Did you know that up to 20 percent of the population avoids going to the dentist regularly because of severe anxiety or fear? As a result, many people fail to care for their oral health and end up with serious dental problems, such as an infection or gum disease.

Thankfully, professionals in the dental industry are making advances with dental equipment that make getting proper care more comfortable and convenient.

Would you like to know about new dental technology you can expect to see at practices near you? If so, keep reading!

3D Scanners

In the past, dentists filled metal trays with a hardening liquid to create molds of patients’ teeth. Then, of course, the patient had to hold this tray in their mouth for several minutes and clean off quite a bit of gunk afterward.

Gone are the days of gooey impressions using trays and putty! Instead, intraoral dental scanners can go directly into the patient’s mouth and take accurate and thorough 3D images. Then, administrators can send these images immediately to the laboratory, making crowns, implants, Invisalign, and more.

As a result of this dental technology, patients wait less time for their dental prostheses and spend less time at each appointment. And they are spared the discomfort of traditional impressions.

Digitalized X-Rays

Most offices are replacing their traditional radiographs with digitalized X-rays. And although this technology isn’t brand new, it is getting more popular in dental practices because of its efficiency and speed.

One of the benefits of digitalized x-rays is that the images are viewable on a computer, and most offices store them in the patient’s file. This practice makes it easier to compare previous images and see how a specific treatment progresses.

Virtual Reality to Calm Patients

Since many patients feel nervous at the dentist, some practices use virtual reality to put them at ease. Uneasy patients can put on a headset that delivers a lifelike experience, distracting them from the procedure.

And in dental school, students use VR to practice procedures and learn new skills.

Cavity-Detecting Lasers

Before, dentists poked around in your mouth with an explorer instrument to find cavities. If it stuck in the tooth, they would examine the area further and check for decay.

Now, dentists can use a diode laser to find tooth decay, which is much more accurate. When exposed to tooth decay, the wavelengths glow and the instrument shows higher readings.

Computer Assisted Design and 3D Printing

It used to take several office visits to fit someone for a crown since they needed to make the mold and send it off to the lab. But now, Computer-assisted design (CAD) along with 3D printing is helping patients get crowns and bridges much faster.

After preparing the tooth, they take images of it and send them to a 3D printing machine that makes the crowns in the office. This new dental technology lowers costs for patients and saves time for everyone involved!

Teledentistry

Getting the dentist is a real challenge for many people, especially those with special needs, the elderly, or people living in rural areas. Yet, teledentistry helps patients consult the dentist on oral issues and take images of their mouth. These appointments allow dentists to build rapport with these patients and determine whether an office visit is necessary.

Thinner Veneers

Veneers are a cosmetic procedure that improves the appearance of teeth using thin shells. Dentists prepare teeth for veneers by reshaping the tooth, requiring them to remove part of the natural surface.

Thankfully, thinner veneers make it possible to remove only a minimal amount of the natural tooth, keeping as much intact as possible while delivering the same great results.

Longer-Lasting Dental Implants

Implants are one of the best ways to restore a patient’s smile, but many patients were hesitant to undergo the procedure in the past. Stronger abutment materials like titanium provide a more stable base for a crown. And as a result, implants have a higher success rate and longer lifespan.

Better Bonding Materials

Improvements in bonding materials allow dentists to repair chipped or cracked teeth better. They often use a durable resin, which now comes in a wider range of shades. As a result, the damaged area isn’t noticeable, and you’ll come out of the dentist as good as new!

Smart Toothbrushes

Smart toothbrushes help people take better care of their teeth by improving how they brush. They even coach you through brushing so you can do a better job! For example, sensors on the toothbrush determine whether you apply too much pressure or miss an area and alert you.

And, some toothbrushes for children turn correct brushing into a fun game, allowing them to create healthy habits.

Intra-Oral Camera

Sometimes dentists have trouble seeing an area of your mouth, so you have to reposition yourself or open your mouth so wide that it feels uncomfortable.

That’s why many dentists are replacing traditional mirrors with intra-oral cameras. These devices are small and make it easier to see any spot in the mouth.

Get Better Care with New Dental Technology

With the help of new dental technology, dentists can care for their patients more efficiently. Moreover, patients have a better experience during procedures, reducing their dental fears and anxiety.

Of course, not all of this dentist technology is common in dental offices just yet, but keep your eyes out the next time you go to the dentist!

Did you enjoy learning about new dentist technology? If so, be sure to browse more of our interesting posts related to the healthcare field and technology!