Virtual Visits and Consultations

Every day, we’re faced with new information and new challenges to day-to-day life. In their confusing times, our priorities at Cowan Orthodontics are the health and safety of your family, our team, and our shared communities. We encourage you to follow all of the recommendations presented by the CDC, and we’re doing the same. That’s why we’re closed for all non-emergency appointments, as recommended.

Technology plays a vital role in how we’re adapting to the current situation. We’re committed to staying connected to all of our patients and helping you keep your smile goals in sight. Although our office is temporarily closed, we’re still able to meet your orthodontic needs with virtual visits and consultations! 

How Virtual Consultations Work 

To get started, take some pictures of your smile, making sure to follow the instructions on our virtual consultation page. The virtual consultation page in on our website, www.cowanorthodontics.com,  under the red banner. We’ve provided examples of the types of photos that you should be taking. We also have a video with some helpful tips. Then, give us some information about your smile goals. 

Here are some additional tips to help you take a great photo: 

• To get the best angle, have someone else take your photo, or use the self-timer on your camera.
• Make sure the flash is turned on. 
• Keep your photos close and only photograph your teeth and mouth. 
• Try to keep the muscles around your mouth relaxed.
• Keep your teeth together and bite down hard. This is the best way to make sure the pictures are accurate.  

Dr. Cowan will examine the photos of your teeth and decide what kind of treatment is best for your smile goals and treatment needs. We offer traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign treatment to patients of any age. 

Our financial coordinator will then determine the cost of your treatment based on the treatment plan set by Dr. Cowan. We’re committed to providing treatment that fits your budget. We accept most major insurance plans and offer payment plans. We’ll help you determine a financial plan that fits your lifestyle. Finally, we’ll create a plan for your next steps once we can see you in the office. Since the situation is changing rapidly, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as plans may potentially change. 

Keep Your Smile Goes Within Reach

Current patients don’t have to worry about losing any treatment on their treatment progress. Virtual visits allow us to keep an eye on your teeth and appliances. Dr. Cowan will be able to catch any developing problems and suggest adjustments you can make at home. 

First, you’ll take pictures of every angle of your teeth and provide some information about yourself and your treatment. On our virtual visits page, we’ve provided examples of the types of photos that you should be taking. We also have a video with some helpful tips. If you wear elastics, make sure you’re wearing them when you take the photos so we can see if there are any issues or changes that you need to make. 

Taking Care of Your Teeth and Appliances 

Even though your regular routine may have changed in every other way, it’s important to maintain all of your excellent oral hygiene habits and continue to take care of your appliances. This is one of the most significant things you can do to maintain your smile at home. Here are some things to keep in mind while you’re at home.  

Invisalign:

Always wear your aligners as directed by Dr. Cowan. If you don’t have the next aligner in the series, keep wearing the last aligner for 15-18 hours a day until we reopen. Likewise, if you lose or break an aligner, use the previous one in the series. And if you run out of aligners, don’t stop wearing them! Visit our virtual visits page and provide the necessary information so we can determine your next steps. 

Braces:

Always wear your elastics as directed by Dr. Cowan. If you run out, we can mail you some more. If you notice wires sticking out, you can apply orthodontic wax until you can come into the office. If needed, you can attempt to trim the wire with a pair of nail clippers or small scissors. If you notice a loose bracket, we’ll make a note of it so we can fix it next time we see you. Avoid any and all foods that can damage your braces. This means sticky and crunchy foods, as well as anything else you would consider to be too hard for braces to handle. This will help prevent any emergencies, and keep us all safe at home! And of course, keep your braces clean and free of food debris or plaque!

We’re Open For Emergencies 

We’re still here for you if you have a severe problem or questions about how to handle a less serious but still frustrating situation. If it’s a real emergency and you’re in pain, we’ll schedule an appointment for you to come in and see us. To ensure your health and safety, we’ll make sure that you’re the only patient in the office, and we’ll follow hygiene precautions as recommended by the authorities. And just like we always do, we’ll adhere to the highest sanitation and disinfection practices. You have no reason to worry about any part of your treatment while we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together. 

Socially Distanced, Virtually Connected

At Cowan Orthodontics, our goal is to continue to support our future and current patients in every way that we can. We also want to stay connected, because we miss you! By offering virtual consultations and appointments, we can prioritize both your smile and your safety as we do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. The virtual options link you, Dr. Cowan, and our team so we can continue to work on your smile as a team.