Communication through telemedicine: home teleassistance in orthodontics.

AIM: The aim of the study is codify both a methodological and communication standard based on teleassistance, and the emergencies that can be treated from a remote location along with the related clinical applications, limitations, medicolegal considerations and the patients' opinion on this new opportunity of assistance.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: To codify a distance communication method, ten young patients aged 10-16 years, equipped with a mobile videophone and after clear instructions, asked the advice of the orthodontic specialist to deal with minor orthodontic emergencies. Upon completion of the treatment they filled out a questionnaire on satisfaction level and difficulties encountered with the use of this technology. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Most of the orthodontic emergencies can be solved at home: rubber ligature displacement, discomfort due to the appliance, irritation of cheeks. Those patients who used the videophone to handle the orthodontic emergencies considered it an easy and useful method, possibly due to the young age of the subjects involved, who are familiar with the new technologies.
CONCLUSIONS: Telecommunications applied to medicine and dentistry is currently a subject of topical interest. The most developed countries are investing resources in order to improve assistance and communication between physicians and patients and among specialists. The possibility of sharing videos and images is particularly useful in the orthodontic field, as minor emergencies can be solved easily at home, reassuring patient and parents on one hand, and limiting visits to the dental office to cases of real need.