A high-quality panoramic X-ray is the foundation of any useful remote dental consultation. Here is exactly how to obtain one (free or low-cost), capture it correctly, and send it to us so we can give you accurate advice.
A useful WhatsApp consultation depends entirely on the quality of the X-ray you send us. With a good panoramic X-ray (OPG) we can give you specific brand recommendations, treatment timing, and an individual quotation within 24 hours. Without one, we are guessing. This guide explains exactly how to obtain a good X-ray and send it correctly.
What We Need
The single most useful image is a panoramic dental X-ray — also called an OPG (Orthopantomogram) or DPT (Dental Panoramic Tomogram). This shows your entire upper and lower jaws in one image, including:
A panoramic X-ray is enough for most initial WhatsApp consultations. For implant cases, a 3D CBCT scan is ideal — but we typically do CBCT on day 1 of your visit, not as a pre-trip requirement.
Where to Get an X-Ray
Several options depending on your country:
NHS / public dentistry
Most general dentists in the UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, etc. can take a panoramic X-ray during a routine check-up. Cost is typically covered by NHS or insurance for diagnostic purposes.
Tell your dentist: "I need a panoramic X-ray for my records." They will provide it on a CD or as a digital file (often emailed).
Private dentist / radiology centre
If your regular dentist does not take panoramic X-rays in-office, they can refer you to a radiology centre that does. Cost is typically modest. Walk-in radiology centres in major cities offer panoramic X-rays without referral.
Existing X-ray from previous treatment
If you have had any dental X-ray in the past 12 months, you likely have a copy. Check:
X-rays from the last 12 months are usually current enough for our consultation.
Image Quality and Format
Once you have the X-ray, send the highest-quality version available. Specifically:
Avoid:
How to Photograph an X-Ray Yourself
If your only option is to photograph the X-ray (because your dentist refused to share the digital file or you have a film X-ray), here is how to do it well:
1. Place the X-ray on a backlit screen — A laptop screen showing a fully-white webpage works. A mobile phone screen on full brightness with a white background also works.
2. Hold your phone camera 20-30 cm away from the X-ray.
3. No flash — flash creates glare on the X-ray surface that hides details.
4. Steady hand or use both hands — even small movement blurs critical details.
5. Frame the entire X-ray in the photo, not just one section.
6. Take 2-3 photos at slightly different angles and choose the clearest.
The result should clearly show every tooth, every root, the bone outline, and the sinus boundaries.
What to Send With Your X-Ray
Along with the X-ray, please send:
1. Brief description of your concerns — "I want implants for missing teeth #14, #15, #16" or "I want a Hollywood smile makeover" or "I have pain in my upper-right molar."
2. Photographs of your smile — close-up smile photo (front and profile views) for any cosmetic case (veneers, Hollywood smile, smile design).
3. Photographs of the affected area — for specific tooth concerns, an open-mouth photograph showing the tooth in question.
4. Medical history — any conditions (diabetes, heart conditions, anticoagulants), recent surgeries, current medications.
5. Your goals — what outcome you want, what budget category you are thinking about, when you would like to travel.
6. Your country of residence — helps us match you with travel logistics, language support, and the right time-zone for follow-up.
What Happens After You Send
We typically respond within 24 hours (often within 6 hours during business hours):
1. Initial review by prosthodontist — your X-ray and notes are reviewed by a senior clinician.
2. Written treatment plan — sent back to you in your preferred language, including:
3. Follow-up WhatsApp conversation — your questions on the plan, scheduling, modifications.
4. Booking — once you confirm, we hold your treatment dates and arrange your hotel and transfer.
No part of this is automated. A real clinician reviews your X-ray every time.
Common Issues and Solutions
"My dentist won't give me my X-ray."
You have a legal right to your own medical records in most European countries. Request in writing. If still refused, the radiology centre that took the X-ray usually has an independent archive.
"My X-ray is more than a year old."
Send it anyway with the date. We can give you a preliminary review and request a current X-ray if needed for final planning.
"My X-ray is on physical film, no digital."
Photograph it on a backlit screen as described above. Or visit a radiology centre to scan the film into digital format.
"I cannot get a panoramic X-ray, only individual periapical X-rays."
Send all of them together with notes. Multiple periapical X-rays of the area you want treated, plus any general overview, can be enough for initial consultation.
"I don't have any X-ray and cannot get one before traveling."
We can do CBCT on day 1 of your visit at no charge. Send smile photographs and a description of your concerns instead. We provide a preliminary plan that we finalise after CBCT on arrival.
Privacy and Data
Your X-ray and medical information are confidential. WeCare:
WhatsApp message encryption is end-to-end. Your X-ray is not visible to anyone outside the conversation.
WhatsApp +90 551 086 83 68 with your X-ray and we respond within 24 hours with a written treatment plan.
