Do Orthodontists Recommend Teledentistry

Teledentistry has become increasingly popular as the COVID-19 pandemic forced many healthcare providers in the U.S. to limit their services. As a result, teledentistry is becoming a standard first step before an orthodontist is seen for an in-person visit.

A growing number of orthodontists now recommend teledentistry, and many are implementing it into their practices. Patients being able to get treatments they need without stepping into a clinic protects them and dental workers during flu season.

How teledentistry works

Teledentistry is a branch of telehealth – which is a technology-driven approach to healthcare. It involves orthodontists using the internet and communication technology to remotely treat their patients. It often involves:

• Live video chats: These can be used to perform visual examinations and diagnose oral issues.
• Store and forward transmission: This is used to securely transmit x-rays, digital images, videos and radiographs that are used to diagnose and treat patients.
• Remote patient monitoring (RPM): This involves using medical devices to collect important information about a patient’s condition. The information is then relayed to the orthodontist or healthcare provider who is monitoring the patient.
• Mobile orthodontics: This involves educating patients and recommending treatments for oral issues over the phone or other means of digital communication, like emails.

Prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, teledentistry had been used to serve patients who live far away from the closest orthodontists or lack access to orthodontic facilities. Now, it is a great option for those who need orthodontic care for a non-emergency.

How teledentistry works

Teledentistry involves virtual visits between orthodontists and their patients using communication technology, like video chats. These meetings take place in real-time and the patient can connect from anywhere on the planet with internet access.

These virtual consultations can be used to educate the patient on how to take proper care of their teeth or where to get the treatment they need. It helps to free up emergency rooms by allowing patients to see an orthodontist at off-hours.

Being able to chat with an orthodontist remotely lowers costs for patients. It leads to less time being taken off work or other scheduled activities and reduces travel expenses.

Visit our virtual orthodontic clinic

If you want freedom in your schedule, teledentistry can be a great start in improving your oral health. During a virtual consultation, our orthodontist can evaluate your problem over a video chat and inform you if you need to visit the clinic. They can also educate you about ways to address oral problems that do not require emergency orthodontic care. Call our Laguna Hills clinic to learn more about how we are helping our patients receive care on their time.

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.