There has been an ongoing trend in the medical field of embracing the digital options available for delivering care. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to pushing this movement a great deal, but it was in motion before its arrival. Telehealth services have been available as long as there have been phones, and arguably longer. For years, people have corresponded with doctors to seek their advice for various ailments or sent others. With the advent of the telephone, this became even easier and became a standard, if infrequently used, form of care. The rise of digital technology created new options for telehealth services, and teledentistry has joined the ranks of those practices that offer it.
The Transition From In-Office To Teledental Care
There has always been a strong drive to ensure that all patients are able to receive the health care they need. Dentistry, in particular, has struggled with making this possibility a reality. This is unfortunate as our dental health has been revealed to have far-reaching consequences in terms of our overall health. Poor oral health can impact our academic and career performances, as well as our self-esteem and confidence. But this is just the beginning.
Ongoing studies have produced compelling evidence that oral health concerns can increase our risk of developing certain kinds of cancer. Additionally, there are strong indications that it has a role to play in cardiac health, Alzheimer’s, and other health concerns. Severe abscesses have been known to spread infection into the bloodstream with potentially deadly results.
Patients of every age and from every walk of life need orthodontic care that many are not receiving. While improving the appearance of our smile is obviously a popular outcome of receiving this care, it’s a short-sighted concern. Far more importantly, correcting our orthodontic concerns can help prevent other oral health concerns. Among them are included problems with TMD, temporomandibular joint disorder, and additional wear-and-tear on our teeth that can result in a greater occurrence of cavities. Misaligned teeth also tend to be more vulnerable to decay due to additional spaces that are created for plaque to hide.
Teleorthodontics is one of the areas of teledentistry that has been seeing a renaissance. New technologies and treatment methods are making it possible to receive some forms of orthodontic care from home. Even when the treatment itself requires a visit to the dentist’s office, follow-ups can generally be performed remotely. This is made possible through options such as at-home dental impressions, where the patient takes the impression and returns it to the dentist. The dentist uses the impression to make a mold and plan out the orthodontic procedure.
There are numerous benefits to teledental care, including:
- Access to care that is easier and safer
- Options for those living in remote areas
- Guidance from a professional while receiving care at home
- No need to resort to DIY procedures
Every year sees, new states and insurance providers support the practice of teledentistry and teleorthodontics.
Contact Your Dental Professional About Teledentistry Options
When you’re ready to consider taking advantage of teledentistry, reach out to your provider for options. They’ll let you know what their office provides and what to expect while under teledental care.