Dear Kamatovic Orthodontics patients,
The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) continues to recommend postponing non-emergent appointments. Here we offer tips on how to handle potential orthodontic issues at home. However, if you have any concerns about your treatment contact us. Many times we are able to help over the phone or through video communication.
We will continue to give updates here as to when we plan to re-open for regular appointments. We await recommendations from the RCDSO in this regard.
Tools + Supplies
With these tools and supplies on hand, you will be prepared to handle the most common orthodontic issues
• Orthodontic relief wax
• Dental floss
• Disinfected tweezers
• Q-tips
• Salt
• Interproximal Brush
• Toothpicks
• Topical Anesthetic (such as Ora-Gel)
Lost O-ring
An “O ring”is the tiny coloured elastic or sometimes a very thin silver wire that holds the orthodontic wire in the brace. If a rubber o-ring should come off, you may be able to put it back in place using disinfected tweezers. If a wire ligature comes loose, simply remove it with the tweezers. If the wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, it may be bent back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser to eliminate the irritation.
Discomfort
It’s normal to have some discomfort during orthodontic treatment as your teeth move, however it should not last longer than a couple days. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water may alleviate some discomfort. If the discomfort lasts longer than a couple days, let us know.
Mouth Sores
Some patients are susceptible to episodes of mouth sores. While braces do not cause them, they may be exacerbated by an irritation from braces. One or several areas of ulceration of the cheeks, lips or tongue may appear. This is not an emergency but may be very uncomfortable. Prompt relief may be achieved by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (such as Ora-Gel) directly to the ulcerated surface using a cotton swab – reapply as needed. If after a couple days the discomfort does not resolve let us know.
Irritation in Mouth
Sometimes braces or wires can be irritating to the mouth, especially when eating. A small amount of orthodontic relief wax makes an excellent buffer between metal and mouth. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. Wax can be purchased at any drug store otherwise, let us know and we can arrange getting some to you.
Protruding Wire
Occasionally the end of a wire will work itself out of place and can irritate the mouth. Use a Q-tip or clean tweezer and try to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. Should changes with your wires occur during this time let us know.
Loose Braces or Bands
If any of the braces or bands has come loose in any way, call us to determine appropriate next steps.
Be safe. Looking forward to when we can return.
Dr. Mike Kamatovic ... See MoreSee Less
April 1st
Dear Kamatovic Orthodontics Patients,
Our VIDEO CHAT Portal is now OPEN!
The announcement by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) strongly recommended to immediately stop all non-essential and elective dental procedures was made on March 15, 2020, with the ultimate goal to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
We continue to await further recommendations from the RCDSO and Public Health as to when normal office operations can resume.
We have dedicated phone lines to answer all your questions about appointments, hours etc. Please call (905) 356-7919 or (905) 397-5885 for these inquiries.
If you have a specific orthodontic question and want to set up a video chat with me directly please follow the link on our website under ORTHO HELP for more information.
Be safe and take care,
Dr. Mike Kamatovic ... See MoreSee Less
March 24th
Dear Kamatovic Orthodontics Patients,
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic; in keeping with our priority to maintain the absolute safety of our staff, patients and parents; and, with recommendations from our regulatory body (Royal College Of Dental Surgeons of Ontario), we at Kamatovic Orthodontics, have decided to postpone all non-essential office visits. As such, all previously scheduled appointments until April 1st will be cancelled.
The announcement by the RCDSO to immediately stop all non-essential and elective dental procedures was made on March 15, 2020, with the ultimate goal to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This closure is expected to last at least until April 1st.
The dental profession is highly regulated when it comes to cross-contamination and infection control and we at Kamatovic Orthodontics always operate in accordance with all regulations with that respect. Due to its high infectiousness and the absolute need to slow down the spread of this virus, the responsible action is to limit the possible exposure to everyone.
Though this an inconvenience for all involved, delaying orthodontic visits for a few weeks is unlikely to cause any significant harm, as long as you are brushing your teeth regularly, keeping ideal oral hygiene standards and following the instructions which are summarized below. These instructions are for those under active treatment using fixed braces, removable braces, Invisalign, retainers, or in interceptive treatment with an expander.
Please follow these instructions to help minimize any potential problems:
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene, including brushing after meals and flossing daily
• Consider purchasing a fluoride rinse from your local pharmacy
• Avoid excessive consumption of sweetened beverages or foods (candies)
• For patients in fixed braces, avoid hard foods
• If you have an expander or other device that requires you to activate it- STOP turning the expander or appliance until we resume normally scheduled visits
• If you are in fixed braces or Invisalign and are using elastics, MOVE TO WEARING ELASTICS ONLY AT NIGHT-TIME until we resume normally scheduled visits
• Follow the instruction already provided at your last visit, such as the pattern of wear of elastics (though moving to night-time only)
• For those who have finished their treatment and are wearing retainers, follow the instructions that were provided at your last visit regarding the wear-time of your retainers
• If your bonded retainers break or become loose and you are less than 6 months out of treatment WEAR YOUR REMOVABLE RETAINER FULL TIME. If you are more than 6 months out of braces, make sure you are wearing your retainer EVERY NIGHT until we resume normally scheduled visits and we can repair the break.
• Consider changing your aligners every 2 or 3 weeks
If you have an emergency that requires our attention, call us. We will have team members on the phones during this time. Please do not present to our office without an appointment. In the meantime, the advice is to avoid or minimize emergency visits until the virus spread slows down.
We certainly understand that this closure may delay your treatment. However, we want you to rest assured that we will do our utmost to complete your treatment as expeditiously as possible, as soon as we are able to resume normal operations.
Ultimately, in the face of this global pandemic, it is each and everyone’s responsibility to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
Dr. Mike Kamatovic ... See MoreSee Less
March 16th
