Specialty Smiles Orthodontics: Leaders in Patient Safety & Convenience

Can you believe that it’s already been 2 weeks since the school year ended?! Though this summer certainly looks different than years past, it’s still a great time to schedule those medical, dental, and orthodontic appointments for the kids. I recently spoke with Dr. Melissa Alfonso Sedeño of Specialty Smiles Orthodontics and was really encouraged to hear about the recent changes they’ve made to keep their patients safe. So from one mom to another, let me put your mind at ease by letting you know what you can expect to experience at Specialty Smiles.

PPE & Other Protocols

The team at Specialty Smiles Orthodontics has always gone to great lengths to follow the highest safety protocols. This commitment to safety has remained the same and has guided them as they’ve implemented additional changes in response to COVID-19. Visible changes include sneeze guards at the front desk and extra personal protective equipment. Every staff member is required to wear two masks, a face shield, and gowns which are changed as needed. They also created a new private room for procedures.

Other less visible but equally important changes include a UV light sterilization and bipolar ionization system to circulate and clean the air. Every treatment chair is cleaned between appointments and the office is wiped down every hour or more frequently if needed. The office is also fogged with a CDC/ EPA approved medical grade
disinfectant.

Scheduling Appointments

In addition to reducing the number of patients coming in and out of the office, appointments are scheduled to maintain social distancing. Only 2 of their 4 open bay treatment chairs are used at a time and alternated to allow for distancing and thorough cleaning between patients.

Any appointments that might generate aerosols (with the use of handpieces (i.e. drills) or air/water spray) are scheduled toward the end of the morning or at the end of the day so that the air can be purified and the office cleaned. Each patient receives a screening when they schedule their appointment and can complete any necessary forms in a digital format. This reduces contact with high touch surfaces and allows for a hands-free experience during appointments. 

What to Expect

When you arrive for your appointment at Specialty Smiles, you can call or text the office and then wait in the car. When it’s time to come in, an assistant will call or text and then meet the patient at the door. They’ll review the patient’s previously submitted screening form and take the patient’s temperature. This is standard for anyone coming into the office, including the staff. Additionally, every person who enters the practice must wear a mask.

When it’s time to start, each patient rinses with a hydrogen peroxide mix followed by suction. This reduces any bacterial or viral germs that may be present in the mouth before treatment. Though parents are currently asked not to accompany patients inside to reduce the number of people in the office–with the exception of new patients, younger patients, or patients with special needs–Dr. Alfonso Sedeño and her team do everything they can to keep parents involved during the appointment by giving them updates over the phone. 

Virtual Consultations & Appointments 

Among the biggest positive changes that Specialty Smiles has implemented are virtual consultations and appointments! This allows patients to upload and submit images or meet with an orthodontist in real-time. These options are perfect for anyone needing a consultation or patients receiving Invisalign or aligner treatments. In fact, many patients were able to continue their orthodontic treatment during the shutdown this way. They’re able to see new and existing patients on a variety of platforms including Zoom, Google Hangouts, and FaceTime. If you would like to schedule a virtual consultation you can visit howsmysmile.com.

Orthodontic Care for All Ages

There’s no time like the present to begin or continue orthodontic treatment. Specialty Smiles Orthodontics provides the highest level of care in an environment that feels like family. We’re proud to feature Dr. Eddy Sedeño and Dr. Melissa Alfonso Sedeño and their orthodontic practice in our Miami Moms Blog Guide to Orthodontists. Specialty Smiles proudly accepts all insurance plans and also offers interest-free financing on a variety of treatment options.

Everyone deserves to love their smile. Visit their website or message them on Instagram for more information about how to schedule your virtual new patient exam or free virtual consultation today!