As the world reels under the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, stepping out of the house is best avoided. Dealing with your clear aligner treatment at such trying times could be challenging, with in-person doctor visits almost ruled out. But instead of hitting the panic button, here’s how you can maintain your clear aligner treatment during the pandemic:

If you need more aligners or retainers

In most cases, the entire series of aligners are provided right at the start of the treatment. But you could still run out of aligners in the middle of the treatment due to various reasons — loss, damage, etc. Reach out to your orthodontist or provider with your concerns and requirements. They could ship you more aligners depending on your need or advice you to continue wearing the last one you already have till they can ship you new ones. If you are running short of retainers to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original position, ask your provider for alternatives. They will either send you more via mail or offer pick-up options with safety protocols in place.

Connect online

Check with your dentist or your clear aligner provider for online consultations. If you are in the middle of the treatment and need to follow up with your orthodontist, book an online appointment. In some cases, sensor-based trackers like FXONTRACK by OrthoFX remotely track your treatment progress. The provider will help you out if there’s any requirement in the course of the treatment. You can also connect with the OrthoFX VIP Concierge for help in dealing with any treatment-related crisis.

Keep the aligners clean

Keep the trays clean by rinsing them in lukewarm water and using a mild soap or with a cleanser solution prescribed by your orthodontist. If you have to keep wearing a tray for more than a week due to a shortage of aligners, then cleaning is all the more necessary. Do not forget to sanitize your clear aligner case, as well.

Maintain self-hygiene

Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice daily are things you should anyway do, with or without the pandemic. But going by the demand of the hour, you need to be particular about your personal hygiene, as well. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap or use hand sanitizer with a high alcohol content before touching your aligners every time. Pandemics do not end in a day, but that does not mean life has to stop. When healthcare is concerned, it is crucial to keep calm and seek professional help for clarity on how to deal with the situation.