Life gets busy. Between work, school, carpool lines, and everything in between, finding time for an in-person orthodontic consult isn’t always easy. That’s why Larson Orthodontics offers virtual visits, a convenient way to connect with Dr. Larson from wherever you are. Did you know that we do virtual visits too? Many of our patients don’t, and once they try it, they love the flexibility that comes with meeting Dr. Larson from home.
Curious about Invisalign? Exploring Spark Clear Aligners? Wondering if your child might need braces? A virtual orthodontic consultation is a smart first step, and it takes less time than your morning coffee run.
What Is a Virtual Orthodontic Visit?
A virtual orthodontic visit is a secure video or photo-based appointment with Dr. Larson that happens remotely instead of in our Alexandria home. You connect from your phone, tablet, or computer, share images of your smile, and receive expert guidance without stepping foot in our orthodontic office.
At Larson Orthodontics, we use virtual visits for several purposes:
- New patient consults for Invisalign, Spark Clear Aligners, braces, and LightForce Braces
- Progress check-ins for current patients in active treatment
- Treatment questions and second opinions
- Follow-ups between in-person appointments
Virtual visits complement in-person care rather than fully replacing it. Some steps, like bonding brackets or taking a 3D scan, still require a trip to our Alexandria home. For many conversations and check-ins, though, teleorthodontics is a wonderful option that saves you time and keeps things moving.
How Virtual Visits Work at Larson Orthodontics
Getting started with a virtual braces consult is easier than you might think. Here’s how the process flows from start to finish:
- Request your free virtual consult. Head to our website or give us a call at (703) 838-8998 to let us know you’d like a virtual visit. You can request a time that works around your schedule, whether that’s a weekday lunch break or an evening after bedtime routines.
- Receive your secure link and intake form. Our team sends a secure link along with a short intake form by email or text. The form helps Dr. Larson learn about your smile goals, any current concerns, and your orthodontic history.
- Submit guided photos of your smile. You’ll be prompted to snap a few photos of your teeth from different angles. Don’t worry, the prompts walk you through each shot so nothing feels confusing. Good lighting and a steady hand are the only things you need.
- Meet Dr. Larson by live video or recorded review. Depending on what works best for you, Dr. Larson will either hop on a live video call or send back a personalized recorded video review of your smile. You’ll hear his thoughts, recommendations, and answers to your questions.
- Get your personalized next steps. After the online orthodontist visit, you’ll receive a customized plan outline with recommended treatment options, estimated timing, and what to expect at your first in-office visit if you’d like to move forward.
The whole experience is designed to feel smooth, warm, and informative, much like meeting with Dr. Larson in person at our Alexandria home. Our team is here to answer questions at every step along the way.
Benefits of Choosing a Virtual Visit
A virtual orthodontic consultation offers real perks for busy families and professionals. Here’s why so many of our patients choose to start this way:
- Save time. No commute, no parking, no waiting room. You can meet with Dr. Larson from your kitchen table or living room couch.
- Built for busy weeknights and workdays. Working parents, students juggling classes, and remote professionals all appreciate the flexibility. A virtual visit fits into a lunch break, a quiet evening at home, or the window between after-school activities.
- Faster access to orthodontic expertise. Instead of waiting weeks for an open slot, you can often connect sooner for an initial opinion or quick check-in with Dr. Larson.
- Great for aligner progress tracking. If you’re wearing Invisalign or Spark Clear Aligners, a remote Invisalign check-in lets Dr. Larson monitor your progress between in-office appointments. That means fewer trips to our Alexandria home for routine updates.
- Reduces missed school and work days. Routine progress checks don’t need to pull your child out of class or you out of the office. Virtual visits keep treatment moving without disrupting your day.
- Second opinions made easy. Thinking about treatment somewhere else? A virtual visit with Dr. Larson gives you another expert perspective without added hassle.
- The same trusted care. You’re meeting with the same Dr. Larson, backed by the same Larson Orthodontics team. Washingtonian Top Dentist 2024 Hall of Fame recognition, AAO membership, and years of experience come with every visit, whether virtual or in person.
We love the details, and that includes meeting you where you are. Virtual visits reflect our belief that great orthodontic care should fit your life, not the other way around. Your new smile is in the details, and the details start with how we welcome you.
