If you’re one of our patients using Dental Monitoring, you already know how convenient remote check-ins can be, no extra trips to the office required. But like any skill, a great scan takes a little practice. Here’s how to make each one count, so our team gets the clearest possible picture of your progress.
A Quick Recap: What Is Dental Monitoring?
Dental Monitoring is the AI-powered platform we use to track your treatment between visits, whether you’re wearing braces, Invisalign, or another appliance. If you haven’t read it yet, our post on teeth straightening at home covers how the platform works and why it’s such a convenient alternative to constant office visits. This post picks up where that one leaves off, with practical tips for the scanning process itself.
Setting Up Your Scan Space
A few minutes of setup makes a big difference in scan quality:
– Find good lighting. Natural daylight or a bright, evenly lit room works best. Avoid strong shadows or backlighting from a window.
– Use a mirror or flat surface. Steady hands make for clearer images, so prop your elbows on a counter or table if needed.
– Have your ScanBox ready. Attach it to your smartphone as instructed and make sure the lens and mouthpiece are clean before you start.
How to Take a Great Scan
The app will walk you through each step, but a few habits help every time:
– Follow the on-screen prompts closely. Dental Monitoring guides you through each angle, front, upper, lower, and both sides, so take your time rather than rushing through.
– Keep the ScanBox steady while gently biting down or holding your mouth open as directed.
– Retake if it’s blurry. The app will often flag an unclear image, but if something looks off to you, it’s always fine to redo a shot.
What Happens After You Submit a Scan
Once your scan uploads, Dental Monitoring’s AI reviews your images and organizes them for our team. If everything looks on track, you’ll simply continue your normal routine. If we spot something worth a closer look, like a tray that needs adjusting or a spot you’re missing during brushing, we’ll reach out directly through the app with clear next steps. It’s a genuine two-way conversation with our office, just without the commute.
Staying on Track Between Scans
Consistent scanning is one of the best things you can do to keep treatment moving on schedule, especially for teens balancing school, sports, and adolescent treatment. We recommend setting a recurring reminder on your phone so scans become part of your routine, right alongside brushing and flossing.
Questions About Your Scans?
Our team at Bigfoot Orthodontics is always here to help if a scan won’t upload, an image keeps getting flagged, or you just want a refresher on the process. Call us at 503-362-9548, or request an appointment if you’re due for an in-office visit alongside your remote check-ins.