What Kind of Orthodontic Services Are Offered Through Teledentistry

Teledentistry provides a way for orthodontists to provide treatments remotely to patients who are dealing with non-emergency oral health issues. As a cultural change following the COVID-19 outbreak, patients will usually opt to receive a virtual visit before coming to the office. Many orthodontists also ask that if a patient is feeling under the weather, to limit exposure by first scheduling a teledentistry appointment.

As a result, those dealing with orthodontic issues that do not require emergency care are being pushed towards teledentistry. This allows them to get the treatment they need immediately instead of waiting months for an opening.

Services provided via teledentistry

Teledentistry involves using modern information technology to connect with, evaluate and monitor patients. This includes the use of phone calls, video chats, texts and secure data transmission to evaluate, educate and provide treatments.

Teledentistry can be just as effective as going to the orthodontist and it can be used to provide services like:

• Evaluations: Orthodontists can use tools, like video chats and digital images, to assess a patient’s condition. These virtual inspections can be used to diagnose a variety of oral issues, like gum disease, tooth decay or an infection. These consultations are also used to screen patients who are asked to come to the clinic.
• Education: Teledentistry can be used to educate patients about ways to take proper care of their teeth. Good oral hygiene remains the most effective way to keep teeth and gums healthy.
• Prescriptions: Orthodontists can write electronic prescriptions for patients who have been remotely assessed. For example, a patient with orthodontic phobias might be prescribed sedatives, like valium, to ease their anxiety if they have to come to the clinic for an issue that requires urgent care, like an infection. The standard way to do that would be to have the patient come in for an appointment to discuss their phobia, write them a prescription and set a date for their treatment. Things are a lot more efficient with teledentistry.
• Monitoring: Teledentistry can also be used to monitor a patient’s progress after their treatments. It gives the orthodontist accurate data to work with and the patient gets the most out of their treatment without having to make inconvenient trips to the orthodontist. For example, a patient who is straightening their teeth with clear aligners can have the movement of their teeth monitored with teledentistry, reducing the number of office visits they have to make during their treatment.

Get remote orthodontic treatments

Teledentistry was gaining popularity prior to the coronavirus, and now even more people are willing to give it a try. Now, we can offer more openings with virtual consultation. Call our Laguna Hills clinic to learn more about the teledentistry treatments we provide.

Request an appointment here: https://www.orangecoastortho.com/contact-us/ or call Orange Coast Orthodontics at (949) 860-1231 for an appointment in our Laguna Hills office.