AN ORTHODONTIST has taken his job to social media to help those with braces, following the temporary closure of his practices.

Matthew Clover, orthodontic specialist and owner of Salisbury Orthodontics and Mid-Wessex Orthodontics, had "no other option" but to close his business following Government Covid-19 guidance, leaving around 1,700 clients in treatment involving a brace.

As a result he is keeping in touch with patients through Facebook and Instagram, to reassure them and give aftercare tips.

"We just cannot see people at the moment - we would love to see our patients but it just isn't safe for them and the community. Instead we are here to talk through problems in other ways," explained Doctor Clover.

Salisbury Journal:

He added: "There isn't one person that this isn't effecting, and while I'm not up-to-date with technology we are using these platforms to help our patients through this.

"Braces can be left in for months as long as [those wearing them] continue with normal after care instructions.

"We will complete all treatment eventually which will leave a fantastic result, but the brace might just be on for a little bit longer."

As well as providing online orthodontic support, over the weekend the practices supplied Wiltshire Police with face-masks, hand sanitiser, and gloves, to help protect Salisbury officers.

Doctor Clover said that the impact of coronavirus will "change the way we work in the future", adding: "During the most simplest or straight-forward tasks we wouldn't normally wear a mask, but this has thrown everything as we know it up in the air. Health and safety will be taken a lot more seriously in every job.

"This whole situation is really tough, the difficulty is predicting an end to [coronavirus].

"We do not know when things will go back to normal, but we are busy working behind the scenes, and we will be checking up on our patients over the next few weeks through phone or email."

For more information and orthodontic tips visit the Salisbury Orthodontics or Mid-Wessex Orthodontics Facebook page.

Tips to look after braces:

Brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste three times a day

Use a fluoride-based mouthwash once a day, at a different time to brushing your teeth

Maintain a low-sugar diet and avoid snacking, in particular sugary foods and fizzy drinks

If a wire begins to poke out of the brace, it can be pushed back into place with either tweezers or the rubber on the end of a pencil, or wax can be put on the wire to cover it up

Avoid hard and sticky foods as these can break a brace

Only wear elastic bands at night time so your supply lasts longer