COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
We are open for Emergency and urgent Treatment Only.
In line with the recent advice from the Australian government, local health authorities and the Australian Society of Orthodontists, we will be temporarily reducing our patients to Emergency Treatment and Urgent Only. We will be rescheduling all other appointments to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus, effective from 1st April 2020. Please contact us for more information.
HOW SHOULD I PROCEED IF I AM WEARING BRACES OR AN APPLIANCE?
Please make sure you keep good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice daily. Wash your hands prior to brushing and flossing. Also remember, avoid foods that may lead to a breakage. We will not be able to see you for any repair appointments. If wearing any elastics continue to do so as directed. Your braces will continue to straighten your teeth all day and night. Proper elastic wear will continue to correct your bite. We will be able to advance your treatment once the government restrictions have been lifted. If you require wax, elastics or anything else, please call or email us.
WHAT ABOUT GETTING MY BRACES OFF?
Although orthodontic procedures are very safe with the correct infection control protocols, cleaning teeth and the removal of orthodontic bonding materials produces aerosols that can possibly contain biological material, including viruses. Therefore these types of dental procedure cannot be carried out at this time. 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.
I LOST OR BROKE MY RETAINER. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
It is always important to wear your retainers after your treatment is complete. In the event that your retainer is misplaced or broken, please contact us at your earliest convenience and we will advise the most suitable solution for your case.
WILL PATIENTS BE ALLOWED IN THE PRACTICES AT ALL?
Unless in the case of an extreme emergency (trauma, infection, extreme pain) -not at this time. We cannot see anyone infected with Coronavirus or persons with infected family members UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Our practices will return to normal operating as soon as we are able however our team is available to answer all your concerns during this period. If you think you have an extreme emergency, please call or email us.
Reminders about braces
and care during treatment
It is extremely important that the teeth are kept clean throughout the entirety of the treatment. Yes, braces make cleaning the teeth more difficult. However, the task is not impossible. Dental decay during treatment is problematic and may cause an extension in treatment time. It is important to note here that braces themselves do not cause decay; it is the lack of effort involved in brushing the teeth which causes decay. Food and plaque may collect on the brackets which are glued on the teeth. If these are not removed, white marks on the surfaces of the teeth may result. These white marks are known as decalcification. They are not only unsightly, but are also the first sign of decay.
Another important thing to remember is to try to prevent damage to the braces whenever possible. The metal brackets are bonded on to the teeth by glue. This glue may be weakened (especially on the brackets in the front teeth) when consuming hard, crunchy or sticky foods. Foods in this category include things like sticky lollies, carrot sticks, hard potato or corn chips, chewing gum or fruits like apples. Avoid eating these whenever possible, or, in the case of hard foods like apples or steak, cut the food up into small pieces before eating. The weakening of the bond between the brackets and the teeth may be gradual, such that it may not break immediately upon consuming these foods, but may become weaker until they are eventually dislodged by some other soft foods. When the brackets come off or come loose, the patient is then required to come in for another visit and glue the brackets back on, which is a time consuming process.