Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Hundreds of different types of bacteria live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other crevices in the mouth. Some are helpful, but some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, we want our patients to know that good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently – for example, if you frequently eat foods or drinks containing sugar and starches – the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. This will cause a white spot to appear if the minerals have been lost. When this happens, this is a sign of early decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.


• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.


• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.


• Visit your dentist for professional cleanings and oral examination.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, 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.

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.

Break Those Tender Teeth Habits

If you avoid eating cold foods or drinking hot beverages because your teeth are a little tender, it may be time to get to the root of this problem. If you have sensitive teeth, with Dr. Cynthia Wong may recommend dental sealants or fluoride treatments to decrease sensitivity. Sometimes the solution is simply breaking bad habits. If you catch yourself performing any of the following habits, do your best to break them.

• You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.


• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will leave you in pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

If you experience tooth sensitivity, 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.

Dental Crown Characteristics

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to protect it as well as restore its shape and size, strength and improves its appearance. If Dr. Cynthia Wong suggests a crown, it is probably to restore a tooth from a large filling, root canal, or cracked tooth syndrome. Permanent crowns can be made from many materials and Dr. Cynthia Wong will discuss them with you during your consultation.

A crown can help strengthen a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining to hold a filling. Crowns can also be used to attach dental bridges when those are needed. Additionally, a crown can protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken. A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped.

If you have missing teeth, please call us 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.

Dental Supplies for Braces

Brushing and flossing with braces will take some extra care to ensure you are doing a good job. Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics of Orland Park, IL wants patients to know how to take proper care during their orthodontic treatment. Check out some of the dental supplies that will help you do that!

 

Floss Threaders

Floss threaders are loops that help you get the floss under your wires quicker and easier. They look like a sewing needle with an eye at the end, but larger. Many patients enjoy using it because flossing with regular floss can be time-consuming and tedious.

 

Superfloss

Superfloss refers to a brand of floss that has a stiff end that makes it easy to get underneath wires. It also has a patch of thicker floss to better remove plaque.

 

Interdental Cleaners

These are tiny brushes that are able to get underneath wires. These make it so it is possible to brush the sides of brackets. Without an interdental cleaner, a regular toothbrush will miss much of the plaque that surrounds the brackets.

 

Be sure to take extra-special care of your teeth while you wear braces to keep away cavities and uneven staining. To schedule your next appointment at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call our office at (708) 444-8341 or visit our website, www.drcynthiawong.com. 

Invisalign vs Braces

When it comes to options for straightening your teeth, there is often a clear favorite (pun intended). Invisalign is a clear, nearly invisible tray aligning system that we offer patients here at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL. Many patients prefer Invisalign over traditional braces for great reasons.

 

Invisibility

One of the major advantages Invisalign has over traditional metal braces is the invisibility. Invisalign is made of clear aligners, so they are nearly invisible. Many people will not even notice you are wearing them. Braces consist of metal brackets and wires that cannot be hidden.

 

Convenience

Another major reason why patients choose Invisalign over braces is the convenience factor. Invisalign aligners are able to be taken out for eating and dental hygiene. This means you do not have to avoid certain types of food like you do with braces. It also means you do not have to spend extra time brushing and flossing with special supplies. You can brush and floss normally.

 

Comfort

The smooth plastic trays are also more comfortable than metal braces, so the calluses and irritated spots that braces cause are less likely.

 

If Invisalign sounds like the right choice for you, set up a consultation with us! To schedule your appointment at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call our office at (708) 444-8341 or visit our website, www.drcynthiawong.com. 

Tooth Colored Fillings

To treat a cavity Dr. Cynthia Wong will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth that have been worn down from misuse (tooth grinding). Here at the office, we utilize white fillings, also known as tooth colored fillings because they exude the most natural looking appearance.

Composite resins (tooth colored fillings) provide solid durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-size fillings that need to survive the moderate pressure from the constant pressure of chewing. Composite fillings require the tooth to be kept clean and dry while the cavity is being filled, which is why they may take longer to apply than any other type of filling. Although no filling lasts forever, tooth colored fillings have been known to last for over 10 years. It is a safe, affordable and attractive solution for many dental drawbacks.

If you have questions about dental fillings, 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.