Dentist checking bracket at the braces on the female patient. Close-up. Real People.
Check this out: the market for orthodontists has risen by almost 9% over the last year. With orthodontists in such high demand in Texas, it might seem hard to book a comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Curious about how to receive a phase 1 orthodontic treatment in the midst of the COVID 19 crisis?
If you are concerned about seeking orthodontic treatment during a pandemic, we’ve got you covered. Simply take a look at the top five questions to ask for the best treatment in Dripping Springs, Texas!
1. What Is Non-Elective and What Is Elective?
Ready to stop asking yourself “what is orthodontic treatment?” First of all, ask your orthodontist what the difference is between non-elective and elective treatments.
In light of these unprecedented times, it’s no wonder why orthodontistry isn’t at the forefront of many people’s minds right now. This explains why so many offices are limiting their treatments to non-elective treatments at this time.
Why is this?
The answer is simple: to slow the spread of Coronavirus. In terms of non-elective procedures, these are technically classified as “orthodontic emergencies.”
This might be the right option for you is you are suffering from ailments like:
- Chronic oral pain
- Oral infection
- Limited functioning
- Physical trauma leading to oral discomfort
What’s the real deal about elective procedures?
This can include everything from loose bands and brackets to broken or lost aligners or retainers. That being said, make sure to ask your orthodontist if they’re willing to provide the proper safety measures to treat you first!
2. Do You Use Aerosols With Bondings and Debondings?
Sick and tired of putting your early orthodontic treatment on hold?
As long as your orthodontist can safely treat your non-elective procedure, then you should be able to book an appointment as soon as possible. Before you go, though, you might want to ask your orthodontist the following question: do you use aerosols with bondings and debonding?
This is a crucial question to ask for several reasons. For starters, the aerosol that is suspended in the air can take up to several hours to dissipate. However, orthodontists are the lower risk than other types of dental offices because they use less aerosol.
To make your oral procedure even safer, feel free to ask your orthodontist to limit the use of aerosols as much as possible.
3. How Often Do You See Sick Patients?
Although this question might sound strange, it’s a good idea to ask your orthodontist how often they see sick patients. That’s because patients infected with the coronavirus must avoid visiting the orthodontist for up to two weeks.
If you want to take your oral health, try to use a personal mouthwash before being seen by an orthodontist. Although it’s not exactly a science-based recommendation, it can’t do any harm. Plus, using your personal mouthwash beforehand can kill any harmful microflora in your mouth as well.
Another safety measure is to ask your orthodontist to buy temperature checks of the door. Even though it’s not a guaranteed sign of non-infection, it is an indication of infection.
If you have your own aligner at home and you’ve been infected with the coronavirus, here’s what you should do. The first step is to ask the orthodontist if they’ll make you a new aligner. Then, ask them to deliver it in a drive-by dropoff.
Problem solved!
4. Do You Use Personal Protective Equipment?
This one is a no-brainer: ask your orthodontist in Dripping Springs, Texas if they use personal protective equipment. Sometimes, level three surgical masks aren’t enough to protect patients from “aerosolized coronavirus.”
Hopefully, your orthodontist will let you know that they only use N95 respirator masks to treat sick patients. In most cases, these procedures are typically reserved for emergency treatments. Even better, question your orthodontist about their professional attire.
Do they perform their practices in close collared high neck jackets or white clinical jackets?
If so, the classic white clinical coat isn’t enough to protect them or their patients against oral aerosols.
5. Do You Change Masks After Each Patient?
Last but not least, make sure that you ask your orthodontist in Dripping Springs, Texas if they change masks after seeing each patient.
The answer should be a resounding yes. If not, then you might want to try a different orthodontist office. Of course, an orthodontist without masks isn’t legally allowed to treat any patients at all.
To play it safe, we highly recommend that you bring a level two mask for orthodontic procedures that involve:
- Splatter
- Splash
- Aerosols
If you’re not able to get a high filtration mask for yourself, don’t be surprised if the orthodontist isn’t allowed to see you. And nobody wants that to happen, right?
In order to prevent any delays to your orthodontic care, make sure that you’re prepared with a proper mask from a certified provider!
Don’t Let COVID Stop Your Orthodontic Treatment
Here’s the deal. When it comes to the recent health epidemic, you shouldn’t let COVID 19 stop you from receiving the orthodontic treatment that you deserve.
Not sure if your orthodontist in Dripping Springs, Texas will treat your non-elective procedure?
If you are nodding your head yes, then there’s nothing wrong with giving your orthodontist a phone call beforehand first. Besides this, asking about your orthodontist’s safety procedures will guarantee you more peace of mind as well.
From personal protective equipment to hand washing, there are so many ways that your office can step up safety precautions.
Want to learn more about booking an early orthodontic treatment?
If that’s the case, please don’t hesitate to schedule a free consult right now!
