Cosmetic dentistry in the 21st century: the impact of new dental technology

This article was written for our sponsor, Chapman Implant & Comprehensive Dentistry.

Straightening teeth, enhancing the color, improving smiles — cosmetic dentistry is all about increasing people's confidence in the way their teeth look. Cosmetic dentistry procedures range from everything as simple as tooth whitening to more complex porcelain veneer placements.

Through advances in digital dentistry, these cosmetic procedures are becoming more accurate, more effective, and more cost-effective.

"Through this technology, we can take a preoperative scan of the top and bottom teeth and send that to the lab, then they can actually digitally design some new teeth for patients. They're able to do that on their computer, then send images of what those teeth might end up looking like as a final product," said Dr. Laurie Chapman, owner of Raleigh's Chapman Implant & Comprehensive Dentistry. "The patient can get a preview into what they might look like, and then they can decide on any tweaks or fixes before the final product."

Not only do the digital scans for veneers help the patient visualize the final product, but it also makes the implementation faster and more precise. At Chapman's office, technology like a cone beam CT (computed tomography) — which allows for 3D X-rays — and an intraoral scanner help create instant models and pictures of a patient's dental makeup.

"The intraoral scanner takes hundreds, if not thousands, of pictures per second. When we're scanning someone's teeth, we can basically create a digital model of their mouth that pops right up on the monitor in real-time," said Sam Brown, a dental hygienist at Chapman Dentistry. "In terms of crowns and veneers, it not only allows people to see an instantaneous model of their mouth, but it also prevents us from having to do the gooey, sticky impressions that we used to use."

Getting an up-close-and-personal look at the makeup of their teeth can come as a shock to some patients — and often helps them visualize how cosmetic dentistry might improve their smile and confidence.

"Sometimes patients will look at the scans and think it's really cool, but then some patients will look at it and go, 'Oh my God, I never knew that my teeth looked like that.' They're not impressed," said Brown. "Instead of them taking our word for what we're describing in their mouth, this technology allows them to see it for themselves, and that's useful for patients to have a better understanding of what their needs are. When people know what to expect, it can help alleviate their anxiety."

The veneer process involves removing part of the tooth and then shaping the teeth to allow room for the veneers to be attached. Through digital dentistry, dentists are able to predict exactly how much a tooth will need to be shaped, reducing the amount of tooth structure removed, time in the chair, and making it a more predictable and positive experience for the patient.

For the implant process, the 3D scans and models help dentists know precisely where an implant needs to be placed in order to last as long as possible and properly fit the gum.

Being able to see images of what veneers, implants and crowns will look like before they're placed in the mouth is making cosmetic dentistry easier for both patients and doctors.

"In terms of cosmetics specifically, it's really useful for people like me that are visual learners. Somebody can sit in front of you and throw a bunch of dental jargon at you all day long, but when you see the before and after or a simulation of what it could look like once you're done with your treatment, that speaks volumes to a lot of patients," said Brown. "Not only does it help us with case acceptance, but it also helps the patients get excited about what they're going to be undergoing because they see that final result and are pleased with how it looks."

Cosmetic dentistry is continuing to change thanks to technological innovations made in the field. While Brown acknowledges patients have plenty of options for dentists in the Triangle, she emphasizes the importance of working with an office that's continuing to educate themselves on the latest advancements.

"There are so many different providers out there, and it can be hard for people to pick an office that they'll be happy with. When doctors are passionate about what they do, they're gonna take the time and the money to invest in equipment, and I think that's proof that they are out to better serve their patients," said Brown. "People who invest in this technology are signaling to patients that these providers are going to be the ones who try to best serve those patients and their needs, by offering the newest and best services."

This article was written for our sponsor, Chapman Implant & Comprehensive Dentistry.