What to expect from a virtual visit with Escott Orthodontics and how it can jumpstart your smile.
- A virtual orthodontic consultation is a five-step process that takes about 15 minutes of your time and gives you personalized expert feedback within 1 to 2 business days.
- The process starts on your phone or laptop and ends with a clear, personalized recommendation from our team about your best next step.
- The photos you take only need to follow our simple guide. A few clear smile shots and a couple of bite shots are everything our team needs to begin a meaningful evaluation.
- Virtual consultations are evidence-based. Peer-reviewed research shows comparable diagnostic accuracy to in-person evaluations and substantially better match rates with the right care pathway.
- Whether you ultimately come in or not is entirely up to you. Our consultation is genuinely free and carries no obligation, no pressure, and no required follow-up.
Starting Your Virtual Consultation
Taking the Right Photos
Sharing What's On Your Mind
How Our Team Reviews Your Case
Your Personalized Response and Next Steps
Introduction
You've decided to take the first step. A virtual consultation feels like the right way to begin your orthodontic journey, but you still have practical questions: What exactly do I need to do? What photos do I take and how? What happens after I submit? How long does the whole thing take? These are the questions every patient has before they hit submit on a virtual consultation form, and they're the right questions to ask.
We've walked thousands of patients through this exact process across our Central Florida offices, and we know exactly where people get stuck, where they have second thoughts, and where the process feels effortless. This guide walks you through every step of how a virtual orthodontic consultation works, what you can expect at each stage, and how long the whole thing actually takes. By the end, you'll know precisely what to expect from start to finish.
At Escott Orthodontics , Dr. Christopher Escott and our team of orthodontic specialists have spent years refining the virtual consultation experience to make it as simple, accurate, and helpful as possible for every patient who walks the path with us.
Meet Dr. Escott and Dr. Davis
Dr. Christopher Escott has served the Central Florida community as a certified orthodontic specialist since 2014. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University, graduating with honors and membership in the exclusive Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society, before completing a three-year orthodontic residency and Master of Science program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Escott brings advanced training in esthetic, accelerated, and non-surgical orthodontic treatment, allowing many of our patients to avoid extractions and jaw surgery through modern techniques.
Dr. Hunter Davis, DMD, MSD joins our team as a Board Certified Orthodontist and a Central Florida native. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Florida, Dr. Davis completed his orthodontic specialty certificate and Master of Science in Dentistry at Jacksonville University. His master's thesis examined how malocclusion can contribute to speech distortion, a clinical research collaboration with JU's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders that reflects his deep interest in the functional side of orthodontic care.
Together, our doctors combine technical expertise with the patient-first approach that has earned us recognition as "Best of the Best Orthodontist" by Lake Sumter Style Magazine for five consecutive years. As a Top 1 Percent Invisalign provider with more than 400 five-star reviews across our locations, we've built our reputation on making every aspect of orthodontic care, including how patients first reach out, as accessible and informative as possible.
Why Virtual Consultations Work So Well for Orthodontics
Before we walk through the process itself, it's worth understanding why orthodontics is one of the dental specialties most well-suited to virtual consultations. The honest answer is that orthodontic concerns are largely visible. We're evaluating tooth alignment, bite relationships, and smile aesthetics, which are things that show up clearly in clear, well-lit photographs.
Peer-reviewed research confirms what we've seen in practice. A systematic review published in Nature's Evidence-Based Dentistry, which evaluated multiple teledentistry systematic reviews involving more than 7,000 patients, concluded that virtual dental assessments are comparable to in-person examinations for diagnostic and treatment-planning purposes. The accuracy depends largely on the experience of the dental professional reviewing the case, which is exactly what an established orthodontic practice provides.
The inappropriate orthodontic referral rate in a peer-reviewed study using teledentistry, compared to 26.2% in the in-person control group. Virtual consultations help match patients with the right care path the first time around.
Source: Daniel et al. (2013), Journal of Dental Hygiene
With that foundation in place, here's exactly how the process works at our practice, from start to finish.
Step 1: Starting Your Virtual Consultation
The first step is simply navigating to the right place. From our website, you'll find a clear button to start your virtual consultation. The form is designed to be straightforward, mobile-friendly, and quick to begin.
