Healthcare Technology Featured Article

May 18, 2021

5 Types Of Cosmetic Dentistry That Can Improve Your Smile




Over the past few years, innovators have developed newer technologies that have completely changed the face of dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry, in particular, has become more accessible and popular than ever. Thanks to technology, too, cosmetic dentistry allows consumers to enjoy better results for a lower price. From the looks of it, cosmetic dentistry will only continue to advance in the years ahead.

In this article, we'll take a look at the latest innovations in cosmetic dentistry that can change your smile for the better.

1. Prosthetic Devices

In dentistry, prosthetic devices can refer to dentures, bridges, crowns, and the likes. You've probably heard of them before, considering how they're some of the most common types of cosmetic dentistry out there.

While they're pretty helpful for filling up the gaps in one's set of teeth, there's a chance these prosthetic devices won't fit perfectly on your mouth. However, things have changed, and so did these prosthetic devices. More precisely, dentists now have the ability to completely replicate the structure of your mouth using digital impressions.

Digital impression is a recent technology used by dentists and other health practitioners to capture a complete copy of an individual's mouth. These include both the hard tissues and the soft tissues within the mouth, so one can say that it's more accurate than molds.

As such, dentists can finally create prosthetic devices that can perfectly fit a person's mouth, making your new and improved smile look more natural.

2. Dental Implants

Dental implants have been around since the early 1970s, so you're probably wondering why it's among the ‘latest’ innovations in the cosmetic dentistry topic.

For starters, just like prosthetic devices have changed due to digital impression technology, dental implants have also gone through several developments over the past decade. Furthermore, there's a major trend in the dentistry sector that helps with the application of dental implants: X-guide technology.

X-Guide technology is a system that delivers real-time information to medical practitioners during nerve-wracking surgeries. It's not clear when it was invented, but it's already been FDA-approved since 2015. Back then, it was only exclusive to surgeons as it helps them navigate through the area of surgery, improving their accuracy and precision. However, it was only recently that it became a major hit in dentistry, as more and more dentists find a way to utilize this technology for dental implant operations. Perhaps that's why dental implants now look more realistic than older models. Either way, dental implants have certainly changed over the years.

3. Invisalign

You've probably heard of Invisalign a couple of times, most likely from advertisements. Invisalign is basically the same with bracers in the sense that they both straighten teeth, hence improving your smile. But Invisalign and bracers have a few differences.

One, unlike braces, Invisalign can be removed without surgery. Two, as the name suggests, Invisalign are invisible aligners, so there's no need to worry about aesthetics. However, it's worth noting that bracers usually work faster than Invisalign and are often more affordable. Thus, you can say they both have their own pros and cons.

4. Laser Gum Reshaping

Gum reshaping has been around since the 1980s, but it's still one of the most reliable types of cosmetic dentistry nowadays. Back then, dental practitioners used a scalpel to remove the excess gum tissue and reshape the patient's gumline. However, as one might expect, this practice is painful and requires the patient to recover for quite a long time. This is why dental practitioners now use dental lasers as a better alternative.

Dental lasers, or what they call soft tissue lasers, are a less painful alternative to scalpels. Not only does it cut excess parts, but it also cauterizes them in the process, which eliminates any chance of infection and stops the bleeding, not to mention that lasers are also more accurate than scalpels.

5. Veneers

Veneers are yet another type of cosmetic dentistry that's been around for decades. But thanks to technology, they’ve evolved into a better form.

Traditionally, one can only opt for simple porcelain or composite veneers, but the options have become more diverse than ever. Now, people can choose from stacked or pressed ceramic, leucite ceramic, and lithium disilicate, all of which have their own characteristics. Furthermore, patients back then used to undergo a process called reduction before the veneers are attached.

Reduction is the process of removing thin strips of enamel from the teeth to ensure that the veneers will perfectly fit into the patient's mouth. However, technology has made it so the reduction is no longer necessary. Nowadays, patients no longer have to get their teeth cut or filed down.

Final Words 

Technology has taken the dental industry so far, but although you can quickly improve your smile through these cosmetic dentistry procedures, nothing beats naturally good-looking teeth. With that said, make sure you always take care of your oral health.

Author: Mary Colet
Mary Colet is a dental health professional. She is specialized in cosmetic dentistry. Mary shares her expertise in this dental niche through guest posting in different health-related publication. She loves beach picnics and gardening during her free time.



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