Safety Measures for Orthodontics Patients at Georgian Dental During COVID-19

You don’t need to delay orthodontic treatments for a more beautiful smile. Georgian Dental will help you get the braces you need and keep you safe from COVID-19 in our clinics.

Life can sometimes get derailed by a sudden unexpected turn of events, and that certainly seems to be a recurring theme in the year 2020. The coronavirus outbreak has required all of us to adjust to a difficult and constantly evolving situation, as we do our best to carry on in the face of adversity. Here at Georgian Dental, we have put in place safety protocols and new protective equipment to ensure we are providing the safest environment for our patients to get the dental care they need, including braces and other types of orthodontic treatments.

If you or someone in your family is in need of braces to help correct misaligned teeth, you need not delay in moving ahead with orthodontics. Whether your dentist or orthodontist suggests traditional metal braces, or is recommending a different approach with the use of Invisalign clear aligners, you can start the process today and be confident that your visit to our clinic will be safe from the risks of COVID-19, every step of the way. In this article, we will review the various precautions and protective equipment that are in place at Georgian Dental, and what you can expect from your braces experience.

First, it’s important to talk about how the clinic itself has been changed and updated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s explore some of the recent changes we’ve made in protocols and safety measures at our Barrie and Orillia orthodontics clinics.

How has Georgian Dental clinics changed to provide enhanced safety during COVID-19?

Georgian Dental has always placed patient safety as our top priority, and so we already had many sanitization protocols and an extensive array of protective equipment installed. However, to effectively combat the spread of COVID-19 and provide the safest possible environment for our patients during the pandemic, we took these measures to an even higher level.

For starters, the way we arrange and coordinate appointments has changed to minimize the number of people in the clinic at any given time and to allow for thorough sanitization of treatment areas in-between appointments. Pre-screening checklists are conducted of all patients prior to arrival at the clinic to ensure that all persons entering the clinic are symptom-free and have not come in recent contact with anyone suspected of being infected with the virus. In addition, all staff and employees are also thoroughly screened prior to the start of each day of work.

You’ll also notice that all staff members are provided with a complete array of personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, face masks, face shields, and other items of protective gear that are necessary for their specific roles and responsibilities in the dental clinic. Clear protective barriers have been installed in the waiting room, and transparent plastic dividers separate each treatment space to prevent the movement of air between different areas in the clinic.

The clinic itself is cleaned and sanitized regularly, with high-contact surfaces such as door handles, debit touchpads, chairs, and others sanitized after each use. Even the air itself is sanitized! With in-room HEPA air purifiers continually scrubbing the air, airborne particles are safely contained and removed from the environment. Furthermore, the entire clinic is treated with an ozone sanitization process every day, completely disinfecting everything in all spaces throughout the building.

Suffice to say, we are taking every precaution to ensure the safest possible environment for our patients, their families, and our staff. With these procedures and advanced protective equipment in place, you can be confident that your visit to our clinics will be safe and secure from the risks of COVID-19.

For a complete list of clinic safety precautions and equipment related to COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19 dental clinic safety guide for more information.

What do I need to know before I arrive for my braces appointment?

When you are preparing to arrive for your braces appointment, there are a few things you should be aware of. First, we require all patients to wear face coverings that extend over the nose, mouth, and under the chin while inside the clinic space. Your dentist will advise you when it is safe to remove your mask for your exam or procedures, and when you will need to put it back on afterwards. You will be asked to sanitize your hands upon arrival, as well as before you depart the clinic.

In addition, upon arrival to our clinic you will undergo a brief screening for COVID-19 symptoms, including a pulse check and temperature test. If you are exhibiting any symptoms associated with COVID-19, or have been in recent contact with someone infected with the virus, do not come to the clinic. Seek appropriate medical attention immediately.

How will my orthodontic treatment be different because of COVID-19?

Once your orthodontic appointment begins, the process itself will be virtually the same experience as a pre-COVID braces appointment. Your orthodontist will consult with you about the necessary treatment steps, and any options you may have to select from.

There are several types of braces available, each with certain advantages for specific orthodontic objectives. Traditional metal braces remain a very popular treatment option due to their simple approach and proven track record of amazing results. If a faster treatment timeline is deemed appropriate, then your orthodontist may recommend fast braces for you. This approach combines metal brace appliances on the teeth with a series of additional treatments designed to speed up the movement of teeth to the desired positions. In some cases, this blended approach can reduce orthodontic treatment times by up to 50%.

Another option that you may be presented with is the Invisalign system for straightening teeth. This innovative orthodontic treatment uses clear aligners instead of metal wires and brackets. Virtually invisible, the clear aligners used in the Invisalign treatment offer greater comfort and convenience, as they can simply be temporarily removed by the user to eat or drink with ease.

Regardless of the specific type of braces recommended to you by your orthodontist, the treatment timelines, appointment frequency, and necessary oral hygiene habits have not changed in the face of COVID-19. Orthodontics patients still need to have regular checkups and adjustments, and still need to thoroughly clean their teeth and braces to maintain a healthy mouth. The amazing results you will see from braces will be just the same as they would be even if we weren’t in the middle of a global pandemic.

Start Your Orthodontic Treatment Now & Get the Straighter Teeth You’ve Always Wanted

COVID-19 is a challenge for us all, however we are all working together to reduce the spread, keep each other safe, and protect one another. If you or someone in your family is in need of orthodontics, don’t wait to get the necessary care. At Georgian Dental, you can safely get started with braces now, and achieve the perfect smile that you deserve. Plus, you’ll be wearing a facemask to help protect yourself and others as you go about your daily routine, so no one will even know you have braces on!

Arrange for your free, no-obligation braces consultation and learn which of the different orthodontics options are right for you. We are proud to offer a complete range of braces for all our patients, from traditional metal braces to the advanced Invisalign system. We look forward to your visit, and we hope you and your family stay safe and healthy during this difficult time.