For updated information about how our office is handling COVID-19 starting April 24, 2020, please read our COVID-19 Update.
Due to these unprecedented and rapidly changing circumstances, we know you might have some questions about the COVID-19 pandemic and how it may affect your orthodontic care. We hope this list of Frequently Asked Questions will provide clarity regarding your treatment. We are here to support you and will continue to find new ways to provide world-class orthodontic care.
Why does an orthodontic office need to close?
Due to the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the sweeping recommendations of numerous health and government officials, we must close our doors to all elective and non-essential procedures for the safety of our community and to preserve very important personal protective equipment used on the front lines in fighting this pandemic. We have not experienced any cases of COVID-19 by any of our patients or staff in any of our offices, but all dental and medical professionals are doing their part in only treating patients with urgent needs.
How Long Will the Office be Closed?
The Utah Department of Health has asked that all medical and dental offices only perform essential procedures for 30 days (starting March 25th). We plan to resume normal activities on April 27th but realize that new directives may come from government agencies that may affect our practice. We are frequently assessing the situation and the guidance given by multiple agencies. We will be very transparent with the next steps if our timeline changes in either direction.
How Can We be Contacted?
Our team will be available to assist patients by phone Monday-Thursday. Although hours of operation may vary, we will check all messages each day and promptly get back to you. If we are not in the office, please leave a message, or, in the case of an emergency, contact our on-call assistant at the number given. We can always be reached via the information on our contact page.
As a side note, please don’t be offended when we ask if you or your family have experienced any illness. We are doing our best to ensure your health and safety at each visit, please do your best to help ensure ours!
How should I proceed if I am wearing braces or an appliance?
Please make sure you maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing three times per day and flossing daily. Avoid foods known to bend or break wires and brackets. These foods are anything sticky, hard or crunchy. If wearing elastics, continue to do so as directed. Your braces will continue to straighten your teeth. Proper elastic wear will continue to improve or maintain your bite. Be sure to wash your hands before and after removing elastic bands. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email with questions. If needed we may ask for you to email photos or use a video conferencing app to get a better idea of what you are experiencing.
How should I proceed if I am wearing Invisalign aligners?
Please wear your active aligners as instructed so treatment will progress.
If you do not have new aligners to wear, continue to wear the last set you have. It is perfectly fine to reduce your last aligner set to 12 hours per day to ensure that your teeth positions are maintained. Keep your aligners clean and avoid drinks other than water while wearing them. When our office reopens, we will deliver your next set of aligners or perform a new digital scan for new aligners. Always remember to wash your hands before placing and removing your aligners!
What should I do if I am scheduled to start treatment soon?
We are excited for all our patients to take this big step and look forward to seeing your new smile when it is finished. We are hopeful that this schedule alteration will be short. When this situation has stabilized, we are going to be ready for you and will make every effort to begin treatment as soon as possible.
What about getting my braces off?
Although dental care is very safe for patients and providers with standard universal precautions and hospital level sterilization protocols, the removal of orthodontic bonding materials produces aerosols that can possibly contain biological material. A deferral of removing braces is a good practice at a time like this. Always brush and floss thoroughly to maintain your dental health as we await the passing of this situation. We will resume removal of braces when we are advised that it is safe to do so. It’s going to be worth it, and your smile will be beautiful! Just hang tight for a little longer!
I have an upcoming new patient consultation or a routine monitoring appointment. What should I expect?
These appointments are very important but are categorized as non-essential at this time. If we have not already contacted you by phone, we will very soon!
I lost or broke my retainer or aligner. What should I do?
If we have prescribed a retainer, it is important to wear it as instructed. If you are experiencing any issues with your bonded or removable retainers, please call the office or send an email. Someone will contact you and address how to proceed.
I have a poking wire or other irritation that is bothering me. What should I do?
Call us! We will instruct you on the best resolution to the problem. We will try to help you with an easy fix at home or in the event of an emergency, this could involve a quick trip to the office for a fix in a private setting where you would be the only patient in the office.
Thank you for your understanding as we charter this unknown territory. We are confident we will make it through these challenging times as a practice as well as a community, state, and nation. We are truly grateful to associate with our fantastic patients. We wish you all good health, and we can’t wait to see you again in person very soon!
Stay well!
Jon Silcox and Silcox Orthodontic Team