Dental care has come a long way over the past several decades. While dentists once had to guess at how to provide the best treatment, they can now use digital X-rays and other forms of technology to create precise care plans. New technology can help provide better dental care for patients and make the job easier for dental professionals. Exploring these three new ways dentists are transforming how they provide the highest level of care to patients helps you prepare for your next dental visit.
1- Enjoy Easier Orthodontic Treatment
Dentists have long used basic X-rays and visual exams to identify issues such as overcrowding in the mouth. In the past, your dentist might have offered you traditional metal braces to straighten your smile. While some people still need metal braces, dentists are using newer technology to plan orthodontic care. For instance, Invisalign braces use 3D technology to create a rendering of your mouth. Once your dentist makes a model of your teeth and jaw alignment, the image can then be used to create custom aligner trays. Patients not only find these trays more comfortable compared to traditional braces, but they are also able to enjoy faster treatment due to the precision the trays offer.
2- Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implant Technology
Missing teeth can cause patients to struggle with chewing and speaking to the point that it impacts their quality of life. Before new dental technology came along, dentists often had to use special putty to make impressions of a person’s mouth that were then used to make dentures and crowns. Now, dental professionals can use special technology to capture 3D images of the space in a patient’s mouth that needs a new tooth. Dentists can also use digital imaging to identify the best location to place an implant to guide their procedures. Being able to place implant posts directly into the right spot in the jaw improves patient outcomes. Patients also enjoy knowing their new replacement tooth looks and functions like the one they lost.
3- Create Custom Mouthguards for Sports and TMJ Pain
Mild cases of TMJ can often respond to the use of clear aligners that people use for orthodontic treatment. However, some patients may need to wear a mouthguard at night to address issues with nighttime teeth grinding. Athletes also need a mouthguard to wear during their sports activities that protect their teeth. While you can buy a generic mouthguard at many local stores, these are often uncomfortable enough that most people fail to wear them regularly. Dentists can use new technology to create custom-fitted mouthguards. When oral appliances fit the mouth perfectly, patients are more likely to wear them to protect their teeth during their daily activities.
Customization is one of the keys to ensuring better outcomes for common dental procedures. On top of getting custom crowns and implants, you can also expect to see your dentist using your digital X-rays to gain a better understanding of your overall oral health. From correcting a misaligned bite to replacing a full set of teeth, it’s worth checking out the new technology your dentist uses when you come in for an exam
