Bruxism Diagnosis

Grinding of your teeth, also known as bruxism can have a variety of causes. Some experts view bruxism as nothing more than a habit. It can also be a result of the body’s reaction when the teeth do not line up or come together properly. If you experience signs and symptoms of bruxism, Dr. Cynthia Wong can provide you with an individualized treatment plan.

When diagnosing bruxism, Dr. Cynthia Wong may ask about your general dental health, what sources of stress you have in your life, and what medicines you take. She will then examine you, paying special attention to the muscles in and around your jaw. Additionally, Dr. Wong will look at your teeth for evidence of grinding. During this examination, she may check for tenderness in your jaw muscles and the jaw joint.

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.

Different Reasons for Tooth Extractions

Although permanent teeth were meant to last a lifetime, there are a number of reasons why a patient may need a tooth extracted. A very common reason involves a tooth that is too badly damaged, from trauma or decay, to be repaired. At Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, tooth extraction may be performed for orthodontic treatment. This is because people getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place. You’re probably most familiar with wisdom teeth extractions, but other reasons for the procedure may include:

• Severe tooth damage/trauma – some teeth have such extensive decay and damage (broken or cracked) that repair is not possible.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.


• Extra teeth – extra teeth may block other teeth from erupting, therefore, will require extraction.

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.

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. 

Smile for the Camera!

With instant photo sharing and selfies taking over the internet, a camera-ready smile is great to have. If you have braces, Dr. Cynthia Wong wants to flaunt that shiny smile of yours and don’t be shy. If you recently got your braces removed, we expect you to flaunt that straight smile everywhere! Here are some tips to take pictures you’ll be happy to send to your friends!

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.


• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.


• Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!

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.

Bad Habits to Kick While Wearing Braces

When wearing braces, it is important to steer clear of a few habits that may delay treatment. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL wants her patients to know which habits to kick to the curb for healthy treatment.

Biting Fingernails and Other Non-Food Objects

Biting your fingernails is already bad for your teeth, but when you bite them while wearing braces, it could create enough pressure to cause one of your brackets to break or pop off. Even if the brackets remain intact, the pressure will make the braces less effective, therefore delaying treatment. This rule also goes for biting on pen caps, pencils, water bottles, etc. Just stick to biting food!

Hard or Crunchy Foods

Okay, so we said to stick to food. What you really should do is stick to the right foods, and avoid some of the others. Hard foods like popcorn, bagels, and raw carrots are common culprits for popping off brackets. In addition, skip the sticky stuff like chewing gum and caramels.

Brushing Too Hard

Many people think they need to apply force and really scrub their teeth to get them clean. However, all it takes is a light touch with a soft toothbrush. Scrubbing hard is not only bad for your gum tissue and enamel, but it can cause damage to a bracket or wire.

Your Daily Pop

Pop is filled with sugar that can hide in between teeth and around your brackets! Pop is also very acidic, so drinking it frequently can contribute to worn down enamel. Frequently drinking dark colas can also stain your teeth and while you have brackets on, the staining won’t reach that area of the teeth. It could result in some uneven staining. Stick to keeping pop as a treat instead of a staple in your diet.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call us at (708) 444-8341 or visit our website, www.drcynthiawong.com. 

Teeth Types and Functions

Many factors play a role in the amount of teeth we have but have you ever wondered why all teeth have different shapes? Dr. Cynthia Wong would like to take this opportunity to educate you on the types of teeth you have and the purpose they serve in your mouth!     

The types of teeth and their functions are:

• Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.


• Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.


• Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.


• Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.

If you have questions about your teeth, 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.

Exercises for TMJ Pain

When suffering through TMD, it can seem like you do not want to move your jaw at all. However, there are actually exercises that can help. Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL treats patients with TMJ pain or TMD. Take some of these jaw relaxation tips.

To improve the range of motion your jaw has, gently open and close your mouth. Do this a few times every morning and every night to see improvement over time.

To stretch your jaw, close your mouth and place your right hand on the right side of your jaw. Gently push your lower jaw into your hand. Do this a few times and then switch to the other side. Another great stretching option is to apply resistance. Place your thumb under your chin and gently press up while you open your mouth halfway; creating resistance. Do this exercise ten times.

To relieve jaw tension and relax facial muscles, smile a really big smile. Smile as wide as you can while opening your jaw about two inches. While you are smiling, take in a few deep breaths and then relax. Repeat this exercise a few times.

Relieving tension and stretching muscles can not only help with existent pain but it can also help prevent future pain flare-ups.  If you have frequent jaw pain, schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL. Our office can be reached at (708) 444-8341. Appointments can also be made through our website, www.drcynthiawong.com.