of your periodontal health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

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.

 

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.

 

Prevent Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling (inflammation) of your gums. Because gingivitis can be mild, you may not be aware that you have the condition. However, it’s important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. If you suffer from gingivitis, Dr. Cynthia Wong will provide you with a preventive treatment plan before it leads to periodontitis and eventual tooth loss.

Gingivitis – an inflammation of the gums – is the initial stage of gum disease and the easiest to treat. The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque – the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on teeth and gums. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. Classic signs and symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, tender gums that may bleed when you brush. Another sign of gum disease is gums that have receded or pulled away from your teeth, giving your teeth an elongated appearance. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing.

If you suffer from gingivitis and are in the process of orthodontic treatment, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Cooking for Someone with Orthodontics

There are a lot of guides online for what kinds of food to make for kids with braces, but they mostly focus on how to make food as soft as possible. They neglect to mention that sticky or thick foods could break braces, as well, and foods that are too soft will get stuck and are difficult to remove. We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics thought we’d provide a few tips of our own:

•  Steam vegetables and cut them into thin strips. Slicing corn from the cob is also a way to make it safe, though the proxabrush will be necessary to remove it.


• Long beans don’t even need to be cut


•  Eggs are a good choice in nearly any mode of preparation


• Baked fish is soft, but has enough resistance to provide the pleasure of biting into something tasty


• Slow cooked meats in general are satisfying, especially in soups


• Curries are often nutritious, and traditionally paired with long-grain, instead of sticky, rice


• Desserts with crumbled graham cracker crusts are quick to soften up inside the mouth


• Immediately after tightening, it may be best to avoid chewing at all. This is a good time for smoothies, milkshakes, oatmeal, and mashed root vegetables

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.

Consequences of Missing Teeth

Although tooth loss is typically associated with the elderly, missing teeth can occur in adults for a variety of reasons. Whether you’ve lost a tooth to decay, or injury, tooth loss can rob you of much more than the ability to chew and properly digest food. It can have serious social, psychological and emotional consequences as well. At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, we don’t want you to experience the consequences of a toothless grin. This is why we offer a wide variety of restorative and cosmetic options to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

The most obvious effect of missing teeth is aesthetic. When a tooth is lost, the facial muscles begin to sag, making you appear older than you are. Additionally, missing teeth will make it more difficult to chew and may even affect the way you speak. The more teeth a person is missing, the more challenging the task to replace them can become. It can also be costly. It is important to have regular dental visits with us to prolong the life of your teeth. 

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

Benefits of Traditional Braces

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. The most inexpensive type of braces for adults and children are the traditional, stainless steel versions. Here at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, if you are searching for a straighter smile, then we can provide you with that winning smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Obviously, the only drawback to wearing traditional braces is how visible they are. However, metal brackets are the sturdiest option, which means less chance of damage to the appliance and less time spent in the dentist’s chair. While it might not always seem beneficial to you, traditional braces are there to stay for the duration of treatment.  Because traditional braces exert a fair amount of force on the teeth, adjustment takes far less time than it would with alternatives.

If you are searching to straighten your teeth we have a variety of options to make that happen. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

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. 

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.