I know that orthodontic treatment probably isn’t at the
front of your mind this week.
Who knew that
finding hand sanitizer and toilet paper would become a contact sport?!
Nonetheless, we
want you to know that your health and safety is still our top priority, which
is why we are following the recommendations of health and government officials
to limit orthodontic treatment to non-elective treatment
only.
The decision to
close was not made lightly, however, keeping our community safe is important to
us, and we felt these precautions were necessary to accomplish this. Our
limited treatment will continue at least until the end of April. We will
continue to closely monitor changes and keep our patients informed of any
changes.
SO WHAT IS ESSENTIAL
(NON-ELECTIVE) ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
Personally, I
think the answer to this question is different in different situations. Some
people may argue that no orthodontic treatment is ever essential since straight
teeth aren’t required to eat, speak, or smile. I’m a bit biased, but I think
that orthodontic treatment has a tremendous impact on a patient’s life. I
believe that what we do here is essential.
However, that
isn’t our highest priority at this time– now, we are all focused on what we can
do to help “flatten the curve”. By doing only essential treatment, we’ll help
to slow the progression of the coronavirus and allow our healthcare system to
be able to better manage those who get sick.
Thankfully, the American
Association of Orthodontists has given guidance on what is essential during
this (short) period:
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?
As we wait for
this situation to pass, please brush and floss thoroughly and maintain your
dental health as normally instructed. 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.
· For best use, bite into your chewie for 10 seconds and work
it around your teeth lightly – biting and holding for 10-minutes at a time.
·
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.)
·
Make
sure to use your chewies and bite and hold to seat your aligners in areas where
you may see visible space between your tooth and the aligner.
·
Keep
your aligners clean and avoid all drinks other than water while wearing them.
·
When
our office reopens, we will create a new digital scan for new aligners.
I’M WAITING TO HAVE MY BRACES
REMOVED - NOW WHAT?
We’re as excited as you are to see your new smile!
Unfortunately, the removal of braces causes a production of aerosol particles
that potentially contain biological materials. While we adhere to hospital
level sterilization protocols, protecting both our patients and staff is our
top priority, so we will resume removal of braces when it is safe to do so.
I HAD AN APPOINTMENT COMING UP –
NOW WHAT?
We will reschedule all appointments as soon as it becomes
safe to do so.
MY RETAINER
ALIGNER IS BROKEN OR LOST.
Send
us a text to (425) 392-2499. We’ll contact you back with a solution!
I HAVE A WIRE
POKING ME – WHAT DO I DO?
Send us a text to (425)392-2499! Keep in mind, many common
orthodontic “emergencies” can be managed at home with a pair of cuticle
cutters/nail clippers.
We
are still right here for you– This situation is a different time. We are
working on creative ways to stay connected and make sure that we can stay
connected with you, even if we don’t get to see your smiles in person.
I thank you for your patience, understanding, and
encourage you to stay well, be kind, and take care of each other. I can't wait to see you all soon.
Sincerely,
Dr. Nadine Egger
Comments
Post a Comment