The boundaries around what is possible in dentistry are increasingly being pushed back as technology finds ways to improve treatment quality, shorten appointment times and find more efficient ways to deal with age-old dental problems. These technological advances have gathered momentum over the past two decades with treatments available now that could only have even been imagined thirty years ago.
These advances have impacted on every level of dentistry and it is useful to give a few examples to highlight the changes. Dental crowns are artificial caps that fit over damaged teeth to protect them from further damage. In the past, crowns were painstakingly manufactured in laboratories using a series of dental moulds and x-rays. Using a combination of metal and ceramics, the crowns were built up layer upon layer until they were the satisfactory shape. The dentist would then need to remove substantial amounts of natural enamel to allow the bulky crown to fit over the damaged tooth. Today’s technology means a crown can be sculpted from a single piece of porcelain in as little as six minutes. This has been made possible by the advent of digital x-rays and 3D imaging which allow the dentist to create an incredibly accurate and immediate image of the patient’s mouth. A computer-guided mill can then whittle the tooth to a similarly accurate degree. This technology can also be used in the manufacture of veneers and dental inlays.
Teeth whitening procedures have also developed significantly to be more effective and much safer and orthodontic straightening has seen a similar improvement. It is now possible to straighten teeth in a fraction of the time previously thought possible, and this can be achieved more discreetly and with less discomfort to the patient.
These are just a small selection of the incredible dental technologies available to all patients at Bristol dentists. Whatever the problem or dental concern there is a quick, affordable and aesthetically pleasing technology available to give you the best possible treatment.
The Invisalign orthodontic straightening treatment consists of a series of invisible plastic retainers worn for two weeks at a time, affecting slow realignment of the teeth. Each retainer is individually manufactured for the patient’s teeth to help achieve the desired straightening results.
By using the latest 3D imaging technology, a Swindon dentist is able to project what the teeth will look like at the end of treatment and at every stage throughout its course. The retainers are also manufactured according to the specifications of the 3D treatment plan.
The major advantage of the Invisalign treatment is of course the discretion it offers. Many patients would like straighter teeth but are too self-conscious or unwilling to make the sacrifice of unattractive metal braces. Invisalign retainers are manufactured from one-millimetre thick clear plastic that is practically invisible when worn by the patient. This means that it is now possible to straighten teeth without completely sacrificing the appearance of your smile. This has proved to be very popular with many teenagers keen not to stand out from the crowd, and also many young professionals wishing to avoid the stigma of wearing a brace later in life.
The other major bonus of Invisialign retainers is that unlike some other braces, they are completely removable which means that teeth can still be effectively cleaned and there is little interruption to eating habits. Invisalign braces are designed to fit around your life with as little impact as possible. They are even significantly more comfortable than all other straightening devices because of the absence of wire and bracket mechanisms that require tightening.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
These advances have impacted on every level of dentistry and it is useful to give a few examples to highlight the changes. Dental crowns are artificial caps that fit over damaged teeth to protect them from further damage. In the past, crowns were painstakingly manufactured in laboratories using a series of dental moulds and x-rays. Using a combination of metal and ceramics, the crowns were built up layer upon layer until they were the satisfactory shape. The dentist would then need to remove substantial amounts of natural enamel to allow the bulky crown to fit over the damaged tooth. Today’s technology means a crown can be sculpted from a single piece of porcelain in as little as six minutes. This has been made possible by the advent of digital x-rays and 3D imaging which allow the dentist to create an incredibly accurate and immediate image of the patient’s mouth. A computer-guided mill can then whittle the tooth to a similarly accurate degree. This technology can also be used in the manufacture of veneers and dental inlays.
Teeth whitening procedures have also developed significantly to be more effective and much safer and orthodontic straightening has seen a similar improvement. It is now possible to straighten teeth in a fraction of the time previously thought possible, and this can be achieved more discreetly and with less discomfort to the patient.
These are just a small selection of the incredible dental technologies available to all patients at Bristol dentists. Whatever the problem or dental concern there is a quick, affordable and aesthetically pleasing technology available to give you the best possible treatment.
The Invisalign orthodontic straightening treatment consists of a series of invisible plastic retainers worn for two weeks at a time, affecting slow realignment of the teeth. Each retainer is individually manufactured for the patient’s teeth to help achieve the desired straightening results.
By using the latest 3D imaging technology, a Swindon dentist is able to project what the teeth will look like at the end of treatment and at every stage throughout its course. The retainers are also manufactured according to the specifications of the 3D treatment plan.
The major advantage of the Invisalign treatment is of course the discretion it offers. Many patients would like straighter teeth but are too self-conscious or unwilling to make the sacrifice of unattractive metal braces. Invisalign retainers are manufactured from one-millimetre thick clear plastic that is practically invisible when worn by the patient. This means that it is now possible to straighten teeth without completely sacrificing the appearance of your smile. This has proved to be very popular with many teenagers keen not to stand out from the crowd, and also many young professionals wishing to avoid the stigma of wearing a brace later in life.
The other major bonus of Invisialign retainers is that unlike some other braces, they are completely removable which means that teeth can still be effectively cleaned and there is little interruption to eating habits. Invisalign braces are designed to fit around your life with as little impact as possible. They are even significantly more comfortable than all other straightening devices because of the absence of wire and bracket mechanisms that require tightening.
