While none of us quite expected 2020 to shape up to be the year it was, one thing we can predict for 2021 is dental technologies will continue to advance to benefit healthcare professionals and patients. With so much unpredictability surrounding the pandemic, we should anticipate and expect that the additional safety measures and enhanced sanitation will remain as standard practice.
In addition, there have been some new advancements in cosmetic dental trends to help you have your smile in top shape for the year ahead. Get in touch with New Leaf Dentists on 02 4367 6222
Technical Improvements in Scanning
Advancement in digital photography is continuously improving! Think of how quickly your phone's camera is improving with every new mobile phone release.
Dental photography and digital scanning is also improving at a rapid rate. It's not new to have an impression taken of your teeth by biting into a teeth tray filled with a gooey substance. But what is new is advanced photographic technologies starting to make their appearance in the dental industry. The use of new technology with photographic scanning equipment can scan the patient's mouth and create a digital impression with much more advanced results than traditional moulds.
Invisalign
Advancements in clear alignment braces completely changed the dental industry when Invisalign was first invented in 1998. Anyone who had braces before 2005 probably had very few choices when it came to orthodontic treatments. Before Invisalign was invented, there were generations of teenagers (and adults), that had to undergo metal braces, with no alternatives.
These days, clear aligners such as Invisalign have become a very popular choice with many people seeking to straighten their teeth without going down the traditional way.
Here at New Leaf Dentists, we invested in the iTero Element Plus 5 Scanner and Imaging System, the latest version of this new generation intraoral scanning system, that provides a more accurate and detailed digital impression for our Invisalign cases. Having this results in a more improved orthodontic treatment planning which leads to increased predictable results!
If this is something that you are interested in, a digital orthodontic consultation with one of our dentists using the iTero is the way to go, so you can see the possibilities for your smile!
Improvements in X-rays
Traditional x-rays have been around since 1896, and have come a long way since then. Compared to the original traditional film x-rays, digital dental x-rays are almost instant, and the images go straight to a computer where they can be assessed in real-time. With more significant technology improvements with dental x-rays, dentists can achieve more remarkable results with veneers, crowns, teeth straightening and implants. Our practice uses intraoral x-rays as well as OPG and CBCT scans (Cone-beam computed tomography). The CBCT uses x-rays and a computer to produce 3D images of the upper and lower jaws, including teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic procedures that dentists offer. Stained and yellow teeth are a common complaint from most people resulting from high caffeine intake, red wine, smoking and poor oral care. Cosmetic dentistry has many solutions for brightening teeth. While there are many quick-fix options on the market, two of the most effective treatments are procedures that your dentist can do in-chair or a dentist professional-grade take-home whitening kits. Other advancements are a new generation of violet LED light options. There is a lack of evidence supporting the safety of LED procedures being used with specific bleaching gels, so if you're considering this option seek out advice from your dentist first.
Porcelain veneers.
Veneers have been around for a while, but early procedures require that a lot of abrasion of the natural tooth was needed to fit them securely. Advancements in technology now mean dentists can get a much more natural look and better fit to the teeth than ever before. New advances in the types of ceramics used are also improving so patients can have an even better flawless smile and more options of customisation.
Dental implants.
Missing teeth can damage your smile and change the shape of your face making you look older. Traditionally, implants were considered to be an alternative for older people, but this is now considered to be the gold standard for replacing missing teeth.
Dr Benjamin Barrera is our resident implant guy and he answered some frequently asked questions regarding dental implants on our website.
It's important as patients to stay ahead of dental technology procedures by finding a dental professional that is well trained in the latest advancements of technology. Call us on 02 4367 6222 or visit us here at New Leaf Dentists to discuss your needs in general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, and how we can help.