How to Take Photos at Home For Your Orthodontist?

During times when you can't make it to the office, such as during a pandemic or other situations where in-office visits are limited, it may be necessary for Dr. Markham to evaluate the progress of your orthodontic treatment via photos sent from home. Follow these easy instructions to help Dr. Markham keep track of your treatment and ensure you are on the right track.

Here’s your guide to taking photos at home to support your orthodontic care!

Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

1. Gather Supplies

To take clear and useful photos, you’ll need the following:

A Smartphone or Digital Camera
A Spoon (or similar item to retract lips and cheeks)
A Family Member or Helper (to assist with the photos)

2. Retract Your Lips and Cheeks

Use a spoon or your fingers to gently pull back your lips and cheeks. This will ensure that Dr. Markham can see all parts of your teeth, gums, and bite.

3. Take Clear and Focused Photos

It’s crucial that the photos are clear and focused to allow Dr. Markham to assess the condition of your teeth. Take five photos using the following instructions:

Photo Instructions:

Front View with Teeth Together

What to Do: Smile naturally and take a photo of your teeth with your lips slightly apart, but your teeth should be together.

Why It’s Important: This allows Dr. Markham to see your upper and lower teeth together as well as how the braces or retainer are fitting.

Front View with Teeth Slightly Apart

What to Do: Smile or relax your lips, keeping your teeth slightly apart to show the fit of your retainer (if you have one).

Why It’s Important: This helps Dr. Markham evaluate how your retainer is fitting and if it’s affecting the alignment.

Side View (Right Side)

What to Do: Turn your head to the right and take a picture of your smile from the side, ensuring that the image includes both your upper and lower teeth.

Why It’s Important: This gives Dr. Markham a profile view to check the alignment of your teeth, especially on the right side.

Side View (Left Side)

What to Do: Repeat the process on the left side, ensuring the photo shows both your upper and lower teeth.

Why It’s Important: Just like the right side view, this helps Dr. Markham evaluate the overall alignment of your teeth from the left side.

Open Mouth View (Front)

What to Do: Open your mouth wide, keep your lips pulled back with a spoon, and take a photo of the inside of your mouth.

Why It’s Important: This allows Dr. Markham to check your gums, bite, and the overall condition of your teeth.

For Retainer Wearers

If you wear a retainer, it’s essential to take photos both with and without the retainer.

With Retainer: Follow the same photo instructions, ensuring you capture each view with the retainer in place.
Without Retainer: Remove the retainer and take the same photos without it in place. This will help Dr. Markham compare the fit and progress with and without the retainer.

How to Email the Photos

Once you have taken all five photos, it’s time to send them to the office. Be sure to include:

Your Full Name
Date of Photos
Retainer Status (if you are wearing your retainer during the photo session)

Send the email with your photos to:

frontdesk@warringtonortho.com

Tips for Taking Great Photos

Get Help from a Family Member: A second pair of hands will make it much easier to get clear, well-lit photos. Ask a family member or friend to help take the pictures.
Flash On: Make sure the flash on your camera or phone is turned on for optimal lighting.
Focus on the Teeth: When taking your photos, try to focus only on your mouth and teeth. Avoid capturing too much background.
Relax Your Lips: Do not tense your lips when taking the photos. Relax your mouth to help avoid any distortion.
Bite Together on Back Teeth: For photos that require your teeth to be together, make sure you’re biting down on your back teeth (molars) to get a more accurate view of your bite.

Conclusion: Stay on Track with Your Treatment

By taking and submitting these photos as instructed, you are helping Dr. Markham monitor your progress from home. The more accurate and clear your photos are, the better Dr. Markham can assess your treatment needs.

We understand that it might feel strange to take photos of your teeth, but think of it as a fun opportunity to learn more about your smile and stay on top of your treatment plan!

If you have any questions or run into trouble while taking your photos, don’t hesitate to contact us at frontdesk@warringtonortho.com

Good luck, and we look forward to seeing your beautiful smile!

Home Photo Instruction