Invisalign/braces - getting a bit concerned

[Notcontent]

There are obviously lots of people (mostly children but also some adults) who are in the middle of orthodontic treatment.and who have not been able to see their orthodontist since March (or longer). I know this is not a life and death situation, but it can obviously lead to further dental problems if you are in the middle of treatment.

My dd has Invisalign, and I thought we would be ok as we still have a few weeks worth of the plastic retainers, but there is no sign that our dental practice is reopening soon. It’s really frustrating. I really like the orthodontist she has been seeing but he seems to have just “disappeared” - surely he could do at least over the phone consultations just to reassure patients?

[Daydreamermummy]

Hi, I had a phone call from my ds orthopedist yesterday to offer him an appointment in a couple of weeks. I assumed they wouldn't be seeing anyone for a while so fingers crossed your dd's will too.

[Daydreamermummy]

Sorry that was supposed to be orthodontist.

[IsThisNameTaken]

Had an email from DS's orthodontist that they are re-opening on 8th June, so he will have his appt that is planned for 16th. Presume all of them can open at the same time.

[Notcontent]

That’s interesting - thank you. I will try to call to find out what is going on.

[Titsywoo]

It's been a nightmare for us as the braces are basically falling out of the brackets and jabbing my DS's mouth but there is nothing they can do about it. Heard nothing about reopening here.

[BentBastard]

I'm surprised at that isthisnametaken. I would have thought appointments should be allocated on clinical need. (This is what our orthodontist is doing)

Those who had to have an appointment cancelled at the beginning of lockdown will be at much greater need of a sooner appointment than your child's regular scheduled one. Have they actually confirmed your appointment is going ahead as scheduled?

[ChessieFL]

I saw on the news earlier that only around a third of dental surgeries are planning to open. Don’t know how true that is. I’m hoping mine opens soon - I was due to finish my ClearCorrect (same as Invisalign) course on 1st May so really looking forward to having my teeth back!!

[IsThisNameTaken]

@BentBastard yes, appointment confirmed as going ahead.
At the start of lockdown he was due an appointment but they did an assessment with me sending photos and then I collected 10 further sets of Invisalign from the surgery.

[Scottishgirl85]

I'm doing Invisalign at the moment (34 years old ). My orthodontist has been posting my trays and told me to wear each one for double the time, to eek it out a bit during lockdown. They've re-opened this week and I have an appointment next week. I'm desperate to go as I've done the whole of the 1st stage without check ups...
Have you called them to see when they're opening?

[BentBastard]

Wow, that's quite poor.

Feel for the people who had their appointments cancelled and have been have been waiting 6 or more weeks with useless or even falling apart braces having to wait even longer whilst someone who has had ongoing treatment is prioritised.

Glad our orthodontist isn't taking this approach.

[BentBastard]

Maybe you have a different orthodontist that only does Invisalign though, perhaps that's it. That would make sense.

[Mummypig2020]

I rang my dentist and they said they aren’t seeing any one (dd has braces) until September. She hasn’t seen anyone since Feb.

[IsThisNameTaken]

They do fixed as well but the vast majority have Invisalign.

[palacegirl77]

Cant see why they won't open for aligner checks. All the dentist will do is take impressions/use an oral scanner. The Imps are sent to a laboratory which make the aligners - usually in batches of 10. (Laboratories are open and waiting) I would have thought this would be one of the first things that will be happening. You have to remember though, you have a much better chance of being seen privately now. NHS dentists are still being paid (open or not) so don't have the incentive to start seeing people like private do - private dentists are much more positive about opening safely and seeing patients. Theyre sourcing their own PPE -NHS still waiting I suppose.

[Satsunday]

What do people think about going in for apmts now? I've got fixed braces and have missed 3 or 4 months of apmts now. I've been offered an apmt next week (private dentist). They don't have full ppe so not doing any drilling. Sounds like the ppe they have is the type they wore anyway before the virus (cloth masks and gloves). Does this sound ok? They're also checking people's temps on arrival and we have to wait outside to be called in.

[palacegirl77]

Satsunday go for it. These guys are professionals and they know what they need to do to keep you (and themselves) safe. The media is being so negative! Yes there is a risk, but there is a risk of catching it at the shops! There will be measures in place and they know what they're doing. Trust them.

[Satsunday]

Thanks palace. I've got a hospital apmt too the next day but at least I'm getting both done in one go. We've hidden away for weeks so feels scary getting out there again but I know I need to get on with it really.

[palacegirl77]

Ditto! My daughter has a back xray next week - she is so excited to go! I told her we would probably have to wear masks and she was so pleased!!

Honestly, please try not to worry - they have amazing training and really do have the expertise. You'll be in good hands!

[Satsunday]

Thank you 🙂