The Future of Dentistry: Emerging Technologies Will Change Everything
Every year, the dental industry is introduced new technologies to improve workflows and update existing processes. While some innovations are incremental (e.g. software updates or minor modifications to speed up useability), other ideas are so important that there is immediate recognition of the potential for substantial change. As an example, take the first intraoral scanner. Although the results and accuracy were not perfect, the promise was clear.
The Smilist Dental White Plains was able to provide us with a list of healthcare and consumer technologies that could revolutionize the dental industry over the next few years. Some of these innovations are already having an impact on dentistry while others are still years off, but they all have the potential transform the field.
Ultrasound Tech
After seeing the incredible results it has in medicine, you can see what ultrasound technology can do for dentistry. With the help of ultrasonic technology, dentists can produce precise images of the teeth and jaws. Ultrasounds could replace many current 3D or 2D imaging techniques.
You’re probably aware of the main problem with ultrasounds: their low image resolution. Ultrasounds still have some way to go before they are able to achieve the same level of precision and resolution as dentistry.
Continuous Liquid Interface Production
3D printing has already transformed dentistry. It is especially useful in the lab, where it has helped with surgical guidance, wax-ups, model-making, and model-making. But, printing technology is still in need of improvement.
Continuous Liquid Interface production is the first. This 3D printing method is only available to Carbon. This 3D printer is capable of printing approximately 100 times faster that existing 3D printing technologies. This method also looks great in science fiction films. Take a look at the movie, and you will be able to see a denture being created right in front.
3D printing is changing the capabilities and costs of dentists. 3D printing for dentistry could be the most groundbreaking technology ever invented, but what we’ve seen is likely just a glimpse of what lies ahead.
Robotics
In April, the FDA approved the first dental implant robot. It will ensure precise and accurate oral surgery by ensuring that implant cases are correctly placed and implant cases are handled properly. This is just a small glimpse at how robotics can change dentistry.
The medical industry is seeing surgical robots make their mark. This will have a significant impact on dental procedures. Robotic surgery has the potential to offer better care, less invasive procedures and quicker recovery times. It also allows for more precise control of surgery. Experts are exploring completely hands-free procedures because they know that critical analysis and quick reflexes are crucial for any type of surgery. But, this will always be a minority.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR), as it is commonly known, has been featured in news reports over the past few years. While virtual reality (VR), a popular technology, has just recently become mainstream. Oculus was widely regarded by many as a game changer and Facebook spent $2 billion to buy it. Oculus is now in the living-room, with the addition of the HTC Vive, PlayStation VR and other hybrid VR systems. Even though virtual reality’s promise for gaming might seem obvious, dentistry has a lot to learn from it.
Virtual reality (VR), or virtual reality training, has the potential for a fundamental change in the way dentists are trained. This applies to both continuing education as well as training. To be able to practice the latest treatments, clinicians may use VR to get hands-on. They will learn from an expert rather than watching slides and listening to lectures. Virtual instruction can be used to help hygienists or other dental staff members improve their skills and evaluate different ergonomic strategies. It can be used as a virtual laboratory by any dentist to try out new methods and technologies.
Future patients may be able to use VR to leave the operating rooms for any type of treatment. The fully immersive virtual reality experience can distract even the most anxious dentist patient.
3D Printing Materials
Printable ceramics have been around for some time in the manufacturing industry. Although the current materials are not biocompatible, it is easy to see how this technology could one day lead to printed teeth. To achieve “gingiva”, additional materials could be used in order to make fully 3D printed dentures.
