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.

 

Dangers of Soda on your Teeth

At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics office in Orland Park, we encourage our patients to drink more water and less soda. Soda is unhealthy for your teeth because the bacteria in your mouth feed off of sugar to create acids.  When acid is created it feeds off your tooth enamel which is there to protect your teeth and leads to tooth decay.

To limit the amount of damage soda does to your teeth, we advise our patients to drink soda with a straw. Using a straw will limit the amount of sugar that rests on your teeth and causes harm. Every time you drink soda, the acid eats away at your tooth enamel for about 20 minutes. If possible, you should brush your teeth after drinking soda or rinse your mouth with water.  

Regardless of how much soda you drink, we want all of our patients to brush twice a day to fight tooth decay. If you quit soda and use a healthier alternative such as water or tea your teeth will be healthier and you will have your best smile!

To learn more about all of the services we provide, please visit our website at https://www.drcynthiawong.com/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341. 

Tongue Scrapers

Tongue scrapers are small dental appliances that can be used to scrape or clean your tongue. They are sold in most grocery stores in various shapes and sizes. They are a way to get rid of bad breath (halitosis). It can also help clear off a coated tongue. Dr. Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics recommends tongue scrapers for daily use in your oral hygiene routine.

 

When using a tongue scraper, place it at the back of the tongue and gently run it forward along your tongue. After each movement, rinse the scraper off with water and wash out your mouth. Do this for as many times as necessary. Coated tongues can be caused by smoking, dry mouth, yeast infections, medications, or poor oral hygiene. It is an accumulation of bacteria and dead cells on your tongue. A tongue scraper can get rid of these harmful pathogens. At the minimum, scraping your tongue at every meal can lead to positive results.

 

There are many benefits to using tongue scrapers besides an improvement in your breath. Some studies have shown daily tongue scraper use has lead to a heightened sense of taste. Because it scrapes off debris and bacteria, it can lead to an overall healthier mouth. Without bacteria, it is harder for cavities and other problems to arise.

 

Remember to be cautious when using the tongue scraper. Do not go too far back on your tongue. Be careful how much pressure you are applying and to where. You can accidentally cut the surface of your tongue if you aren't being careful.

 

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

Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a mouth rinse that is used to prevent cavities and acid from damaging your teeth along with fighting bad breath. Our staff at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics encourages our patients to add mouthwash to your daily oral health care routine. Fluoride is a mineral in mouthwashes that makes your teeth stronger and is resistant to decay caused by acid and bacteria. It can be difficult to get rid of all the bacteria and debris on your teeth with braces, which is why we recommend mouthwash to help keep your teeth cleaner.

A traditional over-the-counter mouthwash is usually for making your breath smell better. At Fresh Meadows Dental, we advise our patients to use fluoride mouthwash that will protect your teeth from cavities and acts as an enamel-protecting your teeth.

For you to benefit the most from mouthwash, we advise our patients to you use mouthwash at the same time every day to be the most effective. Remember to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after using.

Be sure to practice good oral hygiene, we want you to have your best smile!

To learn more about all of the services we provide, please visit our website at https://www.drcynthiawong.com/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341. 

TMJ

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull at the temporal bone. This joint controls everyday functions like talking and eating. It’s what allows your mouth to open and close, for chewing and swallowing. If you experience pain when doing any of these activities, you may have a temporomandibular disorder or TMD. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, D.M.D. of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, located in Orland Park, IL.

 

Common symptoms of TMD are:

-Pain when opening or closing the mouth

-Trouble chewing

-Jaw becoming stuck open or shut

-Headaches or ear pain

-Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth

-Teeth grinding

 

Although all the symptoms of TMD are problematic, teeth grinding is probably one of the most detrimental symptoms. Teeth grinding or bruxism wears down and destroys the teeth. The enamel will eventually wear away and expose the dentin. This material is more sensitive and is very susceptible to decay.

 

Pain relievers and cold/hot compresses can help manage short term symptoms. A night guard is the best way to curb teeth grinding. It prevents the top and bottom teeth from touching, keeping you from wearing away your enamel.

 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, D.M.D., visit our website or call 708-444-8341.

Invisalign

Invisalign are a clear, invisible alternative to traditional metal braces. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics provides patients with a free exam and consultation for Invisalign.

 

At your free consultation, Dr. Wong can answer any questions and concerns that you might have. She will then pinpoint the issues with your orthodontic alignment and potential for Invisalign eligibility. You’ll have the chance to see and feel for yourself what Invisalign is like. A rundown of what kind of results you should expect, and the cost and payment of Invisalign, are also included.

 

Patients that experience the best results from Invisalign only have mild to moderate spacing and crowding issues that need to be fixed. Unaligned teeth, or malocclusion, are also treatable through Invisalign. Malocclusion, when left untreated, can lead to periodontal disease and create stress on the teeth and jaws. This results in tooth decay, tooth loss, and an unsightly smile.

 

The Invisalign procedure itself will occur over various appointments. Invisalign works by shifting your teeth through multiple retainers. As your teeth shift, you will need to come in and receive a new retainer. These retainers are custom designed to fit you and your mouth. Invisalign are worn 24/7 and are only removed to eat, brush, and floss.

 

The benefits of Invisalign are comfortable and invisible orthodontics, allowing you to have the smile you deserve. Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, D.M.D. visit our website or call 708-444-8341.

Flossing With Braces

Dental health and hygiene are always important, especially when you have braces. Traditional metal braces catch food and debris, making brushing and flossing crucial. Dr. Cynthia Wong, D.M.D. of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL. has a few tips and tricks for flossing with braces.

 

With braces, your daily hygiene routine should take three times longer. Food has a lot more pathways to hide and lodge between your teeth. You need to be flossing at least once a day with braces to make the most of your oral health. One of the largest deterrents for flossing with braces is the difficulty. This doesn’t mean you should just give up. Besides the traditional approach to flossing, there a few other methods that make flossing with braces a lot easier.

 

Waterpik’s are unique handheld tools that spray a steady stream of water at the teeth. The pressure from the water cleans out food from the teeth and gumline. Special tips are offered to help clean orthodontic devices. This lets you clean brackets and between teeth easier.

 

Floss threaders are small, inexpensive tools that help pull floss behind brace wire. This lets you get around the metal work, allowing you to floss.

 

Dental tape is just like floss but more sensitive. This is a better option for flossing with braces if you didn't floss regularly beforehand.

 

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