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Dental Monitoring - the future of Invisalign

Feb 4, 2025

Dental Monitoring - the future of Invisalign

Dental Monitoring - the future of Invisalign

 

How do you go to the orthodontist without going to the orthodontist? With a little bit of Dental Monitoring Magic!

 

It’s always nice when technology comes along and makes life easier, isn’t it? We don’t mind admitting that smartphones have changed our lives for the better. Imagine a world now in which you couldn’t order a taxi or a takeaway from wherever you happened to be? Unthinkable! One of the things that puts some people off seeking orthodontic treatment is the time taken for appointments - taking days off work or school, missing important dates or deadlines, and simply the hassle factor of getting there and back. But if you have a smartphone, you can sidestep all that.

 

Step into the spotlight, Dental Monitoring. 

 

This clever app takes the place of in-person appointments, meaning once you start treatment, you only need to come into the clinic two or three times. Sounds like dental wizardry? Let’s answer some of the most common questions we’re asked about Dental Monitoring. 

 

How does Dental Monitoring work?

At your first appointment, we’ll give you a scan box, show you how it works and help you download the DM app to your phone. When you need to take a scan, attach your phone to the scan box, pop the cheek retractor in your mouth, and press the buttons when directed to take photos of your teeth from all angles. You then upload the pictures through the app and they’ll drop into your orthodontist’s in-box so they can check on your progress.

 

Will my phone be compatible with the DM software?

Most are. (If you still play ‘Snake’ on a Nokia, we’ll get back to you, but most Smartphones are compatible). Android 5 and above (with flash) or any iOS version 10 or above should be absolutely fine. Some phones seem too big but just need to be removed from their case in order to fit into the scanner’s support. 

 

How often do I need to scan?

Your orthodontist will tell you but it’s usually every 7 days.

 

Can I really scan from anywhere at all?

Of course! As long as your phone works, you can send DM scans from anywhere in the world! The light does need to be adequate, so maybe don’t send scans from a nightclub or anything… Equally, we’re only looking at your teeth but maybe keep your clothes on just in case of any accidental picture sharing. 

 

What happens if the DM pictures show something wrong?

For minor issues, such as if your clinician needs to let you know to brush more thoroughly in certain places, or if you aren’t wearing your Invisalign aligners quite correctly, you’ll get a message back through the app. If they spot something they need to fix in person you’ll be invited to an appointment. One of the benefits of Dental Monitoring is that any small problems are usually picked up much earlier than if you had to wait for an in-person appointment. 

 

Is Dental Monitoring as accurate as in-person appointments?

Yes. The AI is super clever and is able to show your orthodontist so much more than simply tooth position. The 3D pictures can help review oral hygiene, show symptoms of gum disease and all sorts of other things. It’s basically as good as a physical check, but with the benefit that you can eat garlic bread the night before without offending anyone. 

 

Do I need to keep all my scans?

No, but if you have space on your phone, it’s great to keep them and be able to look through and see how quickly your teeth have moved or make a cool time lapse video.

 

So is it really actual magic?

No. But your new smile will be!

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