Like most industries of today, the field of dentistry is evolving at an alarming speed. What’s even more impressive is that we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg despite the multiple introductions of dental practices and innovations that have significantly improved dental care for both dental professionals and patients. Cosmetic dentistry, out of all the branches of dentistry, has seen a significant upgrade in providing transformative smiles. In today’s article, we’ll look into the latest innovations in dental technology and what the changes are that we’re seeing in modern dentistry.
The rise of digital impressions provided ease and comfort
Back in the old days, getting fitted for your dentures was a dreaded experience for many. Not only are you forced to spend long hours in the chair, but you’d also have to brave the discomfort of having a putty-like material shoved in your mouth to get your dental imprint. This method also takes time since the dental impression would then be sent to a different lab to create a replica or cast of your mouth to help create your dentures.
Although some dental offices still practice this in certain rural areas, the majority of dental clinics, including Brunswick Dental Studio, have fully embraced digital impressions. This method uses a small camera to take 3D images of the patient’s teeth, which only takes a few minutes. The images are crisp and clear, allowing dentists to make a more detailed diagnosis of their patients’ oral issues, and it’s also more accurate compared to traditional impressions. Compared to its predecessor, digital impressions are convenient, hassle-free, and quick, eliminating the need for patients to return for another appointment and saving time and labor on the dentist’s end.
3D printing gets the job done faster
As mentioned earlier, the traditional method required the use of a putty-like substance that is solidified and turned into a cast to produce a copy of a patient’s mouth. Now, dentists are able to save time and effort because 3D printing does the majority of the work for them. It’s most used in the creation of dentures, but 3D printing can also create crowns, bridges, and an array of dental appliances. What makes this even more appealing than its traditional counterpart is that 3D printing allows the creation of intricate and more complex dental appliances, unlike the former, which has limited options.
Laser dentistry significantly improved the dentist-patient experience
Another great contribution that significantly changed lives is the integration of laser dentistry. The majority of dental clinics embraced this eagerly since it allowed them to exercise dental care with minimally invasive approaches. The idea of using lasers can be nerve-wracking for many, but they provide precision, allowing dentists to operate efficiently, thus reducing pain and bleeding. Moreover, laser dentistry is also less invasive, guaranteeing a shorter chair time and faster recovery time for the patients.
Intraoral cameras have helped dentists do their job more efficiently
To minimize dental anxiety, dentists are urged to explain the procedure and their methods to their patients. It also helps if they can show a visual of the issue and what needs to be done; this is where intraoral cameras come in handy. This nifty device is used to take photos of the inside of the patient’s mouth, allowing dentists to get a better look at their dental condition and provide a more accurate diagnosis. In addition to that, it also serves as a great way to communicate with patients about treatment alternatives depending on their oral issues and conditions.
The rise of teledentistry provided accessible dental care anytime, anywhere
Teledentistry was first established back in 1989, but we only saw how useful it was in recent years. When the pandemic broke out back in 2020, many industries were forced to adopt a no-contact policy to limit the spread of the disease. As a result, patients who were suffering from dental concerns were stuck and forced to endure the pain for days, even months on end. Fortunately, teledentistry has become a huge help for many of us since then, providing easy access to dental care from anywhere as long as you have a mobile device and a decent internet connection. The world may have returned to normal, but teledentistry is here to stay, especially since it’s become a great help for patients who live in rural areas that limit their access to dental health.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of dentistry has been nothing short of revolutionary
With the help of AI, dentists are able to make more accurate diagnoses of their patients, thus providing them with better treatments. AI can easily spot potential dental problems and can also provide personalized treatment plans and procedures according to the patient’s needs.
