Achieving perfect smiles requires a lot of time and effort into aesthetics, and advancements in digital technology over the last few years have helped advance cosmetic dentistry. Today, cosmetic dentists can now offer robotically-guided restorations, minimally invasive treatments, and other specialty plans to improve the appearance and function of crowns, veneers, and implants. But how has digital technology impacted offices like ours, and what do we mean when we say digital technology?
What We Mean By Digital Technology In Dentistry
Digital technology is a broad term that can be applied in almost any circumstance, but in dentistry, it refers to technology that has a heavy impact on dental care and treatment plans. When talking about digital technology, we’re referring to devices such as intraoral scans, computer software programs, teledentistry, and CBCT devices to improve and streamline the patient’s experience. There are many examples of how digital technology has impacted dentistry as a whole, and some of those include:
- Teledentistry: With the impact of the pandemic and the growth of digital platforms, more patients can now speak with their dentists about cosmetic solutions to their oral health through communication devices such as cell phones, computers, and other devices.
- 3D Printing: 3D printers have given dentists the power to manage and control the treatments they provide for their patients. These devices can fabricate implants, crowns, and veneers with exact measurements, allowing for greater control over aesthetic appearance.
- Intraoral Scanners: These scanners provide all data-related information about the patient’s teeth and assist in the transference of that information to digital software programs. Through the use of these scanners, cosmetic dentists have the ability to analyze better and diagnose dental conditions to treat them.
- Computer Software: Through certain software programs, cosmetic dentists can plan out, organize, and design treatment options for their patients. Crowns needing certain abutments or implant designs needing incremental changes can easily be accomplished and can make way for more aesthetically pleasing smiles.
How Does Digital Technology Benefits Patients?
From these devices, patients can benefit from digital technology in many ways. Patients can experience better control over their experience, understand their oral health, and take in more information about their treatment plans. Through these advancements, patients are able to have more options with their care and can weigh the pros and cons of their options. Most of all, they can establish a better relationship with their dentist and have a more positive experience that not only treats their oral health problems but accomplishes a beautiful smile in the process.
Because of these reasons, advancements in digital technology are just one of many ways dentists can accomplish their goals and achieve higher rates of aesthetic results. Dentists can use the latest technologies to keep up with their patient’s demands, have a better time controlling the results of their treatments, and even reduce overall healthcare costs associated with cosmetic treatments. If you wish to find out what options are available for you, then make sure to visit your local cosmetic dentist by scheduling an appointment today.
