The pros and cons of teledentistry
Teledentistry has transformed the way we access dental care. It’s made orthodontic and cosmetic dental treatments more accessible and more convenient.
Throughout the pandemic, teledentistry has proved invaluable, but are there downsides to virtual treatment?
In this blog, we explore the pros and cons of remote dental services.
What is teledentistry?
Teledentistry is where dental services and treatments are provided remotely. This could be a virtual consultation via video call or clear aligners delivered to your door.
At Sensu, we’ve launched Invisalign Virtual Care to keep in touch with some of our Invisalign patients between appointments. Using an app, we can monitor your progress, answer questions and send you feedback.
Invisalign Virtual Care enhances your treatment. It’s not a replacement for face-to-face appointments. These visits to the practice are invaluable and will ensure you get the very best result.
The importance of orthodontic check-ups
The pros of teledentistry
When it’s implemented correctly, teledentistry can boost communication between you and your dentist. You’ll enjoy a seamless journey and the best possible outcome.
You can enjoy virtual appointments alongside your usual check-ups, but, most importantly, teledentistry will improve your experience and the quality of your treatment.
You might benefit from the convenience of virtual appointments when a check-up isn’t necessary, but our main objective is to improve your experience and the quality of your treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns between appointments, teledentistry helps you get answers straight away. You don’t need to wait for your next check-up. Better yet, Invisalign Virtual Care helps us to pre-empt issues before they become a problem.
You can relax, reassured that your treatment is on track.
The cons of teledentistry
Teledentistry is fantastic when it’s supporting the services of a skilled clinician. The cracks appear when virtual services replace the expert.
Mail-order aligners, for example, bypass check-ups, and in some cases, all contact with a dentist or orthodontist.
Online orthodontic treatment may sound appealing, and sometimes it can be cheaper than seeing a specialist. However, you’ll miss out on the added value that comes with supervised treatment:
- A comprehensive assessment and dental health check
- Digital scans and a 3D treatment plan
- Hygiene appointments to help keep your teeth healthy
- Check-ups on average every 6–8 weeks
- Emergency advice and appointments
- Retainers and aftercare
Remote orthodontic treatment can affect your experience and your all-important result. Mail-order aligners are designed to treat straightforward cases and offer less precision than Invisalign.
It’s not unusual for patients to contact us for advice during or after mail-order aligners. If you are unhappy with your results, we offer a wide range of braces and cosmetic dental treatments that can help, including bonding and contouring.
Is it safe to straighten teeth at home?
To find out more about our treatments and everything they include, arrange a free consultation with our friendly team.
