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Bronx, NY – At Riverdale Family Orthodontics our first priority is always our patients’ comfort and safety. During these uncertain times, we have taken extra steps to safeguard against the spread of COVID-19. However, we do realize that some patients may not feel comfortable returning to regular orthodontic appointments just yet. Follow these tips to ensure your smile stays healthy and your treatment stays on track in between extended orthodontic visits.

1. Brush and floss regularly. Keeping your smile healthy should always be a priority, but during orthodontic treatment it is especially important. Brush at least twice a day and floss once, but if possible, brush after every meal. This will help ensure food particles aren’t left behind in the brackets and wires to wreak havoc on your smile. If you cannot brush, rinse your mouth with water to help wash away any remaining particles.
2. Follow all the advice of your orthodontist. Dr. Woo and her team work incredibly hard to create the ideal treatment plan for you, but that doesn’t mean they do all the work. You are an active part of your treatment, as well, and it is important that you follow all care instructions as provided. If you wear elastics, continue to wear them as directed by Dr. Woo. If you wear aligners, continue your usual wear, wearing them 22 hours a day and stick to the schedule Dr. Woo gave you for changing aligners out.
3. Avoid the foods on the do not eat list. If you wear standard metal braces, Dr. Woo explained foods to avoid during treatment. Please continue to avoid eating them to ensure you don’t damage your brackets or wires. This includes anything that is too sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy.

Riverdale Family Orthodontics is pleased to offer virtual consultations and appointments to all patients. These virtual appointments allow you to be seen by our expert orthodontist, while never having to leave the comfort and safety of your own home.

It’s simple – just go to www.riverdalefamilyortho.com. A pop-up will be found directly on the homepage. Fill out the virtual consultation form to help Dr. Woo understand what your issue is. You’ll snap a few selfies to help round out the information provided and submit them to the office. Once received, Dr. Woo will review the information provided and contact you with her thoughts and care instructions.

Once we reach out and schedule your appointment, we will go over a few new protocols. Patients will wait in their cars until ready to be seen and will wear a face covering while in the office. All appointments are scheduled to allow for social distancing as possible.

As we begin to open back up, please know that Riverdale Family Orthodontics takes your health and safety seriously. We have always had rigorous cleaning and disinfecting procedures in place, but have worked hard to improve all our procedures during this time to ensure the safety of everyone who enters our office. Please visit our website to learn more about what we are doing to keep our patients safe and feel free to call us to ask any questions, 718-884-7700.