Like other industries, the dental industry is changing quickly. Technologies are being introduced at a fast-pace, helping to make the job of taking care of teeth easier and better. From the software that dentists use to new ways of fixing crooked teeth, dentists are seeing new technologies and embracing them. Here are the top 10 technologies that you should watch.
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VELscope involves using a light shone in a patient’s mouth to find abnormalities. Dentists are looking for signs of oral cancer.
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Digital X-Rays are becoming the norm in most dental offices. They are faster and contain less radiation than traditional X-rays. They also are easier to use, but they still show the jaw, teeth, bones and gums beneath the surface.
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Invisalign clear aligners are trays that straighten teeth. They provide an effective and comfortable way to straighten a smile without the inconvenience of wearing heavy, metal braces.
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Laser Dentistry are being used in a number of procedures, such as filling cavities, reducing tooth sensitivity, eliminating tumors and teeth whitening. Laser dentistry is fast, painless, and can effectively eliminate bacteria.
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Dental Implants have been used for years, but more and more dentists are embracing them to replace missing teeth. Implants are effective because they can replace missing teeth while still giving the patient the feel and look of a natural tooth.
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HealOzone gets rid of tooth decay quickly. HealOzone is effective because it contains ozone (O3), which is a common, natural gas that effectively kills bacteria and fungus. Dentists use it to eliminate tooth decay at an early stage.
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DIAGNOdent finds the cavities hidden where regular X-rays don’t show. It makes sure that the dentist has checked your mouth thoroughly for cavities. When dentists use this technology, they save patients money in the long run by fixing problems before they reach advanced stages.
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Intraoral Camera is a tiny camera that gives dentists well-defined pictures of hard to see places within a patient’s mouth. Patients can see in real time what is happening in their mouths. The camera is able to zoom into the location of a problem to fix it.
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Zoom! Whitening and other brand-name whitening treatments are able to give patients quick results to whiten their teeth. In just one appointment, patients can see a significant change in their smile. Patients go home with teeth about eight shades whiter. Many brands work the same as Zoom!
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Nitrous Oxide and (Intravenous) IV Sedation, also known as laughing gas, has been used for many years. It can calm a patient to a point that he or she is relaxed. The patient can react to the dentist. IV sedation is used when procedures require the patient to be asleep. They are unaware of what happened during their dental session. This is usually recommended for patients who are fearful of going to the dentist or for procedures that are painful, such as wisdom teeth extraction.
If you don’t use these technologies, you might want to consider them for your practice. They can help make your day easier, and your patients will be happier.