How Has Technology Improved Cosmetic Dentistry?

Advances in technology have helped bring about options that are more efficient in all fields of science and medicine, and cosmetic dentistry is no different. In fact, over the last decade, cosmetic dental treatments have advanced dramatically. The materials used in cosmetic dentistry procedures have been improved so that they appear more lifelike and natural when patients have work done on their teeth. For example, materials such as porcelain and composite resins are now used instead of metals, and tooth-colored fillings now replace mercury and metal fillings. They also better match the shade, luster, and transparency of natural teeth, so it won't show that a person has had work done on their teeth. These materials also work well in the mouth because there are no adverse side effects and the muscles and tissue accept them as part of their surroundings.

In addition to more advanced materials being used, current cosmetic dental treatments now include lasers where scalpels used to be used. For procedures such as gum-tissue surgery and contouring, lasers provide fast and non-surgical ways of treatment. Some dentists are now using laser cavity detectors to find cavities years before they show up on an x-ray, and a Waterlase dental laser is used to treat the cavity and a diode laser to treat soft tissue problems such as periodontal or gum disease.

Advances in technology also now allow patients to enjoy more comfortable procedures because of sedation dentistry. There are different options that patients can choose from depending on their anxiety levels. This gives them the opportunity to have their teeth worked on and not worry about feeling any pain or remembering an unpleasant experience at the dental office.

Cosmetic dentistry has also advanced with technology by introducing improved services such as one-visit crowns called CEREC, invisible braces (Invisalign), lumineers, porcelain veneers, and dental implants.

Technology has brought about many advances that have made cosmetic dentistry more efficient and more comfortable for patients. Not only do dentists and patients have better options of materials to use, but they also have access to procedures and treatments that do the job more efficiently and easily. The amount of time spent in the dental office is also reduced because technology allows for restorations to be done faster and information to be collected more easily and more accurately. This is especially useful for treatments such as veneers, crowns, bridges, and implants, because the patient doesn't have to worry about wearing a temporary appliance while waiting for the permanent one.

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