We all know how much of an impact that technology is having on all different industries, and the one that we are talking about today is dentistry! There have been some fantastic innovations that make treatments at cosmetic dental clinics and general practices more effective and less invasive for patients, and quicker and more cost effective for dentists, so it’s a win-win all round! We’re introducing three of these pieces of technology and how they’re changing dentistry.
5D Scanners
First up we have 5D scanners, a fantastic piece of technology that has had a huge impact on dentistry. By simply moving a wand around a patient’s mouth, the scanner can instantly bring up a 5D model of the patient’s teeth on the screen. This can then be used to create before and after shots of a patient’s smile, increasing the likelihood of them becoming a patient and committing to the treatment. The scanner can also be sent to other pieces of machinery to create Invisalign aligners, implants, veneers etc. You name it, the 5D scanner can do it! There’s no more uncomfortable moulds for patient’s, the process is quicker and more effective, and after the initial investment is made, it will save a whole lot of time and money. There are no errors with this method, so it’s a fantastic piece of machinery to invest in.
Smart Toothbrush
Next we have smart toothbrushes, which are a whole step ahead of your standard electric toothbrushes. They have built-in smart sensors in the head that will alert you when you’re brushing too hard, so you can find the ideal pressure. Also, the sensors analyse your brushing method and any areas you’ve missed, then feed that back into an app where you can see a visual representation of the areas in the mouth that you’re missing when brushing. You can achieve a much better brush, you will remove more plaque and food residue, and you could prevent receding and damaged gums as a result of brushing too hard. This is such a great innovation that can inform people in real time about where they need to improve with their brushing. You can speak to your dentist about the best smart toothbrush options as they should be able to guide you in the right direction.
3D Printing
Lastly, we have 3D printing. Similarly to 5D scanners, 3D printers replace the traditional method to bring a more cost effective, more accurate and quicker solution to creating prosthetic teeth. Dentists save money, the results are better for patients and all round, it’s easier. The digital data is used to produce scans of the patient’s mouth, to create perfect, tailor made teeth. Many practices also have their own 3D printers, so this prevents the need for back and forth between a lab, and speeds up the process for patients. Dental implants and crowns are most commonly made using 3D printers and it has transformed the industry quite significantly in terms of what is possible and the results people are achieving.