Virtual Visits vs. In-Office Visits
Both visit types play important roles in your treatment experience. Here’s a side-by-side look at how they compare at Larson Orthodontics:
| Feature | Virtual Visit | In-Office Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Consults, progress checks, Q&A, aligner tracking | Bonding braces, adjustments, 3D scans, emergencies |
| Location | Your home, office, or anywhere with internet | Our Alexandria home at 814 N. Saint Asaph St. |
| Equipment Needed | Phone, tablet, or computer with a camera | Full orthodontic tools and imaging technology |
| Typical Length | 15 to 30 minutes | 30 to 60 minutes, depending on procedure |
| Provider | Dr. Larson | Dr. Larson and our clinical team |
| Convenience | Very high, no travel required | Requires scheduled trip to office |
The takeaway? Virtual visits pair beautifully with periodic in-person care, giving you the best of both worlds. You’ll still need to visit our Alexandria home for the hands-on parts of treatment, like placing 3M Advanced Braces, taking impressions, or handling any emergencies. For everything else, teleorthodontics gives you flexibility backed by the same expertise.
Both options deliver the same care philosophy. At Larson Orthodontics, you’re never just a patient, whether you’re meeting with Dr. Larson face-to-face or face-to-screen. We truly care for you from the first hello.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Virtual Visit?
Virtual visits work well for many situations, though they’re not right for every scenario. Here’s a quick guide:
Great candidates for a virtual visit:
- New patients curious about braces, Invisalign, Spark Clear Aligners, or LightForce Braces
- Current patients needing a quick progress check between appointments
- Parents gathering information before scheduling a child’s first consult
- Patients from out of town or those with limited mobility
- Busy professionals who want to explore options without taking time off work
- Anyone who wants a second opinion on treatment recommendations from another provider
Better handled in person:
- Orthodontic emergencies like a broken bracket or lost retainer
- Taking 3D scans or impressions for aligners or appliances
- Bonding new braces or placing attachments
- Hands-on adjustments and wire changes
- Issues requiring a physical exam
Not sure which option fits your situation? Give us a call and we’ll help you figure out the best next step. Our team is happy to recommend whichever visit type will serve you best, with no pressure either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special software to join a virtual visit?
No special downloads are required for most virtual visits at Larson Orthodontics. You’ll receive a secure link that opens in your web browser on any modern phone, tablet, or computer. When a different app fits your situation better, our team will let you know ahead of time and walk you through setup personally.
Is my information secure and HIPAA compliant?
Yes. We use secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms for all virtual orthodontic consultations. Your photos, intake form, and video conversation are protected with the same privacy standards we follow in our Alexandria home. Protecting your personal and health information is a top priority for our entire team.
Can I start Invisalign or Spark Aligners after a virtual consult?
Often, yes. Many of our patients begin the Invisalign or Spark Clear Aligners process with a free virtual consult, where Dr. Larson reviews your photos and provides initial recommendations. To officially start treatment, you’ll still need an in-person visit for a 3D scan and to confirm the customized plan. The virtual visit gives you a strong head start.
How long does a virtual appointment take?
Most virtual visits at Larson Orthodontics take about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on whether it’s a new consult or a progress check-in. Recorded video reviews may be shorter, while live video calls allow more time for back-and-forth questions. We respect your schedule and keep things efficient without rushing.
Can my child have a virtual orthodontic visit?
Absolutely. Virtual visits are a wonderful option for kids and teens, especially for initial consults or progress check-ins. A parent or guardian should be present during the appointment, and we recommend good lighting plus a quiet spot so your child feels comfortable. Many families appreciate skipping the trip for routine updates.
What if I need to switch to an in-person appointment?
That’s easy. If Dr. Larson determines that an in-person visit would serve you better, or if you’d rather meet face-to-face, our team will help you schedule a time at our Alexandria home. Virtual and in-office visits work hand in hand, so switching between them is always an option.
Ready to Try a Virtual Visit?
Did you know that we do virtual visits too? Now you do, and we hope you’ll give one a try. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or your child, a virtual orthodontic consultation with Dr. Larson is a convenient, welcoming way to meet our team and start your experience with us.
Call or text us at (703) 838-8998, or request your free virtual consult online. We serve our patients throughout Alexandria, Old Town North, Del Ray, Fairlington, North Ridge, Rosemont, Park Fairfax, Arlington, and the greater Washington D.C. area.
Great experiences; beautiful results. That’s our promise to you, whether we meet online or in person at our Alexandria home. We deliver on our promise and our product, and we can’t wait to say hello.
