Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Orthodontics

Orland Park’s Dr. Cynthia Wong is an experienced provider of orthodontic care to people with all sorts of health conditions. One of the issues in children which has the biggest impact on the structure of their jaws and teeth is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JNA). Care for these patients requires collaboration between orthodontists and oral surgeons.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder which causes the body to attack its own joint lining. When the joints swell, the bones can become deformed under pressure, particularly in children. Among the affected joints is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jaw to the head. Problems in the TMJ can lead to pain, teeth grinding, difficulty opening the mouth, and clicking sounds when the mouth moves. In children with JNA, it can also cause the lower jaw to become deformed, resulting in overcrowding of the front teeth and an open bite.

Orthodontic treatment for people with JNA varies on a case-by-case basis and is done in response to which part of the head an oral surgeon operates on. In some cases, headgear or functional appliances may be used to relieve pressure from certain areas. People with rheumatoid arthritis are especially vulnerable to gum disease and need to be careful to keep braces very clean. If they are having difficulty using non-motorized brushes, we can help them to find alternatives.

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.

 

Overbite Complications

If you have been diagnosed with an overbite, this simply means that your top teeth extend beyond your bottom teeth. It is a common dental problem that Dr. Cynthia Wong can correct with dental braces. Overbite teeth are considered a type of “bad bite.” It can either be noticeable or unnoticeable, but it some extreme cases it can make your jaw look significantly larger or your bottom jaw look much smaller.

Most often, overbites are inherited as traits just as the color of your eyes or the freckles on your cheeks. Other causes of misaligned bites may result from an early loss of baby or adult teeth, gum disease, or common oral health problems in children, such as thumb sucking. Once Dr. Cynthia Wong confirms your overbite with X-rays, she may take regular photographs of your face to further examine the relationship between the teeth, jaws, and head. From there, an individualized treatment plan will be developed to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

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.