The field of dentistry has come a long way in ensuring the comfort and safety of patients. From no-needle anesthesia to special light technology that detects cancer, there’s never been a better time than now to address the health of your teeth. In the following paragraphs, we discuss several advances in dental technology that aren’t just amazing, they’re affordable, too.

1. Porcelain Veneers

One of the most popular dental procedures, porcelain veneers (or dental veneers, as they’re sometimes called) involves installing a very thin layer of material which is bonded to the front of teeth. This delicate procedure provides a permanent upgrade once complete, markedly improving the appearance of your teeth. Veneers are typically used to correct:

• Discolored teeth
• Worn teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth
• Gaps between teeth

Dental veneers can be made from either porcelain or resin composite. However, of the two options, porcelain has the capability to withstand staining to a greater degree. It is also much better at reflecting light and, overall, presents an image indiscernible from natural teeth.

2. Digital X-rays

There is no way to avoid having x-rays done when you go to the dentist, but thanks to digital x-rays, getting them done is safer and faster than ever.

Digital x-rays give off far less radiation than traditional x-rays, and can be displayed almost instantly on a computer screen. Your dentist can zoom in on specific areas and educate you on what needs to be done.

3. Invisible Braces (Invisalign)

Traditional metal braces were unattractive, hard to clean, and painful. Today’s advanced technology, however, allows dentists to straighten patients’ teeth with a much less negative impact.

Called Invisalign, these invisible braces are custom-made inserts that fit over a patient’s teeth to straighten them. The inserts come out for easy cleaning, which also means there are no restrictions on the types of food a person can eat while undergoing the treatment. Invisalign was once an expensive solution but is much more affordable today.

4. Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry is a catch-all term used to describe a host of dental procedures that can now be done quickly and easily using laser technology. Filling cavities, eliminating tumors, addressing tooth sensitivity, and tooth whitening can all be done efficiently and with less discomfort thanks to laser technology guided by the hand of an expert dentist.

5. Dental Implants

Dental implants have been around for quite some time, but it wasn’t until recently that they became affordable for almost everyone. Dental implants use pins and screws to securely hold artificial teeth in place. Once the procedure is complete (it may take several visits to the dentist), the artificial tooth looks and functions just like a natural one.

For people with missing teeth, dental implants bring back the ability to smile again, and at the same time, improve a person’s overall self-confidence.

6. Tooth Whitening

Everyone wants whiter teeth, and when over-the-counter whitening products fail to produce the results expected, many people turn to their dentists for help.

Today’s advanced teeth whitening technology can get your teeth up to eight shades whiter in just one visit. The procedure is fast and easy, and the results are life-changing.

Going to the dentist has traditionally been a fear-inducing event, but thanks to major advancements in technology, it no longer has to be. From whitening to replacing missing teeth and more, patients can now easily get the dental procedures they need to feel better about themselves without breaking the bank. If you would like more information on any of the services mentioned above, be sure to contact your dentist today.