Congratulations to Rafael who recently finished his orthodontic treatment after wanting to straighten his teeth for decades. It’s never too late to get the smile you have always wanted!
What Was The Virtual Screening Like?
Rafael started his journey at High Line Orthodontics with a virtual screening. From the comfort of his home, he took photos of his teeth, smile, and bite on his phone from different angles and set up a time to meet with us over video chat. On this video call, we were able to give him a preliminary evaluation of his orthodontic treatment needs, his options for treatment modalities (aligners, traditional braces, lingual braces, etc.), a preliminary estimate on the length of treatment time, AND cost, including estimated insurance benefits–all of this was complimentary and super convenient! He also got a feel for whether our office was the right office for him, given Dr. Pompei’s treatment philosophies and expertise.
It is important to note that this virtual screening does not eliminate the need for an in-person exam and full records (diagnostic photos, 3D photographic scan, and special orthodontic radiographs) prior to beginning orthodontic treatment. Occasionally there are conditions that will affect a person’s recommended treatment plan and prognosis that can only be appreciated after an in-person examination by an orthodontic specialist. Thus all our patients undergo a full exam that considers the TMJ, skeletal relationships, soft tissue relationships, dental occlusion (bite), and individual dental health prior to starting treatment–this is the standard of care that must be upheld regardless of where you receive orthodontic care. Thus, the next step after a virtual review of photos is the in-person exam. However, most of our patients who elect to start their journey with a virtual screening have found that meeting us beforehand virtually gives them valuable information that assists in their decision on how to proceed. Additionally, because so much critical information was already communicated during the virtual visit, the subsequent in-office visit is expedited and much more efficient, and who doesn’t like saving time?!
What Did Dr. Pompei Treat?
In this case, the initial presentation was a Class II malocclusion, moderate upper and lower space deficiency/crowding, and excess overbite and overjet. Using aligners and Class II elastics, worn diligently for many months, plus interproximal reduction (strategic enamel slenderizing) we were able to give Rafael a smile he was proud to beam to the world!
Rafael went to our stellar colleagues at Dental House NYC to restore his fractured upper right central incisor with a beautiful, natural-looking crown. He finished off his treatment with an electrosurgery gingivectomy on the upper and lower front teeth to remove excess gum tissue that was hiding the true height of his teeth! This was conveniently done at the same appointment where his aligner attachments were debonded. In the end, Rafael couldn’t stop smiling. He said his whole life he never liked being photographed and never smiled in pictures…not anymore!
Smile on, Rafael! We will miss you and your positive energy. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your transformation.
Come See Us In New York
If Rafael has inspired you to pursue your orthodontic transformation journey, contact High Line Orthodontics today online or call 212-484-0711.
