Technology has proved itself useful in all spheres of life, and medical science is one sector that has benefitted from various scientific advancements over time. In the past, dentistry used to be difficult to manage because there weren’t proper tools to help get the job done.
Today, however, things are different. Modern dentistry has seen a revamp in practices due to several exciting tools now at the disposal of dentists worldwide. These tools aren’t just limited to your doctor’s office, and you can use some of them at home to boost your dental health. Here are seven ways technology can help improve your oral health.
Dental Implants
Patients in the past who suffered tooth loss had to choose between dentures and bridges. While these are not bad solutions, they just weren’t good enough, and a better solution was required.
Thanks to technology, today, patients who lose their teeth in an accident no longer have to choose from limited options like dentures and bridges. They can now have dental implants, which have a stronger foundation to hold both removable and fixed replacement teeth. Some of their other advantages over dentures and bridges include improved appearance, speech, and oral health. Patients with dental implants will also find it easier to eat.
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Veneers
If you’ve ever had a dental problem that affected your appearance when you smile, then you would agree that it could be a living hell. Dr. Allen who has been working as a dentist for over 20 years confirmed that patients usually recount how their self-esteem and confidence were hugely impacted by the experience. With improvement in technology in the form of veneers, people with this problem can finally wear a big smile because they can now kiss the problem goodbye.
Veneers are a much easier treatment to sit through concerning the problems of:
- Chipped Teeth
- Spaces between the teeth
- Colored teeth
- Misshapen teeth
In the past, the procedures employed were painful, and the results weren’t as great. Thankfully, veneers are custom-made from porcelain material and permanently attached to your teeth. The procedure isn’t time-consuming either.
Air Abrasion
Have you ever suffered from tooth decay? If yes, then you know how unpleasant an experience it is. It messes with your self-confidence and can affect your romantic life. Fortunately, technology has made it easier to deal with tooth decay today.
A method called air abrasion is now available to dentists, in which tooth decay is removed with tiny particles of aluminum oxide or silica. With the aid of an air-compression device, this procedure is done by delivering pressurized, tiny particles of aluminum oxide or silica onto the surface of the decaying tooth. As the substance hits the teeth, the decay is blasted away.
Unlike procedures used in the past, discomfort is minimal, and you may not be given anesthesia for the procedure. It is more accurate, and there is a lesser risk of getting hurt by it than a needle procedure.
Intraoral Cameras
In the past, doctors had to depend on their eyes whenever they had to look into a patient’s mouth to figure out a problem. As you can tell, this was not an optimal method. Thankfully, technology stepped in, and intraoral cameras were born. Intraoral cameras are wand-like in appearance and inserted into a patient’s mouth to see the internals of the mouth, leading to a more accurate diagnosis.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is another part of oral health that advancement in technology has benefitted. If your teeth have yellow tones and you would like to whiten them, there are now an array of options from which you can choose. Some of these options are:
- Rinses
- Strips
- Over-the-counter gels
- Whitening toothpaste
- In-office Teeth Whitening
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes, though they have been around for a long time, deserve mention too. These cool devices make it more fun to brush your teeth. They are more accurate too. There have been improvements made in their design over the years, which makes them also safer.
Ultrasonic Toothbrushes
Plaque build-up is a big source of teeth problems. The American Dental Association says that cleaning your teeth regularly should help you combat it. While that is great, it is not the most effective solution.
Advancement in technology has brought about ultrasonic toothbrushes, which generate harmless waves that eliminate tartar, plaque, and bacteria far below where your regular toothbrush can reach.
Conclusion
Your oral health is important and should be taken seriously because of how damaging it can be for your ability to socialize. Unlike in the past, when the options were limited, technology has been able to develop innovative ways to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Ignorance could be damaging. So, if you have a dental problem, do not hesitate to check with your dentist as something new may have been invented to make treating it more seamless.