Teleorthodontics: Where Are We Going? From Skepticism to the Clinical Applications of a New Medical Communication and Management System

Abstract

Teleorthodontics represents the orthodontic care system involving remote management of orthodontic treatment. Despite skepticism, there are several advantages of including teleorthodontics in the clinical orthodontic practice. In the present review, we discuss the lights and shadows of this new communication healthcare system and its applications in the field of orthodontics that is destined to change the future of our clinical practice. For this purpose, we have provided a point-to-point analysis based on data from the most valuable scientific evidence on this topic. The information and data discussed in the present paper were obtained from the most relevant studies evaluating the performance of teleorthodontics and remote monitoring systems in clinical practice.

Perceptions and utilization of tele-orthodontics: a survey of the members of the American Association of Orthodontists

“…Clinical applications might include screening, diagnosis and initial treatment planning. However, in-person evaluation remains the foundation for clinical diagnosis, and tele-orthodontics can be used for initial screening and consultations [ 24 ]. It must be noted that further evaluation is required concerning the reliability of the visual information obtained through tele-dentistry [ 25 ].…”

“…In their study, a significant reduction in the number of appointments by 3.5 visits (33.1%) and a reduction in the time to the first refinement (1.7 months) in the DM group [ 27 ]. Furthermore, tele-orthodontics can be useful in the retention follow-up visits and early interceptive treatment appointments, both of which require monitoring progress and compliance assessment rather than an activation procedure [ 24 , 28 ].…”

“…Some tele-orthodontics applications allow direct messaging with the orthodontist, which compensates for the communication problems potentially resulting from the reduced number of visits [ 32 ]. However, patients might become confused and start seeking the “do it yourself” less expensive treatment option, erroneously believing that orthodontic treatment can be successfully implemented remotely [ 24 ]. Moreover, this survey has indicated that concerns might arise regarding the confidentiality of information due to the transfer of information via tele-orthodontics and storage of data on computers and online platforms [ 33 ].…”

Validity of digital interceptive orthodontic/therapeutic protocols post global pandemics: A review

“…During lockdown, when the face-to-face appointment was difficult to be achieved, tele-orthodontics was approved to be the best way of communication between the orthodontists and their patients in order to manage some orthodontics issues and how to troubleshoot themes (49)(50)(51) . In addition, tele orthodontics can offer forms reviewing, delivering of trays by post, delivery the explanation of elastic uses (48)(49)(50)(51) .…”

“…During lockdown, when the face-to-face appointment was difficult to be achieved, tele-orthodontics was approved to be the best way of communication between the orthodontists and their patients in order to manage some orthodontics issues and how to troubleshoot themes (49)(50)(51) . In addition, tele orthodontics can offer forms reviewing, delivering of trays by post, delivery the explanation of elastic uses (48)(49)(50)(51) . Also, this telemetric appointment managed time wasting issue for parents and orthodontists and supported the notification services and follow up while the national lockdown during the last pandemic in order to keep the patient compliance up (48) .…”