Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19
We understand that there are questions about how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact your orthodontic care. As these rapidly changing circumstances evolve, we are still here to support you. Here are answers to some common questions to help you navigate this time.
We are currently limiting treatment to non-elective treatment only.
While we tend to think orthodontic care is a pretty life-changing journey that impacts each patient’s life greatly, we recognize that orthodontic care isn’t at the forefront of anyone’s mind at the moment. We’re currently limiting treatment to non-elective treatment only as we helping do our part to slow the progression of the Coronavirus.
What does that mean? The American Association of Orthodontists has recently released their guidelines on what procedures are considered non-elective, and which are not.
Non-Elective Procedures
Non-elective procedures, including those considered to be orthodontic emergencies, are defined as remedying one or more of the following:
- Significant oral pain
- Infection
- Limited function
- Physically traumatic event yielding the above
Elective Procedures
Unless any of the above is true, problems like loose brackets and bands or lost or broken retainers or aligners should be considered elective.
What does this mean for me?
Please brush and floss thoroughly and maintain your dental health as normally instructed. Use common sense in avoiding foods that could damage your braces, and please always remember to wash your hands before placing and removing your aligners or elastics.
If you are wearing braces or an appliance
- Keep good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing three times a day.
- Now is an especially good time to avoid forbidden foods to avoid any breakage!
- Your braces will continue to straighten your teeth all day and night throughout this time.
- If you wear elastics, continue to do so as directed.
- Properly wearing your elastics is important because it will continue to correct your bite.
- When our office reopens, we will continue your treatment.
If you are wearing aligners
Please make sure to keep wearing your current aligners as instructed.
If you no longer have aligners to continue to your next week, simply reduce your aligner wear to a retainer phase of 10-12 hours per day. (This will ensure that your teeth stay in place and help your aligner last longer.)
Keep your aligners clean and avoid all drinks other than water while wearing them.
When our office re-opens, we will be reaching out to you to schedule an appointment.
What should I do if I have a problem during this time?
Keep in mind, many common orthodontic “emergencies” can be managed at home with a pair of cuticle cutters/nail clippers. If you have a wire poking you, a broken bracket, have lost your retainers or aligners, or have any other issues while we are out of the office, don’t worry– just contact us, or try a Virtual CheckUp!
Virtual CheckUp
Serving you the best we can is always our top priority– even when our offices are closed. That’s why we’ve added a brand new feature on our website that allows for patients to be seen for virtual check-ups. At this time, we ask that only current patients with concerns or problems use this feature.
To Get Started With Your Virtual CheckUp → Click Here
I’m waiting to have my braces removed– now what?
We’re so excited to see your new smile too and we get that this delay is a real bummer. While we adhere to hospital level sterilization protocols, unfortunately, the removal of braces causes a production of aerosol particles that potentially contain biological materials. Protecting both our patients and staff is our top priority so we will wait to resume braces removal when it is safe to do so.
I have an appointment scheduled– now what?
We will reschedule all appointments as soon as it becomes safe to do so.
Questions? Contact Us!
We are still right here for you. If you ever have any questions, comments or concerns, we want to answer those for you! Please reach out. Our team is here to serve you! Thank you for your patience and understanding.
We look forward to seeing you very soon!
Ever wondered if your child needed orthodontic care… but haven’t had time to come in for a consult?
Get started today with a free virtual consultation!
We are proud to offer free, no-obligation orthodontic consults directly from your home! Dr. Oltjen will personally review your case and let you know what your options are.
If you’re curious about orthodontic care for your kids, this is a great way to have our office see your case for free as you decide what is best for you! There’s no obligation!
