4 Significant Advancements in Dentistry and Orthodontics

The world of orthodontics and dentistry has come a long way in the past few decades, and innovations that were never thought possible in the past have come to be. Below, we look at some examples of significant breakthroughs in these fields and the benefits they have for patient and dentist alike.

3D imaging with CBCT scanning

Conventional dental x-rays are limited in their efficacy when it comes to producing a clear image of a patient’s dental structure and do not produce a comprehensive picture from all angles. 3D imaging allows your dentist to do just that and treatment planning is also facilitated as they can look at the height, width, and depth of each individual tooth as well as muscles and nerves, streamlining treatment and reducing chair time.

Removable brace options

Brace options have never been more diverse than now and removable brace types are making it much easier for patients to have treatment that fits their individual lifestyles. Treatments such as Invisalign allow patients to stick to their normal eating and brushing routine; the aligners are worn for 22 hours a day, leaving a 2-hour window in which to remove them in order to brush and eat. With an increasing number of people following specific diets such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and raw food, brace options that do not limit diet are an attractive prospect.

Digital impressions

Treatments such as crowns and braces require your dentist to take impressions (moulds) of your teeth so that they have an exact framework to work with as a foundation. Traditional alginate impressions have a notorious reputation for being uncomfortable and inducing a gag reflex in the patient in many cases – this then makes it difficult for your dentist to take an accurate mould. Whilst alginate impressions use an unpleasant gloopy impression material, digital impressions are a simple scan of your teeth, reducing the overall treatment time as your dentist can get a more accurate model from which to work.

Customised smile design

Customised smile design is 3D planning software that can be used to create a provisional custom smile for each patient, so they can see the movements their teeth will go through before orthodontic treatment even begins. The software also allows us to create your brace hardware to precise measurements and helps to incentivise patients who are slightly anxious about beginning treatment.

If you would like more information about cosmetic dentistry at Smile Up, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can also book appointments with us using the online booking form on our website. If you’re looking for a Bromley dentist, our practice is only a 30-minute drive away here in Lewisham. We look forward to welcoming you.