Orthodontic emergencies during the CO""VID-

Dear Patients,

Under normal circumstances, I have always made every effort to see every “emergency patient” in a prompt manor. Unfortunately, we are not living in normal circumstances.  I am following the guidelines of the American Dental Association and The Department of Health in keeping the office “closed” except for urgent or emergency care for the next two weeks to minimize the spread of Corona Virus.

If you are in pain please call.  I will be seeing emergency appointments on Tuesday March 24, Wednesday March 25, Monday March 30 and Wednesday April 1, by appointment only.  We will resume a full schedule starting the week of April 5.

Please read the following guidelines for emergencies:

Loose brackets: While a loose bracket is an emergency that we would like to see within a few days during normal times, during this CoronaVirus pandemic we need to follow a different standard.  If the loose bracket is not causing pain, and is not attached to a chain elastic (that is where the colored circles are connected to each other in an elastic chain), it can wait until after the current ban on elective treatment.  If you have a question as to whether it is an emergency, take a picture of it with your phone and email it to drj@okunortho.com.  Dr. Okun will evaluate if it needs to be seen immediately.

Loose bands: If the metal ring on your back tooth comes loose it should be removed so that you don’t chew on it.  If you can’t remove it from the end of the arch-wire it is an emergency.  If it is attached to a palatal expander it is an emergency. If removing it prevents you from wearing a head-gear we need to evaluate on a case by case basis. Call the office and leave a message.

Arch-wire pokes: If the arch-wire has slid to one side and is poking you please try to push it to the other side using a needle nose plier.  If you cannot, and if wax does not stay on the end, this is an emergency, but may need to wait a few days until we have a cluster of emergencies to see.

If a retainer or guard is broken, wear the larger piece but save the smaller one. Take a picture of it and email it to us to see if you need to be seen immediately. If a retainer is broken and the pieces stay together when it is in your mouth and are held together by the wire when it is out of your mouth, continue to wear it but call so that we can schedule a repair appointment.

I will continue to check the office answering machine (914) 253-0722 so that I can return your calls. If you are having an emergency that can’t wait for a call back please also email me at drj@okunortho.com.

As Mayor Tom Roach (of White Plains) tells us, “We are stronger together when we stand apart.”  Stay at home, stay healthy, and I’ll see you soon.  
Dr. Okun