Growing up in the 1980s and 1990s meant bright colours, neon clothes, and ridiculously simple technology. Computers were a luxury for our parents. You couldn’t use one if you had one. We played ludo (with a game piece), card games with pictures, and imaginative board games. Dental technology has advanced since then! When you were young, dental technology was amazing. Great examples:
Bluetooth X-ray scanner
A Bluetooth-enabled digital X-ray scanner lets you send images to your phone or computer for weekly health tracking. This is great for tracking chronic conditions or general health. Bluetooth scanners can also track mouth moisture, tooth movement, and calories burned. Dental x-rays are used to diagnose many diseases and disorders. Dental X-rays are one of the most common medical imaging methods, despite their known benefits. There are many reasons for this, including a lack of more accurate, non-invasive methods, ease of use, and familiarity from previous use.
Invisalign braces
Invisalign is the new metal-free orthodontic system. You can wear different clear aligners for months. Invisalign is less invasive and damaging to teeth and gums than traditional orthodontics. Invisalign is less invasive and damaging to teeth and gums than traditional orthodontics. Invisalign’s clear aligners are less noticeable than metal orthodontics. Invisalign straightens your child’s teeth discreetly and non-invasively.
3D scanning/printing
Dental labs used to guess how your mouth would look when scanned. Scan yourself, get the 3D data, and have the lab scan you later. One scan can even improve the next! It sounds way cooler than it is. It’s not cool. Dentists and labs charge extra for it. Uncool. 3D scanning data is almost infinitely customizable. If your arch is crooked, the lab can scan you, adjust the data, and rescan you. If you don’t like the new data, scan yourself again for a new custom scan.
Computer-displayed dental images
Computerized dental imaging systems that create a 3D model of your mouth and display it on a screen are not new, but they are becoming more popular. You can edit this real-time mouth image on the computer. This lets you monitor and adjust treatment. It helps patients adjust to seeing their mouth in 3D.
In 30 years, technology has advanced greatly, and it will continue to do so. New technology can simplify our lives but also cost a lot. Dental technology advancements are expensive. New dental technology takes time, money, and research. Get what you pay for if you want the best dental technology. You wouldn’t believe how much has changed since you were a kid. Despite their sci-fi appearance, these dental technology advances are real and here to stay.
Always remember:
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time…. Floss everyday.
Change your toothbrush when it looks used.
Visit us every six months.
Eat a healthy diet.
Stay hydrated all day long, and don’t smoke.
Make your appointment today with Dr. Rob Andrew and Urban Smiles Family Dental. 780.989.6030
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