Your teeth are important. They help you eat, speak, and smile with confidence. However, dental problems are becoming way too common in the United States. It’s estimated that 90% of American adults had at least one cavity in their entire life. Dental health is connected to overall health, yet most people don’t know how to care for their teeth properly.
That’s why it’s crucial to find a dental provider who can give you the care you need to keep your teeth healthy for years to come. But what exactly does that care look like? Here are five ways dental services are evolving to meet the needs of patients:
Increased Accessibility
One of the most significant complaints patients have is that it’s challenging to get an appointment with a dentist. As a result, dental practices are now working to make themselves more accessible in various ways. Here are some of them.
Websites
More and more dental practices are setting up easy-to-use websites. It makes it easy for patients to find the information they need about the dental services offered, book an appointment, and even pay their bills online.
Dental Apps
In addition to websites, some dental practices now offer apps that allow patients to view their appointments and chat with their dentist. It makes it even easier to get the dental care you need.
Extended Hours
Another way practices are becoming more accessible is by offering extended hours. Patients can come in before or after work to get their needed care.
Telehealth
Accessibility is crucial during the pandemic, and telehealth has recently gained popularity. Telehealth allows patients to get the care they need from the comfort of their own homes. Many dentists are now offering this service to their patients.
This works by the patient attending a virtual consultation with the dentist. The dentist can assess the patient’s needs during this consultation and provide treatment recommendations.
Improved Technology
Thanks to technological advances, dental procedures are now less invasive and more effective than ever. Here are some of the latest improvements in dental technology.
3D Printing
Many people have experienced losing a tooth. That’s why teeth implants are such a crucial dental service. These implants are made of titanium and are placed in the jawbone to support a false tooth. In the past, getting an implant was a long and painful process. However, recent advancements in 3D printing have made it possible to create implants that are much easier to place. This has made implants cheaper and faster to make. As a result, many orthodontists are now using it to improve their overall production.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a popular alternative to metal braces. These clear aligners are virtually invisible and are much more comfortable to wear. They’re also removable, so you can take them out to eat and brush your teeth.
Advanced Cleaning Methods
Gone are the days of using metal scrapers to clean your teeth. Nowadays, dentists use ultrasonic cleaners that emit sound waves to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. This method is much more effective and gentle on the gums.
Digital X-Rays
X-rays are an important part of dental care. They help dentists see what’s going on beneath the surface of your teeth. However, traditional x-rays use chemicals that can harm patients and dental staff. Digital x-rays don’t use these chemicals, so they’re a much safer option. They’re also more comfortable for patients since they don’t have to bite down on film.
CAD/CAM
CAD/CAM is short for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. This technology is used to create crowns and bridges. It’s much more accurate than traditional methods and helps to create a perfect fit.
Focus on Prevention
Gone are the days when dentists cleaned your teeth and filled cavities. Now, more emphasis is being placed on preventive care to help patients avoid dental problems in the first place. In addition, dentists spend more time discussing diet and oral hygiene with their patients.
New Payment Options
Dental care can be expensive, so many practices now offer financing options and accept a more comprehensive range of insurance plans. This makes it easier for patients to get the care they need.
Better Patient Education
Dentists understand that not everyone is familiar with dental terminology, which is why they’re now making a tremendous effort to educate their patients about their procedures. This includes showing them pictures and videos, so they know what to expect and providing them with after-care instructions that are easy to understand.
There’s no excuse for not getting the dental care you need these days. Thanks to advances in technology and changes in how dental practices operate, it’s easier than ever to get high-quality care tailored to your needs. So if you’ve been putting off going to the dentist, there’s no time like the present!
