During these days in which we must respect the rules of confinement and cannot attend the regular orthodontic visits, some doubts may arise that we try to solve for our patients
What type of orthodontic appliances do you wear?
The first aspect to consider is what type of appliance the patient is wearing. This can be removable appliances(removable appliances) or fixed appliances(brackets).
Removable appliances
In the case of removable appliances, you may or may not be flipping the appliance:
- If you have been turning it for more than three weeks without the orthodontist’s supervision, don’t turn it any further.
- If you do not turn around, continue with the same pattern of hours that the orthodontist told you about.
If you are using a facial mask , continue with the same pattern by changing the elastics once a week.
If you are using an external traction(extraoral arch) continue with the same guideline.
If during tooth replacement a tooth interferes with the placement of the appliance: Stop wearing the appliance until the baby tooth falls out or you can attend the next visit.
If you use clear aligners: Extend the use of each aligner (change every 2-3 weeks) until we can deliver new aligners to you. In case of detachment of any atache , do not worry, because the splints are still active and we will reposition them in successive visits.
Pay special attention to the hygiene of the device. When the situation returns to normal we will contact you to resume treatment.
To prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus and its infection COVID-19
From our clinic we recommend you to follow the following indications:
- Take special care with the hygiene of your hands. Wash hands before and after placing the devices for 20 seconds with soap and water or antiseptic gel.
- Wash the devices with a brush that you use only for this purpose, with neutral soap and plenty of water.
- Do not leave appliances on top of any surface. Always keep them in their box.
- Wash and dry well the box where you keep them.
Special attention to children who bite their nails, it’s time to stop this habit!
Fixed appliances(brackets)
If you wear a fixed appliance on the roof of your mouth:
- If you are fidgeting: If you have been fidgeting for more than three weeks without orthodontist supervision, don’t fidget anymore.
- In case it does not spin: If it bothers you or it gets loose, you can call us at the phone number or e-mail indicated above.
If you wear elastics:
- If you have enough rubber bands, continue with the same pattern as above.
- If you have run out of rubber bands, don’t worry and if necessary we will continue the pattern when regular visits are reinstated.
Do you have any of these emergencies…?
- I have a sore in my mouth: If it is caused by the rubbing of the braces, put orthodontic wax on the braces and specific gel on the area of the sore.
- A bracket has come off: If it doesn’t bother you, you don’t need to come, you can wait for the visit that we will schedule for you soon. But in case it bothers you, please contact us to arrange an emergency visit.
- My arc has moved: If you don’t mind, you can wait for the visit we will schedule for you soon. But in case it bothers you, even using orthodontic wax, please contact us to arrange an emergency visit.
- They have not been able to perform the exodontia or fillings that you indicated: Do not worry, it can wait to be done when your dentist can see you again. In the meantime maintain maximum oral hygiene and fluoride mouthwash.
- My teeth have separated: This is a normal phase of orthodontic treatment and in later phases they will finish closing.
- Separation rubber bands (blue rubber bands between the teeth): If you had to come in for a rubber band, we will postpone this visit until one week before the appointment that we will schedule for you. If you are wearing a rubber separator, please contact us.
Retention devices
If you have already had your brackets have been removed and you are wearing retention appliances, follow the guidelines indicated by your orthodontist. It is very important to wear braces to avoid tooth movement and the need for retreatment.
Indications for emergency cases
- Your device is broken or lost: Contact us at 971714694 and we will find a solution.
- The fixed retainer behind the teeth is broken or detached:
- If it does not bother: wear the removable retention appliance all day until you can go to your regular orthodontic visit.
- If it bothers or has broken completely: Contact us.
- You had to come to pick up a retention appliance: It is important that you come as soon as possible to pick it up to avoid tooth movement.
