The DentalMonitoring Process
The DentalMonitoring app can be downloaded on iOS or Android smartphones and is designed to make treatment simple.
During your first consultation at Surrideo Orthodontics, we will use our 3D iTero™ Scanner to create a digital model of your teeth. Then, during clear aligner treatment, we will ask you to send us regular photos of your smile using the DentalMonitoring app. We can use the digital model we created at your consultation to compare your progress against your projected treatment to make sure everything is going according to plan.
Using the DentalMonitoring app helps us stay connected with you between visits, even if you are away from home. While in-person appointments are still an important part of your care, remote monitoring can offer added flexibility and fewer office visits, with your orthodontist checking your progress and sharing guidance through the app along the way.
Technology at Our Clinic in Calgary
At Surrideo Orthodontics, our team uses digital X-rays, intraoral scanners, and more to help us provide patients with detailed diagnoses and timely, effective treatment.
Benefits of DentalMonitoring
Listed below are some of the DentalMonitoring features our patients appreciate:
- Fewer in-office appointments: We can monitor your treatment remotely, so you won't have to come to our office as often.
- Increased efficiency: Since we’ll get frequent photos to review, we can assess how treatment is progressing and determine when adjustments or in-office visits may be needed.
- Ongoing support: With the DentalMonitoring app, our team is only a click away. You can reach out with questions, and we will send you regular progress reports.
- Added flexibility: Monitoring can be done from home or while travelling, making it easier to fit orthodontic care into a busy schedule.
FAQs About DentalMonitoring
Get the answers to common questions about DentalMonitoring:
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How does DentalMonitoring work?
DentalMonitoring works by allowing patients to securely share regular photos of their smile using a smartphone app. It is as easy as taking a selfie!
Once you have downloaded the app to your iOS or Android smartphone, our orthodontist will let you know how often you need to take photos of your smile. We can then use the DentalMonitoring software to compare the photo you sent to your original scans and make sure that your progress matches your treatment plan. If it is going well, we won't need to schedule an appointment!
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How do I take the pictures of my teeth?
Our office will provide you with a device (called a ScanBox) at the beginning of your treatment to help you take proper pictures of your teeth for the DentalMonitoring app. This device is designed to fit a smartphone, with the back camera facing you.
It is also designed to hold your lips out of the way so that the camera can see all of your teeth clearly. Once your phone is in the device, get in front of a mirror so you can see the screen and open the app. The app will guide you through the photo-taking process and tell you if you need to turn your head more or reposition the phone!
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When do I take my first DentalMonitoring scan at home?
You will receive a notification from Dr. Cohen and Dr. Esmail on your app when it is time to take each scan. The scan frequency is set by your orthodontist and fits your personalized treatment. If needed, Dr. Cohen and Dr. Esmail may request at times for you to scan more or less frequently than your normal interval.
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Who makes the decision to move onto the next aligner?
When you submit your scan, it gets analyzed by the app's AI system first. If any misalignments are detected from your scan, they result in a 'No Go'. A DentalMonitoring coordinator and your orthodontist will then review to confirm.
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How long does it take to receive a 'Go' or 'No Go' message on the DentalMonitoring app after submitting a scan?
It can usually take a few hours to get a response. Depending on the time of day, it can sometimes take longer, but will not exceed half a business day.
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My aligner is feeling rough and causing a sore in my mouth. What can I do?
Don’t stress! Take an emery board (nail file) and use the smooth side along the edge that it is irritating your mouth and send us a message on the DentalMonitoring App so we can follow up with you.
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What do I do if my aligner has a crack in it?
If you notice a crack in your aligner, continue wearing it if it still fits comfortably, unless your orthodontist advises otherwise. Small cracks can sometimes happen with normal use, but they should be evaluated to avoid affecting treatment progress.
Use the DentalMonitoring app to send a clear photo of the cracked aligner and describe what you’re noticing. Your orthodontic team can review the issue and let you know whether you should continue with the current aligner, move to the next one, or schedule an in-office visit if needed.
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What If I need dental work done by my dentist (fillings or crowns)?
If you need dental work such as a filling or crown during orthodontic treatment, it’s important to let your orthodontist know. You can use the DentalMonitoring app to send a message or photo, allowing your orthodontic team to review the situation and advise on next steps. In many cases, orthodontic treatment can continue as planned, though aligner wear may occasionally need to be paused or adjusted.
Your orthodontist and general dentist can work together to coordinate care and ensure everything fits properly once the dental work is complete. If you’re using clear aligners, changes to a tooth’s shape may require updated aligners, and your orthodontic team will guide you through the process to help keep treatment on track.
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What should I do if I lose an aligner? Do I still need to submit my scan?
If you lose an aligner, you can usually move on to the next set, unless your orthodontist advises otherwise. Be sure to send a message through the DentalMonitoring app so your coordinator can update your information and review your progress.
It’s also important to let your orthodontist know about the missing aligner. This helps us to determine whether any adjustments are needed to keep your treatment on schedule.
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Do I have to use Dental Monitoring if I want to use Spark or Invisalign for my orthodontic treatment?
No, using the DentalMonitoring app is optional for patients undergoing Spark or Invisalign clear aligner treatment at Surrideo Orthodontics. You will receive appropriate care and follow-up, whether or not you choose to use the app.
We offer it as a tool to monitor your treatment progress between scheduled in-office visits, but it isn’t required for treatment. Your orthodontist will explain whether DentalMonitoring could be helpful for your specific treatment plan and discuss all available options with you.