The 5 Best Technological Advances in New Dental Technology for Thornton, Colorado Patients
The field of dentistry has come a long way since 7500 B.C. when ancient Egyptians began practicing dental care. But some of the best technological advances in dentistry have unfolded over the past year as teledentistry, 3D printing, and sophisticated camera technology gain industry traction. Below is a look at five of the latest advances in dentistry and the ways new dental technology is transforming the patient experience.
1) Teledentistry
“The ability to offer certain dental services over the internet can provide much-needed services to individuals who do not have regular access to a dentist…The consultation with the dentist is conducted live through video chatting software. If the dentist sees an issue, they will suggest an in-person visit to a local dentist for further evaluation.” – Brittany Waddell, American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
Telemedicine has taken America by storm, providing a much needed way for patients to communicate with their healthcare providers. Teledentistry has followed suit, allowing patients to communicate with their dentists and facilitating communication between dental providers themselves. It is especially helpful when a crisis such as COVID-19 or a weather emergency makes it difficult for patients to leave their homes.
The benefits of teledentistry are numerous, but topping the list are efficient utilization of resources and improved communication with patients. By using live video chatting software, patients in rural areas and people with physical mobility limitations are able to engage with a trained dentist from the comfort of their homes. The patient can discuss symptoms and answer questions to determine whether an in-person visit is necessary.
2) Smart Toothbrushes
From smartphones to smart homes, artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be making its way into virtually every aspect of our lives. And with the advent of smart toothbrushes such as the Oral-B Genius X Rechargeable Toothbrush, AI is helping people become better at brushing their teeth. Here are just a few ways smart toothbrushes achieve this goal:
- Smartphone connectivity: Today’s top rechargeable brushes connect to your smartphone so you can see the brush’s “feedback” using an app.
- Detect pressure: The Genius X features a sensor that notify you if you are not applying the proper degree of pressure to your teeth.
- Provide ratings: The Genius X provides users with a rating on how well they brushed their teeth.
The top benefit of a smart toothbrush is an improved brushing technique, which can lead to better oral health. To find out which smart toothbrush would be a good fit for your specific dental needs, ask your trusted family care dentist for a recommendation. Your dentist can suggest an option with the features you are seeking at a price you can afford.
3) 3D printing
“Dental 3D printing has made creating crowns incredibly simple. The doctor scans the broken tooth and then uses software to create the model of the crown. They can create it in their office in less than 30 minutes using either a special resin or CNC technology to carve the crown out of porcelain.” – Zachary Hay, ALL3DP
3D printing within the dental health setting is one of the newest and most exciting technologies to make its mark on the Colorado dental community. Among the reasons for 3D printing’s growing popularity is its wide variety of applications. Here are just a few of the many ways 3D printing is used to boost accuracy and speed for dental practices:
- Expedite crown preparation: With 3D printing, the time required to prepare crowns has been reduced from weeks to less than an hour
- Produce night guards and aligners faster: 3D printing enables a batch of aligners to be produced in a matter of hours.
- Improve precision of dental models: 3D printing allows dental professionals to prepare dental models more quickly and accurately.
4) Chairside dental restoration
Advances in computer aided design continue to propel the dental industry forward at an impressive speed. As intraoral scanners become smaller and more sophisticated, chairside dental restoration systems are beginning to crop up across America. These systems feature the latest automated technology, enabling dentists to use the latest digital impression techniques.
As in the case of teledentistry and 3D printing, speed and efficiency are top benefits of today’s leading edge chairside restoration systems. And with advances in chairside systems occurring in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and the dental implant arena, this technology is transforming the way multi-specialty dental practices operate. As the future unfolds, we can expect to see continued changes in chairside workflow for dental teams.
5) Advanced laser dentistry
“Most lasers previously were bulky and awkward for clinical use. Significant technological advancements have made sophisticated and compact laser devices available for routine dental care. Multiple innovative applications are being developed that encompass clinical theranostics (diagnoses/prognoses and therapy).” – American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery (ASLMS)
Lasers have a wide variety of clinical applications in dentistry. With recent advances in laser technology, routine dental care appointments have become faster and easier for patients. High power lasers also help create a bloodless field, thereby facilitating dental work and easing the patient’s mind. They are also used with growing frequency among cosmetic dentists who specialize in tooth whitening.
Advanced laser dentistry offers increased levels of comfort and convenience to patients and dentists alike. By reducing the amount of vibration and inflammation, lasers reduce patient pain, helping to reduce patient anxiety about returning to the dentist in the future.
How can residents in the Thorton, CO area benefit from new dental technology?
Your dental health plays a key role in your overall wellness and appearance. By taking advantage of the latest technological advances in dentistry, you can ensure that you are doing everything possible to protect your oral health.
To experience the many benefits of the latest cutting-edge dental treatments, contact us at Barron Family Dental to schedule an appointment. We are committed to offering our patients the very best new dental technology. From our digital X-rays to our state-of-the-art teeth whitening treatments, the Barron Family Dental team is here to provide you with the very best dental care experience. We look forward to serving as your trusted dental care provider!