May 13, 2020
Hi Family and Friends of Richard Chan Orthodontics,
We’re happy to announce that our doors are opening on May 18th, 2020! For more information, click HERE!
Can’t wait to see you soon!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chan and the Team at Richard Chan Orthodontics
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March, 19th, 2020,
Hi Family,
In light of the rapidly changing status of COVID-19, we are following the governor’s health mandate in Washington and Alaska to close our doors beyond April 13th. Our Washington offices will be closed until May 18th, 2020.
For our offices in Alaska, we are following the governor’s health mandate and will close our doors and cancel all appointments until April 19, 2020.
We understand that there are a lot of questions and concerns during this time. Even though our doors are closed, our emails and phone are not. Please do not hesitate to call us in the case of an emergency, we are still here for you. We are actively working on setting up virtual appointments with Dr. Chan when possible too.
Until we can open our doors again and see you, please stay safe, stay in and stay smiling!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chan and the Team at Richard Chan Orthodontics
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March 18, 2020
Hi family,
In light of the current COVID-19 crisis and in the interest of protecting our patients and the RCO Team, we are following the recommendation of Governor Jay Inslee as well as the Washington State Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the Washington State Department of Health, and have made the decision to close our office (EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY) and cancel all appointments until at least April 13th, 2020. We will be contacting and rescheduling every patient who is on the schedule from now until then. We are actively working on setting up virtual appointments with Dr. Chan when possible too!
FAQS:
How should I proceed if I am wearing braces or an appliance?
Please make sure you keep good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing three times a day. Also remember, DO NOT eat forbidden foods to avoid any breakage. If wearing any elastic continue to do so as directed. Your braces will continue to straighten your teeth all day and night. Proper elastic wear will continue to correct your bite. We will be able to advance your treatment once we reopen.
How should I proceed if I am wearing Invisalign aligners?
Please make sure to keep wearing your active aligners as instructed to continue progressing your treatment. Make sure to use your chewies and bite and hold to seat the aligners in areas where you may see visible space between your tooth and the aligner. For best use, bite into your chewie for 10 seconds and work it around your teeth lightly biting holding for a 10-minute session.
If you no longer have aligners to continue to your next week, it is perfectly fine to reduce your last aligner wear to a retainer phase of 10-12 hours per day to ensure that your teeth stay in position and make your aligner last longer. Keep your aligners clean and avoid all drinks other than water while wearing them. When our office reopens, we will make a new digital scan for new aligners.
Always remember to wash your hands before placing and removing your aligners or elastics.
What should I do if I am scheduled to start treatment soon?
We are excited for all our patients to take this big step, and look forward to seeing your new smile when it is finished. We are hopeful that this schedule alteration will be short. When this situation has stabilized, we are going be ready for you!
What about getting my braces off?
Although dental care is very safe for patients and providers with standard universal precautions and hospital level sterilization protocols, cleaning teeth and the removal of orthodontic bonding materials produces aerosols that can possibly contain biological material. A deferral of removing braces is a good practice at a time like this. Always brush and floss thoroughly to maintain your dental health as we await the passing of this situation. We will resume removal of braces when we are advised that it is safe to do so.
I have a routine monitoring appointment upcoming (retainer check, growth monitoring, recall examination, or new patient consultation).
These appointments are very important, but by their nature become elective at a time like this. We will maintain all appointment records within our computer system, and will reschedule them appropriately when the community situation returns to normal.
We are told to wash our hands frequently; how should we handle wearing aligners, retainers, elastics, etc?
It is important to continue wearing your aligners and your rubber bands to maintain your treatment progress, or your treatment result if currently wearing retainers. Follow recommendations by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after removing or placing your aligners, retainers, or elastics. These items can also be washed or cleaned in a diluted soap and water solution. An old toothbrush is ideal for this purpose. After cleaning the appliance, rinse thoroughly in cold water to minimize the soapy taste, just like when doing the dishes.
I lost or broke my retainer or aligner. What should I do?
It is always important to wear your retainers after your treatment is complete. Call the office and leave us a voice mail or write us an email, someone will contact you to see how we can proceed. Unfortunately we cannot make you another one without seeing you first.
I have a poking wire or other irritation that is bothering me. What do I do?
Call us! We will instruct you on the best resolution to the problem. We will try to help you with an easy fix at home. In the event of a true emergency situation involving severe pain or discomfort, this could involve a quick VIP trip to the office for a fix in a private setting where you would be the only patient in the office.
We will remain available for emergencies and to answer any questions via phone or email.
Phone: 425-485-9332
Email: info@chansmiles.com
Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for timely updates.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardchanorthodontics
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rcortho/
Thank you so much for your support and understanding during this difficult time. We feel blessed to be part of such an amazing community. We take comfort knowing we will get through this together. We will continue to update you as new information becomes available. Stay safe and keep smiling!
Dr. Chan and the Team at Richard Chan Orthodontics
