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.

 

 

Avoid Damage to Brackets and Wires

If you’ve completed orthodontic treatment without damaging your brackets or wires, then you may just be one of the lucky ones. Braces breakage is fairly common and often happens when people use their teeth as tools. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics encourages patients to avoid doing so because this will prevent unnecessary visits to the office.

Breakage of orthodontic appliances during treatment can be unfortunate, unnecessary, and aggravating. Though the braces are attached with glue, they are not indestructible. The best way to avoid breakage during treatment is to avoid hard and sticky foods such as candy, chips, popcorn, and jerky. Also avoid chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils and ice cubes. It doesn’t hurt to incorporate soft, healthy, foods into your diet. If your braces break due to a sports injury, contact our office immediately to have the issue repaired.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. To learn about 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.

Avoid Damage to Brackets and Wires

If you’ve completed orthodontic treatment without damaging your brackets or wires, then you may just be one of the lucky ones. Braces breakage is fairly common and often happens when people use their teeth as tools. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics encourages patients to avoid doing so because this will prevent unnecessary visits to the office.

Breakage of orthodontic appliances during treatment can be unfortunate, unnecessary, and aggravating. Though the braces are attached with glue, they are not indestructible. The best way to avoid breakage during treatment is to avoid hard and sticky foods such as candy, chips, popcorn, and jerky. Also avoid chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils and ice cubes. It doesn’t hurt to incorporate soft, healthy, foods into your diet. If your braces break due to a sports injury, contact our office immediately to have the issue repaired.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. To learn about 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.

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.

 

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

It’s especially important for people with traditional braces to maintain their oral hygiene. We want to ensure the patients at Dr. Cynthia Wong’s Orland Park orthodontic office do not develop gum disease, as it may imperil the stability of their teeth. Therefore, this week’s blog post is devoted to identifying when the gum pockets need a cleaning.

Gingivitis means “gum inflammation.” It is the lesser form of gum disease, with “periodontitis” describing the more advanced stage. Gum disease develops when bacteria grow in the gum pockets and excrete acid. The acid clings to the teeth’s layer of plaque and damages the surrounding gum pocket. The immune system’s response is to cause the gum tissue to swell up, making it sensitive. Swollen gum tissue will look unusually red and bleed easily. It will be tender to touch and may cause bad breath.

Patients should always treat bleeding gums as a sign of a major problem. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to gingivitis as a result of hormonal changes. If gum disease is allowed to continue, it may cause the gums to recede, making the teeth look unusually long and potentially making it easier for them to migrate once orthodontic treatment is complete.

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.

 

Orthodontic Wax

Whether you’re a new orthodontic patient, or a reaching the end of treatment, you’re likely to experience some wire pain with traditional braces. Once your braces are applied, Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics will gift you with orthodontic wax. Orthodontic wax protects the gums and the linings of your cheeks, and lips, to provide a comfortable barrier when the sharp end of the wire begins to irritate these areas.

Orthodontic wax is designed to fit easily into your pocket, purse, or backpack, so you can use it wherever and whenever you may need it. Because this dental wax is non-toxic, it’s no big deal if you accidentally swallow a piece. You should apply the wax to the area of discomfort, and remove it before brushing and flossing your teeth. Be sure to reapply the wax regularly, especially after meals, to prevent irritation from getting worse.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic treatment, 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.

Water Flossing

A little floss goes a long way when it comes to oral health. This is because it removes food particles that have been left behind after brushing. Flossing can significantly reduce periodontal disease and cavity-causing causing bacteria that leads to tooth decay but sometimes the act of flossing is difficult for a patient with orthodontics. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics suggests using a water flosser for those hard to reach places.

A safe, easy, and effective way to remove plaque around dental braces is to use a water flosser. A water flosser is a handheld device that sprays streams of water in steady pulses. Not only is this beneficial to patients with traditional braces, water flossers are also an option for people who have trouble flossing by hand. You should never get by on flossing alone. It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to reap the maximum benefits of a healthy mouth.

If you have questions about orthodontic oral hygiene, 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.

Traditional Braces – Pain Management

Have you been putting off braces because you fear they are going to hurt? Well, we can’t say that they won’t - because the pain means that the teeth are straightening out - but the good news is that this pain is manageable. The discomfort that you experience from braces can be internal or external and Dr. Cynthia Wong would like to explain the difference between the two and what you can do to manage the pain.

Braces are used to move teeth into their ideal position and align how they bite together. Each person will have a different response to this orthodontic method, but there is likely to be some pain. After visiting Dr. Cynthia Wong for an orthodontic adjustment, your brackets and wires may cause gum inflammation or tooth sensitivity. Many products are available to relieve this pain, such as ibuprofen, or orthodontic wax if the wires are irritating the soft tissues in your mouth. Additionally, to relieve this pain it helps to eat a soft diet for a day or two after receiving braces or having them adjusted. If you can’t eliminate the discomfort on your own, call our office so we can help.

If you have questions or concerns about orthodontic treatment, 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.

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.

Advantages of Traditional Braces

If you have crooked and/or a misaligned bite (an underbite or overbite), there are a variety of treatments that can help straighten teeth, including braces and aligners. At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, our treatment options for straightening teeth include traditional braces, clear braces, as well as Invisalign, but in this specific post, we are going to explain the advantages of traditional braces.

The most inexpensive type of braces for adults and children are the traditional, stainless steel versions. Dental braces feature brackets that tend to run along a wire. The wire and brackets that form part of the braces are pressed against the patient’s teeth. This supports slight movements that can help in properly aligning and straightening the teeth. In addition, traditional braces also correct even the most complicated issues in aligning the teeth. They might not be aesthetically pleasing, but traditional braces are not removable, allowing for a reduction in treatment time. If braces are indeed the solution for you, Dr. Cynthia Wong will prescribe an appliance specific for your needs.

If you are searching for a straighter smile, 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.