Braces Treatment While Self-Isolating (5 IMPORTANT FACTS)

Last Updated on October 13, 2021 by Gio Greenard

Braces are a popular solution to teeth alignment issues. Furthermore, the patient must stick to any recommended treatment schedule and oral care routines. The varying degrees of self-isolation the world is subject to means restrictions. In this post, we’ll show you how to continue treatment while self-isolating. Let’s get cracking.

Treatment While Self-Isolating

• Why Should You Keep Your Braces On?

Orthodontic treatment is a personalized and specialized treatment. A caring provider takes the time to develop the treatment. This person has skills in creating plans that will fit each patient’s needs. The specialist has years of study and has seen an extensive number of problems in the mouths of patients.

A patient should trust the orthodontist’s word. And wear the corrective devices for the amount of time that he or she recommends. Taking them off early can result in weak foundations and backsliding. Straightened teeth can revert to their old positions if the patient does not take care of them.

• How Can I Ensure my Treatment Isn’t Affected?

In-office Visits During Lockdown

• You’ll find a protocol in action. The exact nature will depend on your provider. Here we list what to expect.
• Before you enter, you’ll be asked to stay in your car until called. Announce your arrival by calling the office. More than likely your orthodontist will have a dedicated I AM HERE number.
• Once allowed in you’ll need to sanitize your hands and put on a face mask.
• You’ll be asked screening questions relating to COVID-19 symptoms.
• Your temperature will be taken with a device to your forehead.
• The office will seem empty. This is due to furniture being allocated in a social distance location.
• There will be a lack of magazines and iPads. Also, coffee and beverages will be missing.
• Only the patient and one guardian if needed will be allowed in the office. The guardian may be asked to wait in reception.
• You’ll need to stay 6 feet or more from the nearest person.
• The waiting times may be extended as time is needed for sanitizing the areas the orthodontist needs to work in.
• It is important that you do not attend the office if you are suffering symptoms. You’ll have to wait the agreed isolation time before rescheduling the appointment.

• What About New Patients for Braces Treatment

The orthodontics process is simple. It begins with a conversation between the patient and the specialist. The specialist will ask the patient questions about his or her history. And any dental problems that have emerged over the years. Next, someone from the office will take a series of X-rays so the specialist can look at the patient’s mouth. He or she will want to look at the bones and the gums to come up with a viable plan for teeth correction.

During self-isolation starting treatment is still possible. As much as possible will complete over the phone and video conference. X-rays and mold taking must take place in the office. Check with your chosen provider on how exactly they are dealing with it.

• How Long Will You Have to Wear Corrective Devices?

Treatment can last for several months or several years. The length of orthodontic treatment depends on the severity of the problem. And the corrective method the patient chooses. A person can select Invisalign treatment and complete it in less than one year. A different patient may choose traditional metal brackets. That person may have to wear the devices for two to three years.

The patient may have to wear a retainer for an extra one to five years. Alignment care specialists focus on the patient’s desires and well-being. They create tailored treatment plans with that information.

Aligners are a good option during self-isolation. Losing or damaging an aligner would be a tricky thing. In times like pandemic lockdowns, the patient should be extra careful. Care with things like avoiding the need for a replacement. Lockdowns will no doubt affect manufacturing and delivery. Not to mention, the appointment system delays that your provider may be experiencing.

• Dental Emergencies During Self-Isolation

• Braces & Expander Patients

Please avoid any hard or sticky foods! Hard foods can bend a wire causing discomfort and/or unintended tooth movement and can knock off 1 or more braces, which extends treatment. Sticky foods have a pulling action and can cause a wire to pull out and feel pokey and/or can pull braces off.

Preventing breakage is a key component to finishing treatment on time.  Please let us know if you need more rubber bands and we leave them taped to the front door in an envelope for safe pick up.

• Invisalign Patients

• Corrective Devices Availability During Lockdown?

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.