Dearest Freeman, Caro & Lands Orthodontic Patients and Families,
It is in your best interest that we postpone orthodontic appointments, due to Pandemic spread of COVID-19 virus; our regulatory college (Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario) has strongly recommended all non-essential and elective dental procedures, of which orthodontics is a part of, be postponed for at least until the first week of April for the protection of the public. They will be reviewing this decision again at that time and our office will keep you informed of any developments.
The dental profession is highly regulated when it comes to cross infection and we at Freeman, Caro & Lands Orthodontics are in accordance with all regulations in that respect. However, orthodontists and dental assistants are very likely to be vulnerable to this particular virus, as we are exposed to a high quantity of aerosol and saliva particles. Due to its high infectiousness and the absolute need to slow down the spread, it is the responsible thing to do to limit the possible exposure to everyone.
Moreover, delaying orthodontic visits for a few weeks or so will highly unlikely cause any significant harm, as long as you are brushing your teeth regularly, keeping ideal oral hygiene standards and following the instructions which are summarized below. These instructions are for those under treatment using fixed braces, removable braces, Invisalign, retainers, or in interceptive treatment with an expander:
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If you have an expander or other device that requires you to activate it- STOP turning the expander or appliance until we resume normally scheduled visits
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If you are in fixed braces or Invisalign and are using elastics, MOVE TO WEARING ELASTICS ONLY AT NIGHTTIME until we resume normally scheduled visits.
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Excellent oral hygiene is essential.
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Avoid consuming sweetened beverages or foods.
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Minimize consuming hard foods.
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Follow the instruction that we already provided in your last visit, such as the pattern of wear of elastics (though moving to night time only), brushing your teeth, using aligners, etc.
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For those who finished their treatment and are wearing retainers, follow the instructions that we already provided in your last visit regarding the wear times of your retainers.
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If your bonded retainer breaks or becomes loose and you are less than 6 months out of treatment WEAR YOUR REMOVABLE RETAINER FULL TIME. If you are more than 6 months out of braces, make sure you are wearing your retainer EVERY NIGHT until we resume normally scheduled visits and we can repair the break.
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Some orthodontic emergencies can be dealt with by yourself. Please click here for emergency guidance from the Canadian Association of Orthodontists.
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If you have an emergency that requires our intervention, then it will be ideal to send our office an email info@freemancarolands.com along with a picture. Hold your lips apart and ask someone to take a picture of the region with the problem.
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For some emergencies, we might arrange a video call to identify the problem(s) and advise you accordingly.
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In the meantime, our advice is to avoid or minimize emergency visits until the virus spread slows down.