As we continue to adjust to the changes brought about by the spread of COVID-19, it can be hard to keep up with everything. From business closures to stay-at-home orders, there’s no doubt that life has started to look quite different. During this time, our priority at Thacker Orthodontics is the health and safety of our patients, team, and community. Because of this, along with on-going recommendations from the CDC and the American Dental Association, our office will be taking extra precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. If you’re maintaining your smile from home, you’ve come to the right place!
Thanks to today’s technology, we can continue to stay connected, even while practicing social distancing. While the state of Ohio has announced that dentists can reopen beginning May 1st (and we can’t wait to see you!), we will continue to offer virtual visits to give you the opportunity to continue to progress your treatment from home. To find out more, keep reading below!
How Virtual Visits Work
To get started with your virtual visit, head over to our virtual visits page. From there, you’ll take some photos of your smile following the prompts given on the registration form. We’ve also included a quick how-to video with some helpful tips! Next, you’ll provide your information along with any goals you have for your smile.
For many of our patients, taking photos may be somewhat intimidating. Don’t let this stop you from getting the smile you deserve! Here are some additional tips to help you take a great photo:
- To get the best angle, have someone else take your photo, or use the self-timer on your camera.
- Make sure the flash is turned on.
- Keep your photos close and only photograph your teeth and mouth.
- Try to keep the muscles around your mouth relaxed.
- Keep your teeth together and bite down hard. This is the best way to make sure the pictures are accurate.
Once we receive your photos, Dr. Jim or Dr. MaryEvan will review them and determine what type of treatment will be the best fit for your smile! At Thacker Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a variety of effective treatment options for patients of any age, including traditional metal brace, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligner therapy.
Once your treatment plan has been determined, we’ll go over every aspect with you, including cost. We’ll work with you to make sure your treatment plan fits your lifestyle and your budget! We accept most major insurance plans, as well as payment plan options. We’ll help you determine what works best for you!
Keep Your Smile Goals Within Reach
If you’ve already started your orthodontic treatment, there’s no need to worry about losing the progress you’ve made so far. We can continue to keep an eye on your teeth and appliances to ensure we find any potential problems before they become bigger. Dr. Jim or Dr. MaryEvan will keep you updated on any adjustments you may need to make while you’re at home.
The best way to keep your goals within reach is by keeping up a healthy oral hygiene routine. We recommend that all of our patients brush their teeth three times a day, including once before bed. And don’t forget to floss! For our braces patients, a waterpik is a great tool to have at home in times like these. They’re extremely effective in removing food and plaque from those hard to reach areas your regular toothbrush just can’t reach.
Taking Care of Your Teeth and Appliances
While you’re practicing social distancing, it’s important to take good care of your teeth and appliances. If you’ve been wondering how you can take the best care of your teeth, we’ve put together this reference guide, based upon your treatment. Following these simple steps will help you maintain your smile progress, even while staying home!
Invisalign:
- Wear aligners as directed by Dr. Jim or Dr. MaryEvan.
- If you’ve come to the end of a series and don’t have the next aligner, continue to wear the previous aligner for 15-18 hours a day until your next appointment.
- If you lose or break an aligner, use the previous one in the series.
- If you run out of aligners, don’t stop wearing them! Contact our office and we’ll determine your next steps.
Braces:
- Wear elastics, as directed by Dr. Jim or Dr. MaryEvan. If you run out, let us know, and we’ll mail you more.
- If you have any wires sticking out, apply orthodontic wax to the affected area until your next in-office visit. You may also try trimming the wire with a pair of nail clippers or small scissors, if you feel comfortable doing so.
- If you have a loose bracket, let us know, and we’ll fix it at your next in-office appointment.
- Avoid any and all foods that can damage your braces. This means sticky and crunchy foods, as well as anything else you would consider to be too hard for braces to handle. This will help prevent any emergencies, and keep us all safe at home!
- And of course, keep your braces clean and free of food debris or plaque!
We’re Open For Emergencies
If you experience an orthodontic emergency, we’re here to help! Contact our office right away, and we’ll be able to walk you through steps you can take at home to remedy your issue. If you’re experiencing a true emergency, we’ll schedule an appointment for you to come into our office. We’ll follow health and safety precautions, as recommended by the state, the CDC, and the American Dental Association. You have no reason to worry about any part of your treatment as we continue to navigate this situation together.
Socially Distanced, Virtually Connected
Our goal at Thacker Orthodontics is to stay connected and provide support for our current and future patients. Through virtual visits, we can prioritize your smile and your safety, as we all continue to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 within our communities. If you’re ready to schedule your virtual appointment with Dr. Jim or Dr. MaryEvan, contact our office today!