The beauty of a smile aims in captivating the true essence of individual beauty. With more and more developments in cosmetic dentistry, orthodontists are constantly striving to create the best possible procedures to assist individuals to have the smile they always dreamt about.
With a growing CAGR of 8% to 2026, the cosmetic industry is expected to boom at a high rate. The need for cosmetic dentistry has been facilitated by the growing knowledge on cosmetic dentistry and the need to change facial appearance by improving on dental features.
The growing economy has also lead to an increase in disposable income, making individuals lean towards cosmetic dentistry. The middle-class population is embracing cosmetic dentistry procedures as a mode of enhancing aesthetics.
The trends in cosmetic dentistry are employing state-of-the-art procedures that are dedicated to enabling seamless, comfortable, and superb treatments. To meet the growing demand for cosmetic procedures, minimally invasive techniques are being employed to attract more consumers. The integration of technology in the dental industry has also seen dentists seek to join larger practices to be able to keep up with the developing trends as they are being adopted into the market.
The use of laser is also being widely adopted in a wide range of treatments such as curring, restorative procedures, disease prevention, and diagnostic purposes. Laser technology is soon becoming a game-changer in cosmetic dentistry with modifications and possible uses to be incorporated in future treatments.
Top 8 Trends in Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
There are several trends in cosmetic dentistry that are changing the face of dentistry:
1. Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great remedy for missing teeth, with the end appearance giving a natural glance. The dental implants are artificial teeth that are positioned into the gum and supported by an artificial metal root. This gives the teeth a uniform appearance significantly changing the overall aesthetic.
2. Veneers
Porcelain veneers have been designed by orthodontists to fix teeth in need of whitening, or through spaced out with gaps. This procedure is highly common and popular due to its discrete appearance as it is impossible to see the veneer after placement. This procedure allows for modifications, with some patients opting for imperfections or discolorations for them to blend with the natural teeth.
3. Invisible Aligners
Clear or invisible aligners are also a growing trend in the cosmetic industry. Aligners have paved the way for functional and durable options for individuals with mismatched or crooked teeth. Contrary to traditional metal braces, these aligners are invisible and offer maximum comfort to the wearer. They are removed when brushing or flossing, and gradual move and position the teeth to their rightful place. They can be used for up to fifteen months with great care.
4. Teeth Whitening
For years, teeth whitening has been a major concern for individuals, due to the presence of stained food, cigarettes, poor hygiene, or genetic modifications. Over-the-counter whitening products such as creams, gels, and toothpaste are available; however, the use of laser in teeth whitening is a fast-moving trend. Teeth whitening agents are placed on trays and applied to the teeth with the help of laser technology, providing longevity and bright white teeth.
5. Composite Bonding
This involves the use of bonding material that resembles the tooth’s enamel to repair cracked, chipped, or decayed teeth. The bonding covers the damaged tooth, after the dentist has removed the tooth decay, and applies the composite on the tooth, further cementing it with a high-intensity light. This gives the appearance of a full and normal tooth. This procedure is economical and fixes common dental problems.
6. A.I Technology
In most of the above procedures, orthodontists have come up with A.I technology to assist patients determine the result of any cosmetic procedure before they start treatment. The use of robotics and 3D printing has led to the customization of teeth hugely reducing consumer time and cost in the development of veneers, aligners, or crowns. This technology focuses on getting images of the patient’s mouth structure to assist the software develop a three-dimensional prediction of how the end procedure would be like. Teeth can be scanned and printed in exact replicas in strong and aesthetically pleasing material.
7. Gum Restructuring
This is a complex procedure done on individuals who have uneven gum lines which cause the teeth to seem uneven and mismatched. This involves several tests taken by the orthodontist to ascertain whether the patient is the right patient for the procedure.
8. Needless Sedation Techniques
The needle sedation during dental procedures is one to dispel you from visiting the orthodontist. However, there are new divisive ways of preventing the needle sedation commonly done before any dental procedure. The use of happy gas which is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen has been introduced to sedate the patient and help them relax. The use of pill sedatives or anti-anxiety medication before the procedure also achieves the same purpose and even makes the patient sleep during the whole procedure.
Tips to Consider
It is important to choose the right dentist for any cosmetic dentistry procedure. The right orthodontist will ensure due procedure through supervised guidance is followed and help achieve a safe and authentic look.
The cost of cosmetic dentistry varies depending on location, the type of dentist, and the dental procedure. It is best to consider these factors by issuing a consultation to the preferred dentist, to find out the exact costing.
Cosmetic dentistry procedures are not only done for cosmetic purposes but help fix some common dental problems. These procedures help correct some oral functions and aid the patient get back some important features in dental structuring.
Several dental practices are specializing in offering their patients the best possible treatment at no extra cost. However, luxury dentistry is on the trend with specialized VIP treatments at a higher cost for interested users.
It is important to check with your insurance provider whether they cover cosmetic dentistry procedures, especially those which are not medically necessary. However, most dental clinics offer flexible payment plans depending on the dental procedure and individual information.