With COVID cases rising steadily across the country, entire industries are having to grapple with managing their businesses remotely. Some services seem impossible to operate online, but the circumstances have forced us to innovate and adapt. Many people are wary about seeing healthcare and dental care providers, worrying about the risks of in person appointments and the shortcomings of virtual consultations. However, putting off a necessary treatment is only doing yourself a disservice.
If you are experiencing dental or orthodontic issues, a virtual orthodontic screening may be in order. But how can you ensure your orthodontist is able to give you the best care possible from a distance? The answer is simple: selfies. Taking pictures of your own teeth will help your orthodontist identify and treat dental problems without poking around inside your mouth. Keep reading to learn our tips to make your virtual consultation as helpful as possible.
Smile! Wait, Don’t Smile…
There are a few things you will need before you start taking pictures of your teeth. You may want to recruit a friend to take the photos. If not, a camera with a timer should work just fine. Most orthodontists will want to see five or six pictures, each of a different area of the mouth. Start by photographing your front teeth, open or closed depending on your orthodontist’s instructions.
Your orthodontist will likely request photos of your top and bottom rows of teeth. Be sure to show the arch with an open mouth. You will also want photos of the left and right sides of your mouth, possibly including photos of your bite on either side. While this arrangement of photos is typical of a virtual orthodontist appointment, be sure to pay attention to your provider’s specific instructions.
Ok, Now Smile!
Taking photos of your teeth to send to your orthodontist may be an imperfect system, but they are sufficient for a virtual meeting. Our lives cannot be put on hold indefinitely, and dental problems can arise even in a pandemic. That’s why at Dr. Paz Orthodontics we have made a commitment to provide safe orthodontic care during this time. Located on our website is a video showing the photos that are needed and the technique of taking them. It’s easy!
If you are wondering how to manage your orthodontic health and make progress towards your ideal smile from home, invisible braces may be the right choice for you. Invisalign aligners are comfortable, convenient, and easy to use under the guidance of an orthodontist. Schedule a consultation with your orthodontist to find out if you need braces, and if you are eligible for Invisalign.