26/03/2020
COVID-19 NOTICE
Dear Patient/Parent
After the announcement of 23rd March 2020 by the President, and in line with the recommendations of the HPCSA and other professional bodies, I am writing to inform you that it is necessary to postpone all non-urgent orthodontic appointments, due to Pandemic spread of the COVID-19 virus, until 16th April. Closer to that time we will need to re-evaluate the situation further.
the dental profession is regulated when it comes to cross-infection and we take this aspect very seriously in the best interests of all patients, as well as staff. Due to the infectiousness of the virus and the absolute need to slow down the spread, it is imperative to limit the possible exposure to everyone.
Moreover, delaying orthodontic visits for a few weeks is unlikely to cause any significant harm, as long as you are brushing your teeth regularly and following the instructions which are summarised below.
These instructions are for those under treatment using fixed braces, removable braces, aligners, or retainers:
1. Excellent oral hygiene is essential.
2. Avoid consuming sweetened beverages or foods.
3. Minimise consuming hard or sticky foods.
4. Follow the instructions provided at your last visit, such as
the wear of elastics, brushing your teeth, using aligners,
5. For those who have finished their treatment and are
wearing retainers, follow the instructions provided in your
last visit regarding the wear times of your retainers.
Emergencies
1. Thankfully true emergencies are rare in an orthodontic
office. Loose brackets while a nuisance, are not an
emergency.
2. If you have an emergency what requires my intervention,
then you can contact us on 082 296 6655 between 10am
and 12am only. For pmb contact Dr Kasimjee on 0333 87
5113
3. In the meantime, my advice is to avoid or minimise
emergency visits until the virus spread slows down. It is
thus imperative to try adhering to the above instructions
now more than ever before.
These are unusual times which are difficult for all of us and we need to work together for the benefit of all. We apologize for the inconvenience, but it is not of our making and we will endeavor as always to provide you with the best service that we can.
Together we can beat this.
Dr Sundrum