Active Patients During COVID-19

December 6, 2020

With another surge in COVID-19 cases, a new stay-at-home order has been issued this month. However, this does not include healthcare practices. We will remain open during our normal business hours. We are still offering virtual appointments for those who prefer that during this time. Please call us to schedule an in-office or virtual appointment.

March 25, 2020

Dear OrthoBee patients and families,

I hope this finds you well and that you are starting to adjust to the changes and challenges our lives have brought to us these past few weeks. The temporary closure of the practice I have worked so hard to build has been tough, but I know that we will persevere. Thank you for being supportive during this difficult time; I appreciate each and every one of you and truly look forward to when we are able to reopen our doors to your smiling faces again soon!

I have formulated a strategic and comprehensive plan to ensure that your treatment needs are tended to as best as possible during this temporary phase of our lives. I will be starting with the first day our clinic was not open and reviewing each of your patient files in order. If your email is on file, I will be emailing you a few brief instructions, words of support or questions about your treatment status.

Questions or concerns about your orthodontic status:

1. Email team@theorthobee.com with your/your child’s full name and requested time to talk. 
2. Please let me know if you would like to have a video conference. If so, I will email you a link for Zoom conferencing.
3. Send photos if requested.  You’ll need some spoons, clean hands, a smartphone or camera, and a buddy (optional). Video instructions: https://tinyurl.com/ycfywrer 
4. Please also include photos of areas of concern.

Tips to keep your treatment moving:

• Maintain good oral hygiene. Don’t forget to floss or use a WaterPik!
• If wearing rubber bands, changing them at least 3x/day. Make sure you wash your hands before touching your mouth.
• Take extra care not to break appliances as we will not be able to repair them until we are able to reopen.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Question: If I am using clear aligners, can I get more?
Answer: I will be contacting you with instructions on your specific treatment.
2. Question: If I have run out of elastics, what should I do?
Answer: Contact us so that we can arrange to get more to you. If you feel as though you cannot wear your elastics at this time for any reason, please take a break and we will resume when we are able.

3. Question: If I have a broken bracket, what should I do?
Answer: We cannot yet safely use the handpiece needed to remove the cement and replace your bracket as it creates aerosols and have been mandated by our governing bodies to wait on this procedure. Please save the bracket in a baggie and email me so that we can add more time to your appointment upon your return to the clinic.

4. Question: What if something is poking or hurting me?
Answer: Email a photo of the area and I will contact you to get you comfortable. Please understand we are only able to see severe emergencies causing pain or at risk of infection. Please call the office (714-962-8880) or email me. The emergency line (714-367-6880) is forwarded to my cell phone.

5. Question: What happens to my missed, future or existing appointments?
Answer: When we are able to re-open, we will be open additional days per week until we are caught up. We will be moving every appointment from its existing time slot from the first day of closure into the first day of the re-open and moving forward from there. This ensures the patients that have not been seen for the longest period of time are able to be seen the fastest. If this time slot does not work, we will reschedule it as necessary. We understand this is not going to be perfect or ideal for everyone, but as a practitioner it is most important that we see patients as soon as possible that have gone unattended to. We will also prioritize emergencies such as broken brackets and wires. They thank you in advance for your flexibility, patience and grace!

I look forward to connecting with you, even if it does mean virtually for the time being and I am SO excited for the day we can reopen our doors to you and your families and share our stories of resilience. Until then, stay home, stay safe and stay strong.

Virtual hugs,

Chi Bui