As states begin to gradually roll back Covid-19 shutdown restrictions and Stay at Home orders, your orthodontist’s office will likely begin accepting patients again. But is it safe to visit right away, or is it best to keep postponing your appointment for a while? Your orthodontist undoubtedly has your safety in mind, and he or she will likely be taking significant steps to make the office as safe as possible for both patients and staff. Here are some things to keep in mind as you consider a visit to your newly-reopened orthodontist.
Precautions to Prevent the Spread
Any good orthodontist already has robust hygiene measures in place that go a long way toward preventing the spread of disease within the office. Previously-existing precautions recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists will remain in effect. These include the use of masks, glasses, and gloves by all medical personnel, sterilization of instruments and devices, and careful disinfecting of all surfaces that patients come into contact with.
Potential Changes to Your Experience
While your orthodontist will continue to provide the highest standard of care, your experience visiting his or her office may be a bit different from what you remember. The first changes will likely appear at the check-in process. This may include screening questions to determine whether you may have been exposed to the virus that causes Covid-19, temperature checks, and an explanation of new procedures such as social distancing rules. While a young patient can, of course, still be accompanied by a parent, most orthodontists will ask that the number of companions be limited. Anyone that does come with a patient will likely be subjected to the same screening measures.
In the waiting room, items that are handled by many patients and cannot be easily disinfected like magazines and refreshment stations might be absent. In fact, some orthodontists might request that you wait in your car rather than inside in order to ensure that social distancing rules are upheld.
Once your appointment with the orthodontist begins, your treatment should proceed relatively normally. Maybe you will be asked to brush your teeth before coming to the office, or the orthodontist might provide you with a disinfecting hydrogen peroxide mouthwash to ensure that there are fewer germs in the mouth.
When Should I Visit?
While your orthodontist will do everything possible to ensure that the office is as safe an environment as possible, it is ultimately a personal decision as to whether you feel safe coming in for an appointment as soon as the office reopens. If you or your child is experiencing pain due to orthodontic implements or another urgent situation, it is important to go in as soon as possible. Your orthodontist’s team will work with you to make sure that you receive the best, safest care possible.
If you have any questions about the precautions Tisseront Orthodontics will take upon reopening, or you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us. We will ensure that our patients and staff are as safe as possible as we all adapt to our new normal.
