What if your orthodontic care was as proactive as your Fitbit?

Last week, I came across a thought-provoking post from a prominent orthodontist with a large online following. This orthodontist, who runs a popular Facebook group where case studies, insights, and opinions are shared weekly, reflected on some of the ethical questions surrounding the devices and evidence being promoted in the world of orthodontics. They drew from their personal health experiences and posed an interesting question along the lines of:

"Imagine your doctor suggested using a solution that only has a 50% chance of being effective."

It’s an understandable concern, especially when we're talking about health. But as I read this, I couldn’t help but reframe the question from a different perspective.

Instead, what if we asked:

"How could things have been different if you had been able to track health issues on a weekly basis?"

Rather than waiting for problems to worsen, imagine knowing instantly when something flags up—giving you the chance to address it while it's still a small issue. You could proactively manage your health, ensuring quicker, easier solutions.

Orthodontic treatment is no different. Weekly monitoring would allow clinicians to stay ahead of potential problems, leading to smoother, more predictable outcomes for patients.

Think about it: instead of relying on 8-week traditional intervals, where you have roughly 7 information points in a year, weekly monitoring gives you 52 opportunities to understand how treatment is progressing. This isn’t just about being reactive; it’s about taking control, catching issues early, and adjusting care as needed. Much more personalised right?

Taking costs out of the conversation, I have yet to hear a strong clinical argument against having more frequent, real-time information about treatment progress.

The Boom in Health Wearables: A Parallel to Orthodontics?

The rise of health wearables proves this point. In 2022, over 320 million wearable health devices were shipped worldwide, and this number is expected to reach 440 million in 2024. These devices are not just trendy gadgets; they’re revolutionising healthcare. By 2027, they’re predicted to reduce 16% of hospital costs, and by 2037, remote patient monitoring technologies are expected to save $200 billion globally.

https://www.healthtechdigital.com/what-is-the-future-of-wearable-technology-in-healthcare/#:~:text=320%20million%20health%20wearable%20devices,its%20remote%20patient%20monitoring%20devices.

So if wearables are making strides in general healthcare, what about #teledentistry and orthodontics? How does this fit into the picture of improving dental care and patient outcomes?

Teledentistry: Bridging the Gap in Global Dental Access

According to the Oral Health Foundation, around 2.4 billion people globally lack access to dental care. Many of the barriers to this care include a shortage of qualified dentists, particularly in rural or remote areas where access is limited.

Teledentistry has emerged as a powerful solution to these challenges. Experts agree that it offers significant opportunities for delivering evidence-based oral health advice remotely. This not only improves access to care for underserved populations but also helps identify urgent cases before they escalate into more severe problems.

Imagine combining monitoring technologies like DentalMonitoring with teledentistry. This would allow clinicians to triage patients more effectively, especially in underserved regions. By proactively tracking orthodontic treatment or dental health remotely, clinicians can prioritise care for those who need it most—before issues worsen and require more complex, costly interventions.

A Call to Action

This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about fundamentally changing how we approach orthodontic care. Remote monitoring and teledentistry can help us bridge gaps in access, reduce long-term complications, and enhance patient outcomes. We have the tools to transform how we care for patients, whether they live in a big city or a remote village.

So why wait? If health wearables have already shown us the benefits of proactive care, it's time to embrace these advancements in orthodontics. It’s time to adopt solutions that not only improve care but also broaden access for all. The question isn’t if we should, but how soon.

#dentalmonitoring #ai #orthodontics