There’s an awful lot going on in the world right now, and it can be hard to keep up with the guidelines and recommendations from one day to another. Between business closures, self-quarantines, and stay-at-home orders, there’s no denying our daily life is looking a little different these days! If you’re a Scaffidi Orthodontics patient, all these unforeseen changes may have you worried about your treatment plan. Or perhaps you were ready to take the first step towards a healthier smile, and now you’re not sure if that’s even a possibility.
The good news is, modern technology has given us the tools we need to stay connected. Even though our office is temporarily closed, we’re still able to meet your orthodontic needs! Virtual visits and consultations are an exciting new way to conduct check-ins and evaluations completely online. This option allows us to continue practicing social distancing while meeting you wherever you are on the journey to a beautiful smile. To learn more about these virtual services our practice is implementing, keep reading below!
How do virtual visits and consultations work?
Many patients have never used telemedicine before, and aren’t sure what to expect from virtual visits. Fortunately, the process is incredibly user-friendly! The first stop is our official website. Then, you’ll click HERE for a Virtual Exam. Click that, then all you have to do is follow the prompts you’re given before submitting your photos and information. Dr. Scaffidi will review your photos and any notes you’ve included before reaching out to you with recommendations or input.
Tips for taking photos
The biggest learning curve for most patients when it comes to virtual visits is taking clear, effective photos. There’s no need to stress! We’ve included examples of all the photos we need on our site, and there’s also a link to a short video that will give you all the information you need to take the best shots possible.
Elastics are often essential to keeping your treatment progressing on schedule. If you normally wear them, you should place them on your braces for the two side shots you see in the photo examples. This will allow Dr. Scaffidi to check that you’re wearing them properly and provide any feedback if needed.
Why we’ve adopted virtual technology in our practice
With so many mandated closures and “safer at home” orders in place across the country, it’s become necessary for orthodontists to find new and inventive ways to connect with patients. Switching over to a virtual system allows Dr. Scaffidi to continue caring for the orthodontic needs of our community, including check-in “visits” and new patient consultations. That means we can keep your treatment plan on track if you’re a current patient, or help you take the first steps towards a new smile if you’re just beginning your orthodontic journey!
Virtual visits are also very beneficial if you’re experiencing an orthodontic emergency. While we’re still able to treat emergency cases in the office, you may not be sure what qualifies. Virtual technology can take the guesswork out of that by allowing you to relay your concerns to Dr. Scaffidi along with photos of the problem you’re experiencing. This will help him provide you with expert guidance and the best possible remedy!
Likewise, a video conference can be the perfect solution if you’re experiencing minor discomfort or have concerns about your treatment plan. For many situations, our team will be able to assess any damage and make suggestions with a virtual visit alone. There are also numerous home remedies for everything from irritation to a loose bracket, which we’ll be happy to walk you through! If you do have a genuine emergency, however, Dr. Scaffidi will be able to schedule a visit for you in our office.
Doing your part to avoid emergencies
While we’re on the topic of orthodontic emergencies, there are some things you can do to minimize your overall risk of one occurring. If you’re a current patient, make sure you’re following all of our recommendations and taking good care of your smile and your appliance . That means:
- avoiding any foods that are sticky or crunchy, as these can bend your brackets or warp your wires
- brushing at least twice a day, for two minutes each time
- flossing every night, preferably before bed
- using tools like ortho picks, interdental brushes, and water flossers if you need extra help cleaning areas that are hard to reach
- wearing a mouthguard if you’re still practicing sports at home
- informing us of any loose or broken wires or brackets
- keeping all Invisalign aligners clean and safe by brushing them gently and putting them in a case when they’re not in your mouth
Care for your smile from the comfort of home with Scaffidi Orthodontics
This is a time of adjustment for all of us, but Scaffidi Orthodontics is committed to providing you with the best possible care even if it’s from afar! Thanks to virtual visits and consultations, you can still work towards the healthy smile you deserve while you help flatten the curve from home.
Whether you’re already part of the Scaffidi Orthodontics family or are looking to get started on your own orthodontic journey, we’re here to help you find your best smile! It’s our goal to remain accessible while keeping you, your family, and our team safe and healthy. Virtual technology is a big step forward, and one we’re excited to share with you. Thanks for joining us on this journey!