There’s no doubt that technology has developed exponentially over the last few decades, with this having a very positive impact on dentistry. We’re here to introduce some of the best tech innovations in dentistry, many of which you’ll likely have heard of in other contexts. These technologies have helped to make dentistry more cost-effective for practices; they help to produce better, more consistent results and they also often provide less invasive experiences for patients.
5D Scanners
Firstly, 5D scanners have had a huge impact on the dental industry. These intraoral scanners enable dentists to easily and quickly scan the teeth and gums, including the internal structure of the teeth. This can significantly improve the prognosis of issues, helping to resolve problems sooner, therefore improving the experience for patients. The 5D scanners can also remove the need for manual moulds to be taken, an awkward and uncomfortable experience for patients that can be removed. 5D scanners can also be used in conjunction with other technology, explored further below, to provide even more opportunities to improve dentistry for both dentists themselves and their patients.
Artificial Intelligence
Next, we have artificial intelligence, which is used in a variety of ways across dentistry. Different AI tools can be a great tool for dentists to utilise in combination with their experience and knowledge to improve the accuracy of prognosis and the planning of treatments. There are so many examples of how this is utilised, with one being the creation of projected results for treatments. Following a 5D scan, the images are then utilised to provide before and afters of what results are possible with a range of different treatment options.
So, in real-time, dentists can provide patients with visual representations of how their teeth would look with things like Invisalign, composite bonding, veneers, traditional braces and more. This can significantly improve the conversion rate for dentists, as patients feel more comfortable committing to treatments when they know exactly how their smile will look. Whilst the 5D scanning technology along with the AI software is expensive, for many dental practices, it’s completely transformative.
Smart Toothbrushes
Another significant development over the last few years has been smart toothbrushes. These advanced electric toothbrushes can be connected to an app, and then provide real-time feedback on your brushing. It identifies areas in the mouth that may be neglected and also areas that may be overcleaned, then also it can also provide detailed and personal advice about your specific oral health. The data is collected over time to help create a personalised experience for you. These toothbrushes are available in most standard high street health and beauty retailers, and they’ve also become much more affordable, with prices starting from around £100 for more basic models and increasing to up to £400 for the more advanced ones. This can really improve people’s oral health and help them reduce the need for more drastic treatments, so it is absolutely worth the investment for your oral health.
3D Printing
3D printing is another technological development that has helped to transform the dental industry. This can be used to print things like dental implants, dentures, bridges and crowns, with ultimate precision. This method of manufacturing is also much more efficient, not to mention effective. UV lasers are used to cure a liquid released by the machine, with many dentists now having 3D printers in clinics. Again, this can be integrated with 5D scanning and AI technologies. The extremely accurate nature of 3D printing ensures reliable results.
Teledentistry
Last but not least, we have teledentistry. This technology allows for dental screenings to happen at home as long as the patient has a smartphone. The person can be instructed on how to take the scans and then it can save time and money for the patient. This is particularly good for people who live in rural areas and can’t easily access dental care, so this can help to reduce the number of visits a patient needs to make in practice. It can streamline processes for dentists, improve dental hygiene for patients, and, overall, save both the patient and the practice time and money.
Final Thoughts
Tech innovations have transformed dentistry over the last decade, helping to improve the experience for everyone involved in the process. While some of this technology isn’t accessible to some practices, there are many dentists Leamington Spa, London and Liverpool who are investing in this technology and will reap the benefits in the years to come. We also have things like smart toothbrushes and teledentistry that support improved at-home oral health, with personalised recommendations that replicate (but shouldn’t completely replace) some elements of the experience you have at the dentist. It’s important to note that to get the best out of these technologies, they must be utilised by experienced dentists who combine their knowledge with the technology to maximise their potential.