Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way from the days of rudimentary bleaching treatments and resin cements. Empowered by modern techniques and advanced technologies, today’s dental practitioners are able to transform clients’ smiles far more effectively than ever before.
The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry suggests the number of people seeking cosmetic services is growing by 40% year-on-year, spurred on by breakthroughs in the development of imaging, diagnostics and prosthetics technologies designed to enhance patient outcomes.
To help readers understand the incredible capabilities of modern dentists, below, we explore 6 ways that technology is transforming cosmetic dentistry and improving the future of smiles.
1. The Creative Process of Digital Smile Design
Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a cutting-edge technology that enables dentists to use digital photos, videos and software tools to create detailed digital maps of patients’ smiles. With the aid of DSD, dentists and clients can work together to co-create and build perfect treatments.
Through the DSD process, dentists can provide clients with detailed virtual mock-ups of their smiles and walk them through planned procedures. Both parties can work together to adjust plans and ensure treatments meet specific needs, enhancing the creative aspect of dentistry.
2. Improving Comfort and Efficiency with 3D Scans
3D-scanning technologies are helping dentists move away from messy, uncomfortable and wasteful dental impression practices to help improve the comfort and efficiency of cosmetic treatments. Using handheld scanners, dentists can craft accurate models of patients’ smiles.
In a matter of minutes, a dentist can produce an entire detailed map of their patient’s mouth that can be used to inform practical, cost-effective treatments, making for a far less messy and wasteful process than traditional dental moulds and allowing for faster turnaround times.
3. Advanced Materials for Ultra-Natural Veneers
Innovations in materials science are enabling dentists to create more durable, aesthetically pleasing and longer-lasting veneers. Practitioners are moving away from legacy materials in favour of ultra-thin, high-grade composites that provide greater wear-resistance and comfort.
Leading practices like Bespoke Smile now use their own custom-blend porcelain materials to produce ultra-thin veneers that match the natural translucency and shade of real teeth, the lightweight nature of which allows for minimally-invasive and comfortable no-drill procedures.
4. Precision Dentistry Through Digital Planning
Digital planning software developed specifically for the dental industry empowers dentists to plan and optimise procedures to the finest detail. 3D scans and images are combined within a practical digital platform to help practitioners limit guesswork and craft custom treatments.
Personalized smile maps can be held on file for practice members to help dentists and their clients review progress and improve the efficiency of future treatments. The high degree of accuracy in these maps also helps to ensure millimetre-perfect results and swift procedures.
5. Faster and More Efficient Treatment Journeys
Modern communication, scheduling and appointment booking systems have enabled dental practitioners to optimise customer journeys and improve service quality, with patients able to contact professionals swiftly over multiple platforms to book, adjust and confirm treatments.
In combination with 3D mapping and design technologies, modern patients can enjoy shorter treatment times and longer-lasting results, helping cosmetic dentists to enhance the average customer experience through efficient and effective services without compromising quality.
6. Transparent Communication to Enhance Patient Trust
Modern dental technologies enable dentists to provide clients with more detailed information than ever before, helping practitioners to verbally and visually communicate the benefits and potential complications of procedures without needing to rely on complicated industry jargon.
By welcoming clients into the planning and optimisation of treatments, practitioners can help them to feel more informed and in control. This transparency offered through technology acts to build trust between practitioners and clients to facilitate positive professional relationships.
The Future of Cosmetic Dentistry
Just as the tools and technologies available to modern dentists empower them to perform treatments far more efficiently and effectively than ever before, new advancements driven by emerging technologies like AI will help to build an even brighter future for tomorrow’s clients.
Technology is helping to shape a new era of cosmetic dentistry that strikes a perfect balance between science and art. By giving clients greater insight into their smiles and aiding experts in performing faster, more comfortable treatments, industry-wide outcomes can be improved.
As leading clinics continue to develop innovative techniques and dental materials, patients can expect more impactful treatments, longer-lasting results and even smoother customer journeys. With support from advanced technologies, the future of cosmetic dentistry is bright.
