Dental Technology for Healthier Teeth: A Geek’s Mini-Guide to Oral Innovation

Some people would do anything to avoid a trip to the dentist. But the latest dental technology might help to make your next trip a bit less traumatic.

 

New innovations are coming along all the time, helping dentists to keep our teeth cleaner and healthier than ever. And then there are all the dental innovations that you can use at home as well to keep your teeth in better condition. Here’s a look at some of the best.

 

3D Teeth Printing

 

3D printing is being seen as the next big thing, and there is a good chance that it is going to revolutionize dentistry. It’s still a little way off, but this is one to look out for in the near future.

 

The idea is that dentists will soon be able to replace your teeth by printing out new models. Teeth could also be made from antimicrobial plastic, which will kill bacteria that cause tooth decay, keeping teeth whiter for longer. So look out for 3D printed teeth at a dentist near you at some point in the future.

 

Smart Toothbrushes

 

Some of the best dental technology has been that which you can use at home, with one of the most popular devices being the smart toothbrush.

 

Smart toothbrushes have become popular over recent years, and they come in various types of models. They typically connect to smartphones to update the user on their brushing habits.

 

They can help you to work out where you are not cleaning properly, like the Oral-B Genius. Some will help you to keep on brushing for the necessary two minutes so that you ensure you always brush for long enough, and others can help you to avoid brushing too heavily to prevent causing damage to your teeth and gums. They can certainly help to make the twice-daily brush more interesting.

 

Intraoral Cameras

 

These are relatively new, and dentists love them. They consist of a small hand-piece that the dentist can use to look right into the patient’s mouth and take photographs and video footage. They can zoom in on teeth and provide well defined pictures especially in areas where it can be hard to see properly. Patients can even see the images while the dentist films, providing them with an interesting tour of their mouths.

 

Ozone Treatment

 

Ozone therapy is a relatively new type of therapy that uses ozone (O3), a natural gas, to kill bacteria and fungus. It prevents the dentist having to get rid of the tooth structure, and it is therefore a much simpler way to treat decay. It can also treat herpetic lesions and other oral problems.

 

This is great for anyone with a fear of the dentist. Young children are often scared of visiting the dentist, and that’s why some dentists specialize in treating children, like Let’s Smile, which provides a fun and relaxed environment. Find out more about Let’s Smile details for treatment if your child does not enjoy a trip to the dentist.

 

Air and Water Flossing

 

If you never seem to find time to floss at home, you might want to try flossing with jets of water or air. These oral irrigators are a fun alternative that use bursts of air or water between your teeth, helping to keep the gaps between the teeth clean. They are great for anyone who finds flossing a hassle.

 

Lasers

 

Lasers have become important in dentistry over recent years. They help to reduce discomfort for patients, and they improve efficiency for dentists. They can be used to fill cavities and whiten teeth, as well as to help with sensitive teeth. They can get rid of bacteria when carrying out a procedure, and they are used to treat targeted tissue without affecting the surrounding tissue.

 

Digital X-Rays

 

X-rays are essential in dentistry, but the problem is that they contain radiation. Now digital x-rays are being used instead. These allow the dentist to see the image of the x-ray on a computer screen in seconds, making them much more convenient. They also contain much less radiation.

 

Technology Is Helping to Keep Our Teeth in Better Condition

 

Dental technology has come a long way in recent years, and it is only going to continue to improve. This is great news for dentists, who will have better treatments available, and for the rest of us, who will be able to enjoy more effective and less painful treatments. Ask your dentist about some of these the next time you make a trip, and see if you can benefit from any of them.

 

Jade Faulkner is a dental technician who really enjoys her work. In her spare time she enjoys spending time writing articles, and often turns to her work for subject matters.