Dear Friends, Families, and Patients,

Through issuance of Executive Order 20-72, Gov. Ron DeSantis has mandated the prohibition of any medically unnecessary, non-urgent or non-emergency procedure or surgery in the state of Florida. He has done so to conserve medical supplies and resources, preserve essential resources and control the potential spread of COVID-19.

According to the American Association of Orthodontics, non-elective procedures, including those considered to be orthodontic emergencies, are defined as remedying one or more of the following:

• Significant oral pain (Keep in mind many poky wires/hooks and broken brackets can be managed by wax or sectioning an archwire with cuticle cutters/nail clippers, so may be considered elective.)
• Infection
• Limited function (limited or painful opening/closing of mouth while chewing)
• Physical event yielding the above

Unless any of the above is true, loose brackets and bands, as well as lost or broken retainers/aligners, should be considered elective.

Nearly all of us are inundated with new challenges – unforeseen and unimaginable by most of us just a few weeks ago. As we address these challenges, know that we are here for you.

We will reach out to you soon.

Helpful Links

• CDC real-time updates: click here.
• Updates from the Florida Department of Health: click here.

Stay safe and comfortable,

EA Smiles Team