FAQ’s

COVID-19 CORONA VIRUS

Common Questions:

Is the practice dangerous?

No. We have very high standards of cross infection control.

What if I have a problem?

We can be contacted by phone throughout our normal working hours and also by email. Please note that it’s not always an emergency and can often wait until the practice re-opens. For emergencies outside normal hours, please contact NHS out of hours on 0161 476 9651. If you have had symptoms of the virus such as cough and/or fever and have a dental emergency, then please self-isolate and contact NHS 111 for advice.

How do I contact you?

If you have an emergency, you can contact us on our usual practice number 0160647234 during our usual opening hours. Please only call us if you have an emergency.

Other enquiries are best submitted by e-mail to cedarhouseorthodontics@btconnect.com or leave a message on our answer machine. We will get back to you.

What is a brace/retainer emergency?

If part of the brace is causing pain, or you are worried you may swallow or breathe it in, then please contact us. Another example would be a lost or broken retainer which no longer fits. If you are not sure, you can call us for advice. The wax covering of a Baby-Bel or Edam cheese can make a good alternative to orthodontic wax to put on something sharp. A broken/loose bracket which is still attached to the wire is not an emergency and can wait.

I’ve got a loose bracket, should I call you?

No, please see the previous answer.

My appointment has been cancelled. When will I be seen?

Unfortunately, it may not be possible to make another appointment at this stage. Appointments will be prioritised according to clinical need, so we thank you for your understanding in this matter.

The new appointment I’ve been given isn’t convenient, what should I do?

You can contact us to rearrange it. If possible, please do not phone us to do this. It is better if you email us on cedarhouseorthodontics@btconnect.com.  We check the emails each day and we will contact you with another appointment as soon as we are able to see you.

Won’t this affect my brace treatment?

There will inevitably be a delay in the progress of your treatment. However, most appliances are safe and stable to leave for many months if a good standard of toothbrushing is well maintained. Our clinicians have checked the clinical notes progress of everyone affected to make sure.

What about the elastics I’m wearing?

You should continue wearing your elastics. If you are wearing elastics full-time you should continue to do so until your original appointment, after which time you should continue to wear the elastics but only at night-time. If you are wearing elastics at night-time only, you should continue to do so until we can see you again. If you run out of elastics please call the practice and some more will be posted to your home address. If you have any concerns please contact the practice for further advice.

My brace is removable. Should I still wear it?

Yes. You should continue wearing your removable brace as instructed.

I’ve been told to turn the key of my removable brace. Should I still do this?

Yes. You should continue to do this, but stop the turns on the date of your original appointment.

What about my retainers?

Keep wearing your retainers as you have been advised.

I’ve broken/lost my retainer what should I do?

You should call the practice for advice.

I was due to be seen for a first appointment. Will I go back on the waiting list?

No. Your appointment will simply be rearranged and prioritised accordingly.

I’ve had symptoms of the virus and am having brace/retainer problems. What should I do?

Do not come to the practice. Self-isolate and call NHS 111

I’ve had teeth out but no brace fitted. What should I do?

Do not worry. There is usually no problem with the delay. If you notice the spaces closing up a lot (e.g. half of the original space) then contact us for advice. Selfies of the teeth emailed to us would be helpful for this.

I’m due to have teeth out at my dentist, should I still go?

You should take your dentist’s advice. Please see the above answer.

My dentist won’t take my teeth out like you asked. What should I do?

You should take your dentist’s advice. We can always rearrange appointments to fit around this.

I was due to have my brace off. Do I have to wait?

Yes. We know this is very disappointing, but we feel this is in the best health interests of staff, patients and public alike. If you have special concerns, please e-mail the practice.

I’ve finished self-isolation. Can i come in?

Please contact the practice for further advice.

When will this all end?

We don’t know but will be acting on expert advice as it becomes available and will contact our patients accordingly.

We appreciate that this is frustrating for everyone, but we are acting in good faith for the protection of us all. We are all in this together, so we ask that you continue to be patient, polite and respectful to us during this difficult time.

Best wishes,

From all the staff at Cedar House