Data from 2019 showed that around 35% of American adults aged 18 and over have yet to go to the dentist. The situation worsened in 2020 when the pandemic started. It resulted in limited hours and services among many dental practices across the country.
Taking care of your oral health is as vital as ever. With the help of technology, it’s now easier to maintain a healthy smile. The advances in dental technology have made it easier to keep up with oral hygiene.
Here are some technological developments that changed how people care for their teeth and gums.
Smart Toothbrush Technology
The days of using an old-fashioned manual toothbrush are over. Smart toothbrushes are now more widely available and use sensors, Bluetooth technology, and AI to provide feedback on your brushing habits.
Studies have even shown that using smart toothbrush technology can improve oral health and reduce plaque buildup over time. The bristles vibrate at different frequencies to clean teeth more effectively and efficiently – something a regular toothbrush cannot do! Plus, they offer real-time feedback on brushing techniques which can be immensely helpful for those who want to improve their oral hygiene routine.
When choosing a smart toothbrush, you should consider the size of your mouth and the type of bristles you prefer. Different brush heads may also be available depending on your needs. Additionally, some models come with a timer to help maximize brushing time and ensure that each area is adequately brushed.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a revolutionary form of prosthetic dentistry that provides a permanent and reliable solution to missing teeth. Unlike more traditional solutions such as dentures, dental implants offer a secure foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural ones.
With the help of dental implants, patients can regain their confidence in the look and feel of their smile and their ability to eat and speak. Additionally, dental implants can help preserve existing bone structure by removing missing teeth roots. Natural tooth roots stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from shrinking over time.
There are also instances when you need the implants as soon as possible. It would help if you looked for a reputable clinic offering same-day dental implants in this situation. The procedure for getting dental implants is straightforward and usually involves four steps. First, your dentist or oral surgeon will place a titanium post in the jawbone to anchor the implant. This post must be given time to heal and integrate with the bone before any other step can be taken.
Once this has happened, your dentist will attach an abutment to the post. The post will act as a connector between the implant and the replacement tooth. Finally, an artificial tooth is affixed to the abutment.
Online Scheduling Systems
Gone are the days of having to call your dentist’s office for an appointment or wait in line for hours just to make a simple appointment! Nowadays, most dental practices have integrated online scheduling systems into their websites. The system allows you to easily book an appointment from the comfort of your own home without worrying about waiting on hold for hours or trying to squeeze into someone else’s schedule. This makes booking appointments far less stressful and allows patients more freedom when it comes to selecting appointment times that suit their needs best.
Online scheduling systems are convenient for both patients and dentists alike. They also provide a wealth of other benefits. For instance, most online scheduling systems allow you to save preferred appointment times to easily book them in the future without having to search through endless lists or call up the office.
Telemedicine Appointments
Telemedicine appointments are becoming increasingly popular in recent years due to advancements in digital communication technologies such as video conferencing. These appointments allow patients access to quality care from anywhere with an internet connection – no need for long drives across town or crowded waiting rooms anymore.
Telemedicine appointments can be used for diagnoses, follow-ups, dental advice, and even pre-op consultations if needed. This makes it much easier for people with busy schedules or limited mobility to access quality dental care without leaving the house or traveling long distances.
Additionally, telemedicine appointments allow for more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans that can be tailored to the patient’s needs. This makes it easier for patients to get the care they need without waiting long before being seen or referred to a specialist in another city or state. Moreover, telemedicine appointments are secure and private, making it easier for patients to trust their care.
Technology has revolutionized how people take care of their oral health by making it easier. Advances in dental technology have made it simpler for everyone to keep up with their oral hygiene needs without sacrificing convenience or comfort. Hopefully, this overview has given you a better understanding of how these technological developments have helped make taking care of your teeth and gums enjoyable rather than tedious.
