The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the world to dramatically slow down in 2020, as fewer people than ever are traveling, going to restaurants, or seeing movies in theaters. But, curiously, one statistic that has noticeably increased is the number of adults starting braces. Why is this the case? An orthodontist in Powell explains why COVID-19 has encouraged so many people to start orthodontic treatment and why this might be the right time for you to do the same.
Mask Up!
One of the biggest concerns adults have when it comes to braces is aesthetics. They often remind people of middle school, and no one wants to look immature, especially in a professional environment. But these days, if you’re out in public, you should be wearing a mask to keep yourself and those around you protected. This means your braces will be hidden from sight, allowing you to carry on your life without having to worry about people noticing your treatment.
Stay Put, Stay Safe
In order to combat the spread of COVID-19, the CDC and countless other healthcare professionals have recommended that people stay home as much as possible. This means if you choose to start braces, you don’t have to worry about the public seeing them, because you basically won’t be in public, plus you’ll be wearing a mask whenever you venture out.
Trusted Safety
Another big reason that many adults are beginning orthodontic treatment is because dental practices are some of the safest places you can visit during the pandemic. Even before COVID-19, infection control and sanitation measures were already quite extensive at most practices, and these have only become more stringent in the past year. To date, there have been ZERO instances of COVID-19 being spread in a dental office. Many practices have implemented new protocols and are transparent about what they are doing to keep themselves and the community safe, and this gives people the reassurance they need to come in and start their smile straightening journey.
Needless to say, COVID-19 has thrown off countless plans for countless people, but if you’ve wanted to straighten your teeth for a long time, and worries about braces have prevented you from doing it, now may be your best opportunity. It’s a thin silver-lining given the state of the world, but having a beautiful, perfectly aligned smile to look forward to can go a long way in making quarantine that much easier.
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Shirck is a board-certified orthodontist based in Powell. Since graduating from The Ohio State University, he has garnered numerous awards and been named one of Columbus’ Top Orthodontists every year since 2011. In addition to traditional braces, he and the team at Shirck Orthodontics also offer Invisalign clear aligners (Dr. Shirck has been an Elite Invisalign Provider since 2017). If you’re ready to get the straight smile you’ve always wanted, contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation.