Orthodontic treatment has changed in the past ten years.Now, orthodontists can monitor the progress of the treatment using new technology. One of the most effective technologies in the field of orthodontics is dental monitoring. 

As an orthodontist, I have used dental monitoring for several years in my practice. I have seen how dental monitoring has greatly enhanced the experience of my patients and their families. However, the most significant thing is that it makes the process easier for everyone. 

So let’s talk about what dental monitoring is, how it works and why so many patients appreciate it.

What Is Dental Monitoring?

Dental monitoring is a technology that helps an orthodontist to monitor the movement of your teeth remotely. You do not have to visit our office regularly, instead, you use an app on your smartphone to send us pictures of your teeth.

The technology is easy to use. First, we give you a small device and cheek retractors that you attach to your smartphone. You then take pictures or videos of your teeth once every week.

Once you have taken the pictures or videos, the technology then reviews them and organizes them so that I can review them carefully. Because of this, I can monitor how your teeth are moving.

How Dental Monitoring Works

The system is designed to be simple for the patients. Most people become very comfortable with the system very quickly.

Here is how the system works:

Step 1: Download the dental monitoring app from your phone.

Step 2: Our office will send you a special device and cheek retractors that help you take clear pictures.

Step 3: Follow the instructions in the app to scan your teeth once a week.

Step 4: The system will automatically upload the scans.

Step 5: Our orthodontists will then review the scans and monitor the movement of your teeth.

Since the scans are done once a week, I will be receiving updates much more often than with the traditional system.

So, the system of dental monitoring helps me monitor your progress much more closely.

Watching Your Smile Transform

One of the most interesting aspects of dental monitoring is the visual record that is created.

Each weekly scan becomes part of a timeline of your treatment. Eventually, these scans create a complete record of the changes made to your smile.

For example, let’s say you are in a two-year treatment program. By the time you are finished, you will have over 100 scans of your teeth. These scans will show the complete changes of the work being done, from the first changes in the teeth’s alignment and all the way through the final result.

And the icing on the cake is that the system can create a time-lapse video of the scans. Patients enjoy watching their teeth change from crooked and awkward to straight and confident.

Fewer Office Visits, Better Monitoring

It has been standard practice to schedule check-ups every six to eight weeks. While these check-ups are certainly important, it is not always possible to get the full view of what is happening week by week.

That is where dental monitoring comes in.

Instead of seeing you every couple of months, I can see you every week. This helps me to catch problems early.

For example, when a bracket comes loose. Maybe an aligner is not fitting quite right. Maybe an attachment has fallen off.

If we catch these problems early, we can fix them easily. This ensures that treatment stays on track.

Dental Monitoring Works with Braces and Invisalign

Many people think that dental monitoring only works with clear aligners. This is not true.

Dental monitoring works well with braces and Invisalign treatment.

We can monitor how the brackets, wires or aligners are affecting the teeth with the scans every week. At the same time, we can also identify what could be slowing down the process.

This way, the patients do not lag behind and the treatment progresses smoothly.

Staying Connected Throughout Treatment

Another advantage of dental monitoring is communication.

This app enables our team to communicate with you. If everything is going well, we simply encourage you to continue with the process.

However, if there is a need for attention, we can schedule a visit immediately.

This way, we stay in touch with our patients throughout the whole process.

Most importantly, our patients feel supported throughout the whole process.

Why We Recommend Dental Monitoring

Our goal at Central Coast Orthodontics is simple. We want our orthodontic treatment to be effective, convenient and comfortable. Dental monitoring is helping us do that. 

It lets us monitor tooth movement closely and also helps us to detect problems early. 

Additionally, it saves us time by reducing unnecessary office visits.  Most importantly, however, our patients like it once they get used to it. 

So, dental monitoring has become an important part of orthodontic treatment.

A Modern Approach to Orthodontic Care

Orthodontics is a field that is always changing as technology advances. Dental monitoring is just one feature that enables us to provide a better service to our patients while making the process easier for them.

Patients stay connected to their orthodontist and they stay informed about their progress. 

Most importantly, patients move closer to the smile they desire. If you’re interested in learning more about dental monitoring and orthodontics, we’re here to help you. 

Your smile journey should be easy, comfortable and well-guided every step of the way.