Teleorthodontic Appointments Available Now During COVID-19
Teleorthodontics, one of the most exciting, far-reaching new facets of orthodontics, is now being offered at Burke & Redford Orthodontists to all current and new patients.
This telehealth endeavor allows for our practice’s high standards to be upheld even outside our beautiful offices. In addition to protecting our patients and staff, this virtual service allows our patients to connect with us remotely and from the safety of their homes during the present health crisis.
This time holds many unprecedented challenges for people and businesses around the world as we all learn to adapt to this temporary situation.
Spurred on by a commitment to excellent patient care and safety, our orthodontist practice has found ways to implement new systems which allow them to continue to offer their services for their patients with limited interruption.
Our doctors, in their role as virtual orthodontists, are dedicated to being as flexible as possible when working with each patient, current or new, to give them the best orthodontic care they are accustomed to receiving at our private practice.
We are continuing to treat our current patients, and we are also pleased to be accepting new patients at this time.
How Does a Virtual Orthodontist Visit Work?
Virtual orthodontic visits are done through the Internet using Zoom, with a link that is accessible only to the family joining the call. Zoom is a free and simple-to-join video conference call platform. You just need access to the Internet. There is no software required, making it simple and straightforward for our patients to utilize.
Our scheduling team will first make a formal appointment time for a Zoom virtual orthodontist visit with the doctor. Before the scheduled virtual orthodontist visit, instructions on how to take pictures of their teeth will be given to the patient. These will then be submitted electronically to the doctors for examination. After the pictures are examined, patients will connect to our doctors remotely via Zoom to discuss treatment progress and any advised changes.
A Unique Advantage for Parents
In cases where the patient is a child, the Zoom video call affords parents a unique advantage. During these calls, both parents may be present to talk with the doctor and have their questions answered or comments expressed.
Instead of a normal, in-office appointment where one spouse may have to relay the information to the other spouse later, they can both be present together.
This allows the appointment and treatment decisions to proceed smoothly since both decision-makers are present to ask questions or make requests.
What if I Don’t Have Access to the Internet?
If a patient does not have access online to attend Zoom calls, our doctors are willing to be as accommodating as possible to deliver quality care.
A patient may use text messaging services to send pictures of their teeth to the orthodontist for examination. One of our doctors will then call the patient over the phone to discuss the next steps in treatment.
New Patients
Burke & Redford Orthodontists are happy to announce we are still accepting new patients during the COVID-19 stay at home period.
Recent advances in telehealth have paved the way for our patients to receive the same 5-star care they know and love within the comfort of their homes.
Virtual Orthodontist Consultation
- A virtual orthodontist exam with our board-certified doctors is the first step to a beautiful smile. This initial consultation serves to allow new patients a chance to become familiar with the doctors and to discuss potential treatment options.
- For our doctors to offer their complete professional opinion and an accurate course of treatment, pictures and digital x-rays of the teeth and underlying structures will be needed at our office prior to formally starting treatment. These records may be completed safely at our office during a scheduled appointment.
- A customized treatment plan will then be outlined, and any questions a patient may have will be answered.
Current Patients
Due to the growing health crisis in the nation, our current patients may have experienced some concern over whether their orthodontic treatment will continue to progress.
Given the convenience of Zoom calls, virtual orthodontic appointments make treatment progress a reality away from the office.
Our doctors will discuss the progression of treatment and any adjustments that need to be made during these calls. This allows the patient’s treatment to continue without delaying results.
What if I Need Adjustments?
If any changes are required, the orthodontist may make recommendations that the patient can do on their own.
However, in circumstances where an urgent problem arises, the patient will be invited to make an appointment and come into the office. If you are having any problems, please call our office and we can discuss the best course of action.
Any in-office visit will be done while following all safety protocols to keep you and your family healthy and safe.
What if I Have an Orthodontic Emergency?
On the rare occasion that one of our patients experience an orthodontic emergency, they will be promptly invited to come into the office for treatment.
Again, this emergency orthodontist visit will be conducted safely and will follow best practices to help maintain the health of our patients or staff.
Types of Orthodontic Emergencies
While an orthodontic emergency is very rare, patients should be aware of what it could look like. It may be of major or minor nature.
The listed situations below are major emergencies and constitute an important need for orthodontic care:
- Unexplained swelling in the mouth
- Intolerable discomfort experienced in or around the mouth
- Significant injury to the mouth or jaw
- Unexplained bleeding due to an oral injury
Minor emergencies include broken or loose appliances, as well as irritation or ulceration within the mouth due to an appliance.
Both major and minor emergencies may be safely cared by our professional staff. Please call us if you encounter any of the problems above so we may determine the best way to help you, either remotely or in person.
Have More Questions?
If you have any questions regarding teleorthodontics or how it affects you as a patient or you need a virtual orthodontic consultation, please call us at (951) 699-8011.
New patients are welcome at this time to set up a complimentary consultation with our board-certified orthodontists through our website.
Our offices in Temecula and Lake Elsinore strictly adhere to the safety guidelines put forth by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for COVID-19. Maintaining a sanitary, safe environment for all patients and staff is our priority.