Scenario for the dentist
Imagine: your patient is relaxed and calmly responds to dentists and their tinkering, despite the fact that he visits the clininc for the first time. Without detailed instructions patient takes place in the dental chair and orthodontic procedure is performed quickly and comfortably in compliance with all stages. There are no complications or tension, so the result of treatment is achieved quickly and without problems.
Scenario for a visitor to a dental clinic
Now imagine that same scenario through the eyes of the patient. You can see that he is happy, knows the locations of the rooms, has seen the process of going through treatment and doesn’t worry about the large flow of new information. And this is not a hypothetical futuristic utopia; this is actually happening now, and the above-mentioned points may soon become one of the many advantages thanks to the virtual reality (VR).
About the technology
VR is a process that involves immersing the viewer in virtual space at 360 °. Moving his head in different directions, the patient can visualize real or artificial environment. The viewer can be immersed into the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by coral or Canadian forest.
This requires very little: the participant has a light and comfortable headset in which the smartphone is inserted. Thanks to gyroscopic sensors, the smartphone will project an appropriate image that corresponds to its movements. If the patient raises his head, he will see the sky or the ceiling, and if he lowers his head, he will see his feet.
The result is truly impressive , as we are in a place that can range from real travel sites to virtual scenarios, like in video games.
One of the areas of development of this technology can make it possible to virtually visit a dental office without leaving your home. People can visualize the reception, observe the procedures or evaluate the cleanliness of facilities and technology, that are used at the clinic. The aim is to offer a virtual visit and allow the patient to choose a quality clinic, as well as to get acquainted with the clinic before the first visit.
Another area of the usage of this technology: easy visualization of the friendly atmosphere during treatment or procedures. The patient can enjoy the beach or other views that evoke positive emotions and associations. In VR any video is acceptable if it achieves its goal - to create a calming atmosphere during the treatment session. It can also be convenient for the dentist as he can perform any treatment quickly and effectively.
VR can also be conducive to creating virtual instructions to demonstrate and remind the rules of teeth care and sticking to the doctor's recommendations in the periods between visits to the dentist.