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Teledentistry is a modern and convenient way to receive online dental care through virtual consultations with licensed dentists.
Teledentistry services are transforming the way people access dental health care. They were created to help patients find affordable, high-quality dental care without visiting a dental office. Online dental care is also a great way to ask for second opinions before undergoing procedures.
Here is NewMouth’s full review of the top teledentistry services available:
LiveDentist allows you to speak to a dentist anytime, anywhere. They can provide insight, guidance, and treatment recommendations for your condition. The app is also available on iOS and Android, making it accessible to almost anyone with a smartphone.
Signing up is free, but there’s a flat fee of $59 for a video call. Most dental insurance providers are accepted.
The consultations are quick and last about 15 minutes. The virtual dentist can also prescribe medications and help you find a local dentist for further treatment if necessary.
Here are the top benefits and downsides of virtual dental care through LiveDentist:
Pros:
Cons:
Denteractive provides 24/7 access to a nationwide group of board-certified dentists. This allows for live online consultation, triage, and referral to over 10,000 dental offices in all 50 U.S. states. The platform makes it easy to find a board-certified dental professional to fit your needs.
You can make a dental appointment online and talk with specialists from the comfort of your home. To make an appointment, choose between text messaging or video chat and start your online dental visit within minutes.
The easy-to-use interface allows you to upload pictures, videos, and X-rays. The dentist can examine your records and advise you on your dental condition(s). You can also:
Denteractive doesn’t provide virtual dental care intended to diagnose and treat conditions. Instead, they specialize in facilitating communication with dental professionals in your area. You’ll have to visit a dental office for treatment.
Pros:
Cons:
Toothpic allows you to connect with an online dentist in three easy steps:
Toothpic services range from $10 to $35, depending on the level of oral health care needed. Your dentist can also refer you to a dental clinic in your area.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of Toothpic:
Pros:
Cons:
Smile Virtual is a teledentistry service that connects you with experienced cosmetic dentists. The process begins with a video consultation. You’ll upload pictures of your mouth and briefly describe what you want to change.
The online dentist will review your case and send a custom video back outlining potential treatment options. If you follow through with treatment, you can schedule an in-person appointment with the cosmetic dentist and begin the process.
This platform is an asynchronous service that doesn’t require you to be present for a live appointment. Instead, you send photos and X-rays to a dentist who examines the records on their own time.
Here are the benefits and downsides of Smile Virtual:
Pros:
Cons:
The TeleDentists is a teledentistry platform that offers virtual services in all 50 U.S. states. New members will be asked to create an account and complete a short survey.
After you make an account, you’ll sit in a virtual waiting room while you are being connected to a dentist. This process is quick and takes up to 10 minutes.
Once connected, you’ll talk to the dentist via video chat, where they can assess your needs and recommend a treatment plan. Their services cost $64 without dental insurance.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of virtual dental care with The TeleDentists:
Pros:
Cons:
The standout feature of Dentulu is the concierge service. You can use this service to receive quality dental care in your home or office.
A dentist will come to your location rather than setting up an in-person or virtual appointment. At-home oral health care services offered by Dentulu include:
Here are the benefits and disadvantages of Dentulu:
Pros:
Cons:
An online dental consultation is a little different from an in-office visit. Here’s what you can expect:
Many dental telemedicine services are available 24/7. Some accept insurance, while others do not. However, most of these platforms are affordable or completely free.
Two types of mobile dentistry services are offered through dental telemedicine:
These services consist of live communication with dental professionals. This may include text messaging, live video chats (via Skype, Whatsapp, or similar), or instant messaging through an app.
You will also send photos, X-rays, and dental records for your virtual dentist to review during the appointment. This allows them to diagnose the condition(s) and determine the next steps.
Asynchronous services don’t require you to be present for a live appointment. Instead, you send in photos and X-rays for virtual dentists to examine on their own time.
