DentalMonitoring - Just Another Fad or an Integral Player In the Future of Orthodontics?

Why Are Some Practices Thriving With It While Others Fall Behind— What Makes The Difference?

Last year, I had an insightful conversation with a well-respected orthodontist. He explained the cyclical pattern of companies launching the “latest game-changing technology,” often claiming to speed up treatments and deliver better outcomes. While many of these innovations fell short of expectations, this orthodontist was open-minded enough to try them before passing judgment. When I asked if DentalMonitoring fit into that same category, he said, "No. DentalMonitoring is different. It's an agnostic tool that supports any treatment, unlike anything we’ve seen before."

So, does DentalMonitoring even work? The short answer is yes - it can 100% transforms both practice workflows and importantly the patient journey. However, what I can also say is that some practices use it a lot more effectively than others. There are many elements of the technology that aren't used to their full potential. One practice may utilise their own clinical data across all their patients, monitoring all appliances whereas another will pick and choose a few aligner patients to monitor which will have minimal impact on the practice as a whole.

It is also worth noting that if a practice doesn't alter their scheduling and operates on different workflows for different patients then it can become difficult to see the upside in using monitoring technology. This can be frustrating to witness, particularly when you compare it to a practice that maximises the benefits of seeing patients when needed and operating on one workflow across all patients.

So lets explore why the difference in approach might be happening...

Why It Works for Some Practices, and Not Others

The key to DM success lies in proper integration. Practices making DM work have taken the time to adapt their workflows, invest in training, and fully utilise the platform’s capabilities. Engagement and support are essential—these teams don’t see DM as just another tool; they see it as an extension of their care that enhances patient experience and streamlines operations.

However, some practices hesitate, change can be difficult but resistance to it will derail the process. You have to question why some practices make such a success of it where others don't seem to make it work as well. The ones that feel it isn't benefitting them as much typically say it is the patients or staff not getting behind it but again - this might be the case but we see other practices absolutely smashing the process, we have to dig deeper, why does the disparity exist?

From the Patient's Perspective

There's a misconception that you need to reach a certain patient volume before DM becomes valuable. In reality, the patient experience starts from Day 1. DM is most effective when viewed as a differentiator—helping practices secure more referrals by offering an unparalleled, engaging, and reassuring experience.

What many clinicians overlook is how DM transforms the patient's journey (in any appliance) It provides a consistent line of communication between the practice and the patient through the app, fostering a deeper sense of involvement and reassurance. This real-time connection helps reduce anxiety, improve compliance, and create a sense of partnership throughout the treatment.

By focusing on the patient’s needs first—convenience, reassurance, and engagement—DM practices are seeing more satisfied patients who are more likely to refer friends and family, regardless of the number of patients in treatment at the time.

Efficiency and Time Allocation Redefined

When properly integrated, DM redefines how orthodontists use their time. It can help reduce no-shows, identifies patients who need immediate attention, and allows orthodontists to focus more on complex cases that require their expertise. DM is not about doing more in less time; it's about doing the right things at the right time, allowing orthodontists to maximise their efficiency and outcomes. This impacts both treatment length and the bottom line.

The Future of Orthodontics is Now

We are at a turning point in orthodontics, where remote care will likely become standard. Monitoring won't just be an option but a critical component of this new era. The practices that embrace it as a strategic tool for all their patients, rather than waiting for a certain patient volume and certain type of treatment, are seeing transformative results.

The bottom line? Yes, DentalMonitoring works, but the gap between success and underperformance depends on how practices view and integrate it. Those who use it to differentiate their services and prioritise patient engagement see the best results—both clinically and financially. DM is the future of orthodontic care, and that future is already here.

#dentalmonitoring #orthodontics #ai #patientcare #telehealth