Post Your COVID-19 Orthodontic Stories or Concerns

[bbsadmin]

With many areas of the world going on some form of lockdown, orthodontic patients are being told that their appointments and procedures are being canceled. Some dental offices are closing and people can't pick up their next sets of aligner trays, or get their adjustments done. In fact, the ADA (American Dental Assoc) put out a press release today recommending that all elective procedures be postponed. And the AAO (American Assoc of Orthodontists) canceled their huge annual meeting/trade show which was supposed to be in Atlanta in early May.

How is the Coronavirus pandemic affecting you? What are you concerns, as an orthodontic patient? Post your stories, humor, frustrations, or questions here!

[djspeece]

Great idea, Lynn. And can you imagine dealing with teenagers who are due to get their braces off, but must wait? Double whammy for parents.

[Nozzelnut]

My ortho said emergencies only.

Call them and they might be able to walk you through some things that can help without being seen at the office. With all the ortho work I've had done; I haven't had any emergencies. I've had some uncomfortable bracket issues and some breakages but nothing too emergent.

BUT do not get any work done if you are experiencing and signs or symptoms; fever, cough, shortness of breath or have possibly been exposed to someone with the virus... That would be incredibly irresponsible. Not to mentioned they're working right where this virus is transmitted from...

The dental assistants and orthodontists have families they need to go home healthy to.

(I would not expect to get anything done that created high particulates like grinding or drilling...)

[Jethro]

I was notified by my ortho’s office that they would be closed for at least the next 2 weeks and hoped to start rescheduling appointments the 2nd week of April. I greatly appreciate their concern for the welfare of patients and staff, especially since close interaction seems to be a primary method of transmission for COVID-19. Will keep you posted.

Wishing everyone safe passage through the current health crisis.

All the Best,

Jethro

[Carno]

My orthodontist sent an email out this morning saying his office will be closed until May 8th. I was supposed to get braces put on the first or second week of April, but obviously that won't be happening now.

They are seeing patients for emergency work only, due to the state mandating closures for all medical and dental offices.

I will be seeing my oral surgeon once a week for post-operation check ups, but he told me that his office is closed to everyone except the four people that he operated on last Monday.

[quickredfox]

Belgian in braces here. We're officially in (semi strict) lockdown since 18th of March. All non-urgent dental care appointments have been cancelled, since the available medical masks do not offer enough protection. Lockdown was announced until 5th of April, but has been predictably extended until April 19th, likely again until May 3rd. Who knows what will happen after. I'm guessing the curve + hospital capacity will be reassessed and if it's looking good some slight loosening of the measures will temporarily be allowed so people don't get too antsy. No idea if orthodontic care will be part of that.

My ortho called to move my March appointment to April 24th, but I'm guessing it will be postponed again. Lookin' pretty gross right now, not-so-clear top braces with - frankly - yellow powerchain on top So far I've been keeping busy at home (kind of enjoying it in a way), but from next week my classes will be resumed online. With webcam, awesome.

Whenever I feel like complaining, I think about how I could be way worse off. Hope I can pick up some elastics soon though.

[braceface95]

So I was supposed to get my braces off early in the summer. I definitely don’t think that’s going to happen now. I had an appointment scheduled in mid-March, then my orthodontist office closed because of the lockdown. I was rescheduled for mid-April, but the lockdown is extended until May (although I’m not getting my hopes up for that date either) so my orthodontist is closed indefinitely. But my biggest worry now is that, I’ve run out of rubberbands so now I’m just hoping that doesn’t mess up my teeth and I have to have them on for way longer than expected.

[bbsadmin]

So I was supposed to get my braces off early in the summer. I definitely don’t think that’s going to happen now. I had an appointment scheduled in mid-March, then my orthodontist office closed because of the lockdown. I was rescheduled for mid-April, but the lockdown is extended until May (although I’m not getting my hopes up for that date either) so my orthodontist is closed indefinitely. But my biggest worry now is that, I’ve run out of rubberbands so now I’m just hoping that doesn’t mess up my teeth and I have to have them on for way longer than expected.

Call your orthodontist and see if they can mail you some new packages of rubber bands! Also, you might be able to go into their office and pick some up.

[braceface95]

Thanks for the advice, I’m going to call them and hopefully, I get an answer.

[Speck]

One can buy elastics online.

[cbraces678]

I was a week away from getting my braces removed, and then everything shut down!!! Now I’m stuck in them for who knows how long, and since then I’ve had a couple teeth shift, so I know I’ll need another adjustment before they come off now. I can’t help but laugh about it really. I was SO CLOSE lol!!!

[Jethro]

My April appt was canceled (as anticipated), but have since been notified by my ortho that they hope to resume seeing patients in 2 weeks. I live in an area that is still mostly in lockdown mode so we shall see.

Since my last adjustment, the bite on my right side has gone completely off the rails...no idea why. So like most of us, I guess my timeline has been extended by at least a few months.

Stay healthy everyone!

All the Best,

Jethro

[Meowmeowbeans2]

Hi all - I was emailed last week to come this Friday, May 15 to get debraced! It's their first day reopening, so I assume it will all be super clean and everyone on staff will have been self-isolating and therefore healthy.

I do feel that one upper front tooth is slightly out of line - basically one is more flared and the other more straight up and down... but given than I'm already a month past my original timeline AND that every time you go for an adjustment and have your mouth open to the room is a risk, I'm inclined to debrace. I plan to point it out and ask if she's concerned about it, but to proceed with debrace if she says it's fine.

I hope everyone gets into their orthodontists soon!

[Speck]

The timing of the shut-down (and extension thereto) relative to ortho appointments has resulted in a seven-week delay of treatment. Could be worse.

June is just 'round the corner...

[Gladysp2]

Anyone got any inside knowledge of when UK orthodontists will open again? I was due to be debonded just prior to lockdown but they refused. I would just be happy for my ligs and chains to be changed at the moment.