If you’ve ever thought about getting braces or clear aligners (e.g. Invisalign) for yourself or a family member, but your busy schedule is making it hard for you to commit to in-person appointments, we’ve got good news for you. You can easily do a virtual orthodontic consultation from the comfort of your home!

This approach is getting more and more popular because it’s more convenient and accessible than going to the office in person. Through the DentalMonitoring app, you’ll be able to stay in contact with your orthodontist more often, too — which means you’ll never fall behind on your progress.

In this article, we’ll be talking about dental monitoring in NJ, what a virtual orthodontic consultation is, and more. If you’re considering utilizing remote orthodontics or just want to learn more about it, you’re definitely in the right place. Let’s get started!

What is a Virtual Orthodontic Consultation?

A virtual orthodontic consultation is exactly what it sounds like. A lot of people wonder what a virtual consultation actually entails, though, so let’s break it down.

Basically, it allows you to connect with an orthodontist remotely (usually on a video call). Instead of driving to the office and sitting in a waiting room, you can meet your orthodontist from anywhere at any time.

Needless to say, this is incredibly convenient. You can even send your orthodontist images and scans of your teeth through the DentalMonitoring app using the ScanBox Pro that they’ll provide for you.

Or, if you have any questions for your orthodontist, you can simply ask them right away instead of waiting for your next in-person appointment.

What to Expect During a Virtual Orthodontic Consultation

Here’s what a virtual orthodontic consultation typically entails:

Scheduling Your Appointment

The process starts by booking an appointment online or by contacting the orthodontic office. Once confirmed, you’ll receive instructions on how to access the virtual platform (in this case, the DentalMonitoring app).

Sharing Health and Dental History

Before the meeting, you’ll fill out digital forms about your medical and dental history. This will give the orthodontist an idea of your oral health background.

Setting Up Your Device

You’ll then set up your ScanBox Pro, which your orthodontist will provide you with when you sign up for the DentalMonitoring app. Your orthodontist will provide you with detailed instructions if you need help setting everything up.

Video Consultation

The actual appointment starts with a video call. During this call, your orthodontist will discuss your concerns, examine your teeth and bite (based on the images you’ve sent them), and ask you relevant questions.

Treatment Discussion

Based on the virtual assessment, the orthodontist will talk about treatment options (like traditional braces or clear aligners). They’ll explain the process, how long it might take, and what you should expect.

Financial Breakdown

You’ll also get an overview of the costs for the suggested treatments, along with any available insurance coverage or payment plans. Orthodontic care can be an investment, so you might want to ask your orthodontist if you can pay in installments.

Next Steps

After the virtual consultation, your orthodontist will outline what happens next. You may need to schedule an in-person appointment for more scans or impressions — or, they may ask if you want to start the process for Invisalign or braces.

The Benefits of Having a Virtual Orthodontic Consultation

You might be wondering: Why should I have a virtual consultation when I could just schedule an in-person appointment? Scheduling an in-person appointment is just fine, and we’d recommend doing it.

However, if you’re super busy or don’t want to wait too long for an appointment, you might find a virtual orthodontic consultation very helpful. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits below:

Convenience

Nobody likes commuting long distances or sitting in a waiting room. Virtual orthodontic consultations allow you to meet with your orthodontist from your home. This is a great option for parents with lots of responsibilities or people who are really busy with work.

Comfort

For some people, visiting an orthodontic office can be nerve-wracking. This is especially true for kids or people who have never been to the orthodontist before.

If you decide to have a virtual consultation instead, you might find that you’re more willing to share certain details with your orthodontist (since you’ll be in an environment that you’re familiar with).

Time Efficiency

Virtual consultations save a whole lot of time, too. You won’t need to take a day off work or school for a preliminary visit. These appointments tend to be pretty quick, as your orthodontist will only focus on what’s necessary.

Accessibility

If you live in a remote area or somewhere with limited orthodontic options, a virtual orthodontist could be a great option for you. Remote orthodontic care is a lot more accessible, which is a big reason why so many people are choosing this option for treatment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Virtual Orthodontics Work for Me?

Absolutely! A virtual consultation is a great first step if you have questions or concerns about your teeth and jaw alignment. Your orthodontist will let you know if any in-person follow-ups are necessary.

How Long Will it Take?

The virtual consultation itself is usually pretty quick (around 30 minutes give or take). Again, you shouldn’t have to take off any time from school or work.

How Much Does it Cost?

Many orthodontists offer virtual consultations for free or at a reduced cost (ask your orthodontist to be sure). You’ll also get to save money on gas, which is always a plus.

Conclusion

Clearly, you can’t go wrong with scheduling a virtual orthodontic consultation — especially if it’s your first consultation with a particular orthodontist. When it comes to remote orthodontics and dental monitoring in NJ, Centerton Orthodontics is an excellent choice.

Feel free to schedule a virtual consultation with us today. We’ll get you set up with the DentalMonitoring app and your own ScanBox Pro so that you can start sending pictures of your teeth to your orthodontist.