You can also ask for second opinions on potential dental work like crowns, fillings, or veneers.
Teledentistry is a growing industry that has many benefits. However, there are also some downsides to these services:
Teledentistry offers numerous advantages to the field of dental health. These include:
Disadvantages of teledentistry may include:
Teledentistry platforms offer the following services:
Virtual dental exams are one of the most common teledentistry services offered. In most cases, the examinations will take place on a video call.
An online dentist will examine your mouth using virtual technology to check your general dental health. They will look for signs of:
You may also be asked to send in photos for further evaluation or recommended to make a follow-up appointment for an in-office session.
Keep in mind that you cannot have your teeth cleaned during a telehealth appointment. You’ll still need to visit a dental hygienist every six months for this essential treatment. Your online dentist can help you find a clinic in your area.
Virtual pre-surgery screenings are convenient for both dentists and patients. They save time by allowing dentists to make adjustments without needing an initial visit. This service is especially useful if you live in a rural or remote area.
It can be difficult to make an in-person dental appointment immediately if you break a tooth or develop a severe toothache. Fortunately, many teledentistry services are available 24/7, so you can speak to a licensed dentist within minutes.
Your virtual dentist will assess your condition and prescribe medication to ease any pain (if necessary). They can also help you find an emergency dentist in your area.
In some cases, you might not need an emergency appointment. You can use a teledentistry service to help determine if the condition is severe or not. This can save time and stress by eliminating the need for an urgent visit.
Non-emergency issues include minor dental concerns, such as:
You can connect with an online dentist at any time. They can provide tips to reduce discomfort, prescribe medications (if needed), and help you find a dentist in your area.
5. Second Opinions
Another effective and useful teledentistry service is getting second opinions on potential dental work. In the past, you would have to set up an appointment with a different dentist to receive a second opinion. These appointments are often inconvenient and pricey.
However, using a teledentistry service to get a second opinion is convenient and affordable. You can easily connect with a virtual dentist from anywhere in the world. This makes it easy to find an expert who specializes in your specific dental procedure.
Not only does this process save time, but it also provides you with feedback from a broader range of dentists. You can also ask them about any other oral health concerns you may have, all without leaving your house.
An online dentist can help you find a local dentist or clinic in your area during teledentistry appointments. They act as the middle-man to ensure you find a dentist who accepts your insurance and specializes in your dental needs.
Remote orthodontics is a newer service offered via teledentistry. These services are also referred to as at-home aligners or remote aligners.
At-home aligner treatment is a convenient, affordable, and discreet way to straighten your teeth at home. Like Invisalign, remote orthodontics consists of clear aligner trays that straighten your teeth over time.
However, at-home aligner treatment is completed 100% remotely, while Invisalign treatment consists of in-office checkups and adjustments.
Some teledentistry platforms offer concierge services. Instead of setting up an online appointment, a dental professional will be sent to your home. This dental service is convenient for those with disabilities or injuries.
Virtual appointments aren’t appropriate for certain dental concerns. For these issues, you’ll need to see a dentist in person.
Services that are not offered through teledentistry include:
A dental emergency requires prompt treatment. In these cases, virtual dentists may instruct you to go to a local urgent care clinic or emergency room.
If you experience any of the following dental issues, you may need emergency treatment:
Yes. Virtual dental care companies provide a variety of beneficial services that make it easier and more convenient to access dental health care. However, virtual dentists cannot replace in-person visits for certain treatments.
Yes, some teledentistry services include prescribing medication when needed.
Virtual dentists cannot provide teeth cleanings and emergency treatments. However, they can help you connect with a dentist in your area for in-person care.
Teledentistry is a modern and convenient service that makes it easier to manage your oral health. Various companies provide online dental care, while others serve to facilitate connections with local dentists.
Though teledentistry is accessible and affordable, it can’t replace in-office dental appointments. You will still need to see a dentist in person to get your teeth cleaned and maintain good oral health.
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