As we continue to adjust to the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, our daily lives have started to look a little different. However, our priority remains the same: providing you with high-quality orthodontic care while keeping our community safe and healthy. Because of this and the guidelines put in place by the CDC and the American Dental Association, our office will be temporarily closed, with the exception of emergencies. Thanks to advances in today’s technology, we now have all the tools to stay connected and keep your treatment on track, even while practicing social distancing. Although our office is closed, we’re still here to meet your orthodontic needs with virtual visits and consultations!
How Virtual Consultations Work
Getting started with your virtual consultation is easy! First, call our office to make your virtual appointment. Then, you’ll take some photos of your smile based on the examples we’ve emailed you. That’s it! Your part of the work is done!
For many of our patients, this is their first experience with virtual medicine. If you’re not sure how to get the most clear and effective photos, don’t worry! Here are some additional tips to help you take a great photo:
- To get the best angle, have someone else take your photo, or use the self-timer on your camera.
- Make sure the flash is turned on.
- Keep your photos close and only photograph your teeth and mouth.
- Try to keep the muscles around your mouth relaxed.
- If wearing elastics is part of your treatment, be sure to wear them in your photos.
- Keep your teeth together and bite down hard. This is the best way to make sure the pictures are accurate.
Once we receive your photos, one of our doctors will assess your smile and determine what treatment route is best suited for your needs. The doctor and treatment coordinator will meet with you via Zoom to discuss our findings. We’re proud to offer a variety of treatment options, including traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign aligners to patients of any age.
From there, our team will determine the cost of your treatment based upon the plan set in place by your doctor. We’ll do everything we can to make sure your treatment fits your budget. We accept most major insurance plans, as well as offer interest-free payment plans, making it easy to find a financial plan that fits your lifestyle. Finally, we’ll determine your next steps for progressing your treatment once our office reopens and we can see you in person.
Keep Your Smile Goals Within Reach
If you’re currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, there’s no need to worry about losing the progress you’ve worked so hard for. We’ll be here to keep an eye on your teeth and appliances and to address any problems that may arise along the way. Virtual visits will allow one of our doctors to keep you updated on any adjustments you may need to make from home.
To get started with your visit, you’ll take pictures of every angle of your teeth and provide some information about yourself and your current treatment. In our virtual visits guide, we’ve provided examples of the types of photos that you should be taking. If you wear elastics, make sure you’re wearing them when you take the photos so we can see if there are any issues or changes that you need to make.
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Appliances
As you continue to keep your smile progressing from home, it’s important to maintain care of your teeth and appliance. Even as the rest of your daily routine changes, keeping up your oral hygiene routine is essential! Here are some quick tips to follow, based on your treatment plan.
Invisalign:
- Wear aligners as directed by your doctor.
- If you don’t have the next aligner in the series, continue to wear the previous aligner for 15-18 hours a day until our office reopens.
- If you lose or break an aligner, use the previous one in the series.
- If you run out of aligners, don’t stop wearing them! Contact our office and we can usually provide you with additional aligners which will help your treatment continue progressing normally.
Braces:
- Wear elastics as stated in your treatment plan. If you run out, let us know, and we’ll mail you more.
- If you have any wires sticking out, apply orthodontic wax until you can come into the office. You may also try trimming the wire with a pair of nail clippers or small scissors.
- If you have a loose bracket, let us know, and we’ll fix it at your next in-office appointment.
- Avoid any and all foods that can damage your braces. This means sticky and crunchy foods, as well as anything else you would consider too hard for braces to handle. This will help prevent any emergencies, and keep us all safe at home!
- And of course, keep your braces clean and free of food debris or plaque!
We’re Open For Emergencies
If you experience any kind of orthodontic emergency, we’re here for you! Get in touch with our office and we’ll talk you through steps you can take to resolve the issue at home. If it’s a true emergency and you’re experiencing pain, we’ll schedule an in-office appointment with minimal staff, so as to keep everyone safe and healthy. As always, we’ll adhere to the highest standards of sanitation and disinfection practices. You have no reason to be concerned about your treatment as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together.
Socially Distanced, Virtually Connected
Our main goal at Brodsky Orthodontics is to stay connected and provide support for our current and future patients. By implementing virtual visits and consultations, we’re able to prioritize your smile and your safety as we each do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. With the team at Brodsky Orthodontics and virtual appointments, you can get the smile you deserve.