Imagine what it would be like getting orthodontic treatment without the hassle of rearranging your entire schedule around appointments.

No canceling meetings, no pulling your kids out of school, no sitting in waiting rooms, and no sitting in traffic just to hear “everything is looking good, see you next month” with no changes to your treatment. 

Well, good news, you don’t need to imagine any longer! At Mint Orthodontics, we use advanced technology that lets us monitor your treatment right from your couch, your car, or even the Trader Joe’s parking lot, basically anywhere that isn’t our office (though we do have excellent taste in interior design, if we do say so ourselves). 

So…What is Dental Monitoring?

Dental monitoring is basically having your orthodontist in your pocket. It is a system that allows us to remotely track your orthodontic treatment using photos you take at home with your ScanBox. 

We use this tech for both LightForce Braces and Invisalign aligners, keeping tabs on how your teeth are shifting throughout treatment.

Traditional orthodontics drags you into the office every 4-6 weeks, even if adjustments aren’t needed. It’s like having a meeting that could have just been an email. We, however, prefer not to waste your time and have you come in only when necessary. 

Here’s a quick demo of how it works. 

1. You take your scans using a Scan box 
2. Submit them through the Dental Monitoring app
3. We look at how your teeth are moving
4. We text you if we notice something that needs adjusting

How Dental Monitoring Works

The dental monitoring process is straightforward and fits into your life instead of flipping it upside down. 

Your Job: When you first start treatment, you will get set up with a device called a ScanBox (a portable dental monitoring device attached to your phone, a.k.a your teeth’s personal photographer) and the Dental Monitoring app. You will take photos of your teeth from wherever you are, usually once a week. The ScanBox holds your cheeks back and captures the exact angle we need every time. 

The Technology: Behind the scenes, we are analyzing your scans and catching tiny changes in tooth position, aligner fit, and oral hygiene. This technology tracks your tooth movements in real time and spots any potential issues before they become problems. 

Our Job: We receive your photos through a secure connection and review them without making you trek to our office. We look at how your teeth are responding to treatment and make the big brain decisions on your next steps.  

Through the Dental Monitoring app, we keep the conversation going throughout your treatment. You will get updates, instructions, and guidance based on your scans. 

When you begin treatment, we will give you your ScanBox and walk you through your first scan. We will add you to the platform and make sure you are comfortable with the process before you head home. You’re already a pro at taking selfies; this will be easy peasy. 

Benefits for Patients

Fewer Office Visits: You have places to be and people to see. With Dental Monitoring, you will have more time to do what you want. We won’t drag you into the office every 4-6 weeks. You will only come in when there is actually something that needs to be done; otherwise, let your teeth do the moving! 

Continuous Monitoring: Instead of checking in every month or so, we’re monitoring progress weekly. We catch potential problems early, usually before you even know they’re there, keeping your treatment timeline on track.

Early Problem Detection: If something isn’t tracking how we like it, we can address it quickly. Early intervention prevents small issues from becoming bigger problems that could delay your treatment. 

Flexibility: If you’re constantly on the go, digital monitoring moves with you. You can take your ScanBox with you anywhere you go. Unlike your teeth, feel free to run wild! As long as you have your phone and ScanBox, you’re golden. 

Quality Care: Remote monitoring doesn’t mean we’re lacking in the care department. It’s the opposite, actually. Since we are monitoring your treatment continuously, results often improve because we are watching more closely than traditional monthly visits. 

What to Expect as a Patient

Scan Frequency: Most patients will submit photos once a week, but Dr. Sudit might customize your schedule based on your specific treatment. The app will ping you when it’s scan time, which takes about 5 minutes, less time than ordering on DoorDash. 

Taking Photos: The ScanBox makes taking pictures easy, as it guides you through the process. You’ll capture multiple angles of your smile to give Dr. Sudit a perfect view. The device and app work together to make sure you are getting the best images every time. 

Response Time: After you submit, expect feedback within a few days. We’ll let you know if everything’s smooth sailing or if adjustments are needed. 

In-person visits: While dental monitoring reduces the number of office visits, it doesn’t eliminate them. You’ll still need to come in for important milestones, such as getting new aligners or having your wires changed. The difference with this is that every visit serves a purpose. At Mint, we like to fix crowding teeth AND crowded calendars. 

Tracking Your Progress: Dental Monitoring has a time-lapse feature that shows your teeth moving toward your perfect smile in real-time. The app tracks movements as they occur, so you can actually watch your transformation.  

Common Questions About Dental Monitoring

Is it as effective as in-person visits?

Yes! Dental monitoring can actually be more effective because you receive continuous reviews instead of periodic check-ins. You will still have in-person visits when they are needed for adjustments or assessments that do require a hands-on approach. 

What happens if a problem is detected?

We will send you a message through the app with specific instructions. This could mean scheduling a visit, adjusting your wear schedule, or discussing your home care routine. The whole point is to catch things fast, stay on track, and free up your schedule.

What about privacy and data security?

Your personal information security is a top priority. The Dental Monitoring platform is fully HIPAA and GDPR compliant, which means your photos and health information are protected to the same standards as in-office medical records. 

Experience the Future of Orthodontic Care

Digital monitoring shows just how far we have come from traditional orthodontics. By combining cutting-edge technology with Dr. Sudit’s expertise, we’re creating an experience that respects your time and delivers top-tier treatment. 

Ready to experience orthodontic treatment that doesn’t hijack your calendar? Schedule your free consultation and discover how digital monitoring makes getting your dream smile easier than ever.