It’s been an unusual year here at Alborzi Orthodontics, and the whole world looks quite a bit different than it did at the start of 2020. Over the last year, we saw guidelines and regulations change a number of times, which has sometimes meant temporary office closures, rescheduled appointments, and other unusual arrangements. It never changed our priority and that is you and your care. While we’ve put most things back on track and will keep them there in 2021, one new normal we’re planning to keep in place is virtual consultations!
We initially rolled these appointments out as a way to stay connected to the community during “safer at home” orders, but they’ve been such a popular option that we’re going to continue offering them for the foreseeable future. This virtual technology allows us to meet new patients and assess their orthodontic needs from the comfort of their own home! Let’s take a closer look at how these appointments work.
How do virtual consultations work?
Even after a year of Zoom meetings and FaceTime birthdays, telemedicine is still relatively new in many areas. If you’ve never had a virtual visit, you may not be sure of what to expect from the experience, but the process is actually very simple!
You’ll begin by visiting our official homepage, which can be found by clicking here. A pop-up box will appear on the left side with an invitation to start your virtual consultation. Answer the question “What matters most to you about your orthodontic treatment?” and then click the green button to continue. From there, simply follow all the prompts on the screen before submitting your photos and information to us.
Tips for taking clear photos
Our virtual consultations require five photos of your teeth, and it’s essential that they’re nice and clear so we can see what we’re working with. You may be a little nervous about how to accomplish this, but don’t worry! We’ve embedded a short video within the form to show you how to get the best shots possible. These photos will include:
- front bite
- right bite
- left bite
- upper teeth
- lower teeth
There are photos in the form demonstrating each angle to help you better understand what we’re looking for. Once you’ve submitted your information and photos, these will be reviewed by Dr. Alborzi. We’ll then reach out to you to set up the virtual consultation. During this appointment, you’ll be able to discuss your concerns, ask any questions you have, and learn what our recommendations are for achieving a straighter, healthier smile!
Why we’re continuing to offer virtual services
The health and safety of our staff and patients has always been a top priority for us, and that’s as true now as it was the day we opened. The past year has only added to our resolve to provide a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for patients of all ages to improve their oral health. Our virtual consultations let you take the first step towards a beautiful new smile without having to leave the house!
Once you begin the treatment process, we can also do virtual visits for patients who are more comfortable with that option. We aim to be flexible and follow our patients’ lead when it comes to social distancing (although we will continue to follow all CDC guidelines for offering safe orthodontic treatment in our San Mateo office!) During a virtual visit, you’ll be able to describe any concerns you have with your treatment plan or share photos of any problems you’re having with your teeth or appliance. Dr. Alborzi will be happy to provide you with expert guidance on how to proceed.
With virtual visits, we can also assess any potential problems and make suggestions on what steps to take next. There are several non-emergencies that can be treated from home, and our team can walk you through any available remedies. If you do happen to have a genuine emergency, we’ll set up an appointment for you to see Dr. Alborzi in the office.
Maintain your oral health from home
Whether you’re in braces or clear aligners, it’s important to take care of your teeth and your appliance at all times. You can do this by following all of the guidelines we give you, including:
- avoiding all sticky and crunchy foods if you’re in braces, since they can cause damage to the brackets and wires
- brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time with a fluoridated toothpaste
- flossing every night before bed
- using tools like ortho picks, interdental brushes, and water flossers if you need extra help cleaning hard to reach areas
- wearing a mouthguard if you play any type of sport
- informing our office of any loose or broken wires or brackets so we can advise you on what to do next
- 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 home with Alborzi Orthodontics
Things are looking far more hopeful than they were a year ago, but we’re all still adjusting to our new “normal.” The good news is, virtual consultations and visits mean we can provide you with the best possible care, whether you’re in our office or calling in from the comfort of your own couch! And save you time as well!
If you’re ready to take the first step in your journey towards straighter teeth, we’re here to help you achieve all your smile goals! We’re committed to remaining as accessible as ever while keeping you, your family, and our team safe and healthy. Virtual technology is an easy way to stay connected, and we’re excited to continue offering this option to our patients. To get started with your own virtual consultation, click here!