Dentist Visits Can Be Less Painful With These Helpful Innovations

Dentist visits can be less painful with these helpful innovations in technology, many of which are used by McGlone Dental Care in Denver.

Dentists on the front line of dental innovations are using digital technology to plan and create inlays, crowns, bridges, onlays, veneers, dentures, full-mouth reconstructions, and orthodontic work. Using digital technology can be faster and longer-lasting than traditional methods.

CAD/CAM Technology
One technology uses computer-aided design, (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing, (CAM).

CAD designs use detailed two-dimensional  or three-dimensional models of physical objects. CAM uses computers to control, monitor, and adjust the tools and machinery to produce the parts. The CAD/CAM technology is seen as more accurate, flexible, and patient-friendly.

CAD/CAM machines used in dentistry can be expensive with systems starting at around $80,000 and upward to nearly $130,000. But it is expected that the number of CAD/CAM dentists will grow as more dentists become trained to use the technology.

A CAD/CAM system can use a digital impression to create a crown faster, usually allowing completion in one visit and does not need the temporary crown with a return visit.

But there is even more digital technology helping dentists care for their patients.

3-D Images
Forget the old dental ways, now dentists can use a handheld digital scanner to take 3-D images in seconds. These scanners provide a more precise map of a mouth, without the goop of old impressions. They also are able to limit the image-taking to a small area, compared with traditional dental x-rays, thereby minimizing the radiation exposure. Three-dimensional imaging also improves diagnosis and treatment in complicated cases and improves accuracy. It also increases safety and comfort.

Oral surgery is also improved with computers providing graphics for incisions and implants. The new digital dental treatments allow precision, predictability and have fewer complications.

Aligners
Computers have also changed orthodontia. Traditional metal braces are painful and take longer. Computer-designed, clear tooth aligners such as Invisalign reduces the time and the discomfort. Metal braces also require a careful diet, whereas aligners can be taken off for eating and teeth cleaning. Aligners aren’t available yet for severely crowded teeth and may not be as good for those with overbites or underbites.

Dentures
Dentures as well are changing due to digital technology. Dentures can be designed and milled by computers and can be faster and fit better.

3-D Printing
Three-dimensional printers might someday help change dentistry as well. As this technology improves, the costs of 3-D printers should decrease in cost. The 3-D printers will allow dentists to keep the work in-house and can get dental devices, like orthodontic aligners, into patient’s mouths faster. This will also reduce the need for patients to make multiple visits.

Technology is allowing the dentist to control the entire procedure, which will make it a faster, cheaper, more accurate, and streamline the process.

The 3-D technology will hopefully and eventually help patients with jaw defects resulting from cancer or trauma.

Amazing new technology promotes dentist visits that can be less painful with these helpful innovations. Digital technology is the wave of the future for dental care, improving speed, accuracy, and the comfort of patients. At McGlone Dental Care in Denver, we’re implementing many of these technologies to make your visits much more pleasant.