What you do:
Visit our website on your phone, tablet, or laptop and click the virtual consultation link. You'll land on a simple intake form designed to collect the essentials. No long sign-up process, no payment information, no pre-qualification questions.
What our team does:
We've structured this entry point to be as low-friction as possible. The goal is for you to answer useful questions within the first 30 seconds, not to navigate a maze of forms.
How long it takes:
Less than 1 minute to get to the actual consultation form.
Pro Tip: If you're filling out the consultation on a mobile device, you can take your photos directly during the process. Most patients find this easier than uploading photos taken earlier.
Step 2: Taking the Right Photos
This is the step most patients are most nervous about, and it's actually the easiest. You don't need professional photos or special equipment. You need a phone with a working camera, good lighting (a bright bathroom or kitchen window works well), and someone to take the photos for you, or a propped-up phone with a timer.
What you do:
Following our photo guide, capture a front-facing smile photo, a relaxed front-facing photo with your teeth slightly apart, side profile photos showing your bite, and close-up shots of your bite from the front. The guide walks you through each angle visually so you know exactly what to capture.
What our team does:
Our team uses photos at multiple angles because each one shows us something different. A front smile shows alignment and spacing. Side views reveal bite relationships. Close-ups let us see specific tooth positions, gum lines, and any concerns you've mentioned.
How long it takes:
Typically 5 to 10 minutes, including taking the photos and reviewing them before submission.
Honest Truth: Your photos do not need to be perfect. They need to be clear enough that we can see what we need to see. If the lighting is too dark or an angle is unclear, our team will let you know and ask for a retake.
Step 3: Sharing What's On Your Mind
Photos tell us a lot, but they don't tell us everything. The form will ask you a few short, useful questions: what brought you to consider orthodontic treatment, what bothers you most about your smile, whether you have any specific goals or constraints, and how soon you'd be looking to start. This is where you get to be honest about what matters to you.
What you do:
Answer a few short questions about your goals, concerns, timeline, and anything else you'd like our team to know. There are no wrong answers and no penalty for not being sure. "I just want to know what's possible" is a complete and welcome answer.
What our team does:
We genuinely read what you write. Dr. Escott often says that understanding the patient's motivation is the most important first step in designing a treatment plan, so we treat this part of the form as essential information rather than throwaway data.
How long it takes:
About 3 to 5 minutes if you've thought about it, slightly longer if you're working through your thoughts as you write.
Ready to Start Yours?
Your free virtual consultation takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. Submit your photos and notes, and our team will respond with personalized guidance within 1 to 2 business days. No commitment required.
→ START YOUR VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONStep 4: How Our Team Reviews Your Case
Once you hit submit, the consultation enters our review queue. This is the step patients see the least, so we want to share what happens behind the scenes. Here is what our team does with the information you've provided.
What you do:
Nothing. This is our part of the process. You can go about your day, and our team will be in touch.
What our team does:
One of our orthodontic specialists, Dr. Escott or Dr. Davis, reviews your photos in detail, reads your notes carefully, and considers what treatment paths would likely be appropriate for your case. We treat each virtual consultation with the same care we'd give to an in-person initial evaluation.
How long it takes:
Most patients hear back within 1 to 2 business days. Complex cases occasionally take slightly longer if we want to discuss your case as a team before responding.
Step 5: Your Personalized Response and Next Steps
This is where the value of the virtual consultation becomes tangible. You receive a personalized response that explains what we see, your options, and our recommended next step.
What you do:
Read our response carefully, take your time to consider what was shared, and decide what feels like the right next step for you. If you have questions, you can reply directly to our team, and we'll continue the conversation.
What our team does:
We outline what we see in your photos, which treatment options would likely be most appropriate for your case, what a typical timeline and investment might look like, and your best next step. If we recommend an in-person follow-up, we'll explain why and which location would work best for you.
How long it takes:
Your response time is entirely up to you. Some patients move forward within hours. Others sit with the information for weeks or months. Both are completely fine. We are here for you when you are ready.
What Comes Next: If you decide to schedule an in-person visit, we'll walk you through what to expect at that appointment, including the more detailed imaging and hands-on evaluation that happens in person.
