Cosmetic dentistry has changed significantly during the past few years, and patient expectations are higher than they have ever been in the past. According to reports published by the American Dental Association, dental spending is still significantly lower than it was prior to the pandemic.
But that doesn’t mean the market for cosmetic dentistry is shrinking. To the contrary, with the increasing social pressures for people to look their best, people are more interested in fixing their smiles than ever before.
The need and want for cosmetic dentistry is only on the rise. People are more and more recognizing the impact that a beautiful smile has on their overall attitude, happiness, and health. With the advent of technology and techniques, a beautiful smile is easier to obtain.
Dr. William Fulcher, Founder of My Dental Dentistry & Implants in Arizona
Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is on the rise in popularity, and with advancements in technology and the accessibility of treatments, the industry is becoming more competitive than ever. With so many options available to those looking to address cosmetic dental issues, it can be hard to know which trends are worth paying attention to.
So how do these two seemingly contradictory statistics play out in the cosmetic dentistry space? Let’s look to the trends to understand how they coexist, and what that means for both consumers as well as dental professionals.
1. The Growth of 3D Printing
There are numerous reports that 3D printing is growing quickly, and dentistry is one prime example of an area that stands to benefit from this emerging practice. As 3D printing technology improves, the cost continues to go down. Dental practices now have access to both printers and materials at lower costs.
There are numerous cosmetic dentistry procedures that benefit from 3D printing. For example, 3D printing can be used to produce dental models, dental crowns, clear teeth aligners, and even dentures. 3D printing could also be used to produce veneers, caps, and other cosmetic dentistry items. Expect 3D printing to play a greater role in cosmetic dentistry moving forward, with clear financial benefits for both consumers and dental practices.
2. Laser Dentistry Continues To Boom
Laser dentistry has also expanded significantly during the past few years, and those expectations continue to accelerate. Dental lasers can be used on both hard and soft tissues, providing detailed, precise results for patients.
Now, lasers can be used to repair fillings, accelerate teeth whitening, and reshape certain tissues to provide patients with the results they are looking for. Because they are one of the most versatile options in the office of a cosmetic dentist, lasers will be popular in cosmetic dentistry in 2023 and beyond.
3. Teledentistry Is Feasible and Convenient
Even though telehealth has become common in the medical field, its adoption has been a bit slower in the dental field. The reality is that a majority of dental issues (and certainly in-depth cosmetic procedures), will still require a visit to the dentist’s chair, but surprisingly teledentistry can be used in place of some appointments and consultations, as reports have indicated.
Furthermore, teledentistry could make it easier for people who live in rural areas to access the dental care they want and need. In fact, by offering virtual consultations, some cosmetic dentistry practices could expand their potential customer base to people outside their normal service areas. Expect teledentistry consultations and visits to continue to evolve in cosmetic dentistry throughout 2023.
4. Patient Comfort and Convenience Will Remain Key
Consumers want comfort and convenience now more than ever. In 2023, expect to see cosmetic dentistry practices offering more options available to treat dental anxiety, and provide greater patient convenience.
There are plenty of people who get nervous when they go to the dentist, and a growing number of cosmetic dentistry practices offer innovative ways to help patients of all ages relax in the chair. When patients are relaxed, it is easier for a cosmetic dentist to provide the care the patient needs.
Conclusion
As the trend of cosmetic dentistry continues to grow, so too do our expectations for cost and convenience. With new technological advances, cosmetic dentists are able to provide higher quality treatments at lower prices. As a result, more people are turning towards cosmetic dental procedures. In this article, we explored 4 trends in cosmetic dentistry that you should keep an eye on in 2023: 3-D scanning technology; virtual consultations; improved materials for faster and longer lasting results; and increased accessibility for remote locations.
These advancements have created a wave of optimism around the world of cosmetic dentistry. Patients now have more options than ever before when it comes to achieving their desired look without breaking the bank. The future is looking bright for those hoping to freshen up their smile with affordable and convenient treatments from experienced professionals.