Winter in South Africa is synonymous with chilly mornings, cosy blankets and, unfortunately, cold and flu season. During the colder months, it’s common for patients to ask whether they should still attend their orthodontic appointment if they’re feeling unwell. While staying on track with your braces or Invisalign treatment is important, your health—and the wellbeing of everyone in our practice—should always come first.
At Pretoria Smile Orthodontics, we recommend that patients who are sick postpone their appointment until they have fully recovered. Doing so ensures you receive the best possible care while helping to protect other patients and our clinical team from seasonal illnesses.
Should I Attend My Appointment If I Have a Cold or Flu?
If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms such as a fever, persistent cough, sore throat, congestion or body aches, it’s usually best to reschedule your appointment. A simple way to decide is to ask yourself one question: If I’m too sick to go to school or work today, should I really be sitting in the orthodontist’s chair? In most cases, the answer is no.
Orthodontic treatment is rarely an emergency, and postponing a routine adjustment by a few days while you recover is unlikely to affect your overall treatment outcome.
Why Orthodontic Appointments Can Be Difficult When You’re Sick
Many people don’t realise that orthodontic appointments require patients to lie back in the dental chair with their mouth open for an extended period. If you’re suffering from a blocked nose, coughing fits or a sore throat, this can quickly become uncomfortable.
Trying to breathe through a congested nose while lying back isn’t pleasant, and frequent coughing or sneezing may interrupt treatment. If you’re constantly clearing your throat or feeling fatigued, your appointment may take longer than usual and be far less comfortable than it should be.
Rather than struggling through your visit, it’s often better to recover first and return when you feel well enough to relax during treatment.
Will Missing One Appointment Affect My Braces or Invisalign?
This is one of the most common concerns we hear from patients. The good news is that in most cases, postponing one routine orthodontic appointment because you’re sick will not have a significant impact on your treatment plan.
Whether you’re wearing traditional braces, ceramic braces or Invisalign clear aligners, maintaining your overall health is more important than forcing yourself to attend an appointment while you’re unwell. Contact PretoriaSmile Orthodontics as soon as possible, and our team will help you arrange another appointment at the earliest convenient time.
Protecting Other Patients and Our Team
Orthodontic practices welcome patients of all ages every day, from young children to teenagers and adults. During winter, viruses spread easily in waiting rooms, schools and workplaces. If you’re contagious, attending your appointment may unintentionally expose other patients and members of our clinical team to illness.
By choosing to stay home until you’ve recovered, you’re helping create a safer environment for everyone who visits our practice. It’s a simple decision that shows consideration for your community while also giving your body the time it needs to heal.
Looking After Your Oral Health While You’re Recovering
Even if you’re feeling under the weather, it’s important not to neglect your oral hygiene. Continue brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day and cleaning carefully around your braces or aligners. If you’re wearing Invisalign, continue wearing your aligners as instructed unless your orthodontist advises otherwise.
Staying hydrated is equally important, as colds and flu can often lead to a dry mouth, allowing bacteria to build up more easily. Once you’ve recovered, consider replacing your toothbrush to help maintain good oral hygiene.
Keeping your mouth clean while you’re sick reduces the risk of plaque build-up, gum inflammation and tooth decay, ensuring your orthodontic treatment stays on track.
We’re Happy to Help You Reschedule
At Pretoria Smile Orthodontics, your health and comfort always come first. If you’re feeling unwell this winter, don’t worry about missing your appointment. Simply contact our friendly team, and we’ll happily help you reschedule your visit for a time when you’re feeling healthy again.
Your smile is a long-term investment, and one postponed appointment is far better than attending while you’re sick and uncomfortable. Recover well, take care of yourself, and we’ll be ready to welcome you back with a smile when you’re feeling your best.
Need to reschedule your appointment? Contact Pretoria Smile Orthodontics today, and we’ll help you get your orthodontic treatment back on track.