Why Central Florida Patients Trust Escott Orthodontics
For over a decade, Escott Orthodontics has been a trusted home for orthodontic care across Central Florida. Here's what sets our practice apart.
- Two experienced orthodontic specialists: Dr. Christopher Escott and Dr. Hunter Davis, with a combined depth of training and clinical experience
- Privately owned and operated: Dr. Escott personally owns and runs the practice, with care decisions made by the doctors who treat you
- Top 1 Percent Invisalign Provider, placing us among the most experienced Invisalign practices in the country
- Recognized as "Best of the Best Orthodontist" by Lake Sumter Style Magazine for five consecutive years
- Three convenient Central Florida locations: Mount Dora (Lake County), College Park (Orlando), and Baldwin Park (Orlando)
- Advanced technology: SureSmile , iTero digital impressions , and a state-of-the-art clinical environment designed to make your treatment as comfortable and precise as possible
- More than 400 five-star reviews from patients across Orlando and Lake County
At Escott Orthodontics, we believe that understanding orthodontic treatment should never be the hard part. Our virtual consultations are one of the ways we make starting the conversation as accessible as possible for the patients we serve.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly how a virtual orthodontic consultation works. Five clear steps, about 15 minutes of your time, and a personalized response from our team within 1 to 2 business days. There's no commitment, no pressure, and no requirement to follow up in person unless you decide it's the right next step for you.
Our team at Escott Orthodontics is here whenever you're ready. Start your virtual consultation today, and let's begin the conversation. There's sunshine in every smile, and we'd love to help you find yours.
Three Convenient Central Florida Locations
Lake County (Mount Dora) | 16821 US Highway 441, Mount Dora, FL 32757 | 352-383-6166
Orlando - College Park | 2511 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32804 | 407-648-5511
Orlando - Baldwin Park | 407-898-6711
Email: hello@escottortho.com
Website: escottortho.com
→ START YOUR VIRTUAL CONSULTATION TODAYFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special device or app for a virtual consultation?
No. A regular smartphone, tablet, or laptop with a working camera is all you need. There's nothing to download and no special equipment to purchase. The entire process happens through your web browser.
What if my photos don't come out well?
That's completely fine. If our team needs clearer images, we'll let you know which specific angles to retake and walk you through tips for getting the shot we need. Photo quality issues are common and easy to fix.
How long after submitting will I hear back?
Most virtual consultations receive a personalized response within 1 to 2 business days. Occasionally, a more complex case will take a bit longer because we want to discuss it as a team before responding. We'd rather take an extra day and give you a thoughtful response than rush a generic one.
Can a virtual consultation replace an in-person appointment entirely?
For the initial consultation and treatment planning conversation, often yes. For the actual start of treatment, hands-on measurements, scans for braces or aligners, and bracket placement must all be done in person.
What if I'd rather just come in for an in-person consultation?
Absolutely your call. Some patients prefer to start in person, and we welcome that just as much. You can schedule an in-person consultation directly from our website. The virtual consultation is an option, not a requirement.
Is my information secure when I submit photos and notes?
Yes. Our virtual consultation form uses secure submission technology, and your information is handled with the same privacy and confidentiality protections that apply to any in-person dental visit. We do not share your information with third parties for marketing purposes.
Sources
- Vaid, N. R., et al. (2023). Virtual-First: A virtual workflow for new patient consultation, engagement and education in orthodontics. Seminars in Orthodontics. View on ScienceDirect
- Caprioglio, A., et al. (2021). A Knowledge-Based Algorithm for Automatic Monitoring of Orthodontic Treatment: The Dental Monitoring System. Read full study
- Daniel, S. J., et al. (2013). Teledentistry: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes, Utilization and Costs. Journal of Dental Hygiene , 87(6), 345-352. View on JDH
- Estai, M., et al. (2022). Accuracy and effectiveness of teledentistry: a systematic review of systematic reviews. Evidence-Based Dentistry , Nature. Read full study
- American Association of Orthodontists. Patient Resources: What to Expect at Your First Orthodontic Consultation. View AAO resources
This blog is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical, dental, or orthodontic advice. Please contact Escott Orthodontics or your healthcare provider with specific questions about your treatment, virtual consultation, or orthodontic care.
