BOS COVID-19 orthodontic emergencies protocol

Alongside this, a series of videos for patients have been created to help manage their appliances including how they can take an effective video or pictures of their mouth and braces for a clinician to review, broken retainers, loose wires and lost modules. More videos are in the process of being commissioned.

Most orthodontic appliances can be left in situ for some months without causing harm to the patient if the patient continues with the usual after care instructions. In many instances, appliances will continue to work for many weeks without needing any adjustment.

As a reminder all patients should undertake these steps to protect their teeth and appliances:

In the coming weeks, it is likely that orthodontic patients will ring with pain, problems and loose wires. Current advice is to avoid all but the most essential mouth procedures to limit spread of COVID-19 to the wider population.

Joe Noar, director of clinical governance at the BOS said, “In these unprecedented times, we hope that these resources will be of use to our members and the wider dental community.”