A person cannot be everywhere all at once—as much as we might like to be. But thanks to technology, the orthodontic field has an amazing tool to help bridge the gap between patient and office. Today, Texas Family Orthodontics will explain: How does Grin Remote Monitoring work?
What Is It?
Grin Remote Monitoring is a system that we offer to our patients to help offer a point of remote contact with Dr. Vo that still allows her to keep up with the progress of treatment.
Here’s a look at how it works:
- Enrollment: At the start of your treatment, you will have an option to enroll in the program. We will provide you with detailed instructions and the necessary materials: The Grin Scope package, which includes a special mouthpiece that can help you capture photos of your smile by being attached to your phone’s camera.
- Smartphone App: You will then download the app, which acts as a portal for your communication.
- Photo Uploads: Using your mouthpiece, you can take specific photos of your teeth and smile as instructed, such as front, side, and bite views. You’ll upload those onto your portal, where they’re securely stored.
- Review: Dr. Vo will have access to them, and is able to review your uploads remotely to assess treatment. This includes specialized software to analyze the photos and track changes in tooth alignment and overall oral health.
- Feedback and Adjustment: Based on her assessment, Dr. Vo can provide feedback to you or recommend adjustments to your treatment plan. This can also mean scheduling an in-person appointment if needed.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Throughout treatment, patients will continue to upload their photos at regular intervals, allowing for continuous monitoring of progress.
Benefits of Grin Remote Monitoring
We’re thrilled to offer this program to our patients for many reasons—one of them being that we know that every patient has a busy life in some sense and that making in-person appointments every couple of weeks might not be ideal. These are some of the other benefits:
- Convenience: The use of your personal smartphone and a mouthpiece that’s easy to travel with makes this a huge advantage for adults who find themselves on the go or teenagers who are busy with school.
- Real-Time Feedback: Patients don’t have to wait long for feedback since the photos are updated in real-time and sent to the doctor.
- Improved Compliance: Remote monitoring encourages patients to stay engaged with their treatment plan by providing them with a convenient tool to communicate, which can, in turn, lead to better compliance and treatment outcomes.
- Enhanced Communication: Sometimes, you may forget to ask a question when you’re in the office. This allows you to think on your feet when communicating with Dr. Vo. It further fosters a collaborative relationship between doctor and patient, allowing for timely updates and concerns to be addressed.
- Early Detection of Issues: Regular monitoring lets us identify any issues or concerns early on and address them before they become serious. This is a proactive approach, which can help prevent complications and ensure smoother treatment results.
- Personalized Care: This one-on-one method lets each patient’s unique needs be addressed with great attention.
FAQs
There’s a good chance you weren’t familiar with this technology until now, so let’s answer some additional questions while we’re here:
Q: Is Grin Remote Monitoring secure?
Yes. Grin Remote Monitoring prioritizes patient privacy and data security. The platform complies with HIPAA regulations and employs encryption and other security measures to protect the patient’s information.
Q: What if I have technical difficulties with the app?
If you encounter any issues with your Grin app, contact Grin customer service or our office for assistance. You’ll be provided with troubleshooting guidance to help resolve the problems you’re experiencing.
Q: Can I use Grin Remote Monitoring for emergencies?
While this is a great way to maintain communication with your doctor, emergencies should always be addressed in person. Be sure to contact the office if you have any issues that require immediate attention.
Q: Is the app suitable for kids?
It can be good for both teenagers and children, depending on their ability to follow instructions. If they need assistance, their parents or guardians can help oversee their photo-taking process as needed.
Making Orthodontics Easy
So, if this is news to you, we hope it’s good news! We’re blown away by advances in tech just like you are, and we love the way it can enhance your experience with us. If you have any questions about enrollment or beginning treatment, give our Windcrest or San Antonio offices a call at 210-405-5732.