Cigna sent out a survey to people on its dental insurance plan. The goal was to compare oral health and smile satisfaction to a person’s self-reported self-esteem and confidence levels. Of those polled, 93% said they were completely happy with their smile, but 70% of those who weren’t happy with their smile reported having low self-confidence.

Nine out of 10 people with excellent oral health reported having strong self-confidence. But, only two out of five could say the same when their oral health was fair or poor. When a smile isn’t what you feel is attractive or you don’t have perfect oral health, your self-esteem suffers. 

Cosmetic dentistry helps people get the smile they want. Whether it comes down to veneers covering a chipped or gapped tooth or whiteners creating a dazzling white smile, cosmetic dentistry is key. The field has changed a lot over the years, so what are the cosmetic dentistry trends in 2024?

Advanced Teeth Whitening

In the past, teeth whitening has used whitening agents like carbamide or hydrogen peroxide to bleach teeth. Research into the benefits of nanoparticles as teeth-whitening agents is getting a lot of attention.

Nanoparticles are abrasive, which may not seem ideal, except that they also release reactive oxygen which helps with remineralization. In a study, nanoparticles that were enhanced with nitrogen proved 15% more effective than traditional hydrogen peroxide. The only downside is that it took five hours of treatment, so research is ongoing to decrease the application time.

Five Advancing Technologies in Dentistry

The use of AI, 3D printers, and digital images helps create better ways to repair an over or underbite, discolored teeth, or chipped or gapped teeth. 

3D Printed Veneers, Bridges, and Crowns

Last year, Boston Micro Fabrication used advancing technology to establish the thinnest veneers on the market. Using projection micro stereolithography, 3D printers print zirconia veneers with a thickness of just 100 µm. How thin is that? One µm is one-thousandth of a millimeter or 0.001 mm. A standard veneer is around 0.5 mm. 

These veneers are significantly thinner than traditional veneers and require far less surface preparation, which helps preserve enamel and saves time. These veneers are pending FDA approval, which is expected in the first half of 2024. 

SprintRay Crown is another newer option in cosmetic dentistry that’s a game-changer. Using BEGO®’s ceramic hybrid, 3D printers create high-strength, wear-resistant single crowns, inlays, and onlays. It’s a more affordable option for a durable bridge or crown, which dentists can do in their offices. It eliminates long shipping or postal delays. Once completed, the dentist can use tools to finish the restoration before placing it in your mouth.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Intelligence

AI has been talked about for decades, and it’s starting to shine in recent years. The use of AI and augmented intelligence in dentistry is gaining ground, too. One of the best uses is through careful analytics of patient data and case histories to predict exact outcomes when one treatment is used over another.

With detailed analysis, dentists and patients can make fully informed, exact decisions that consider the cost, materials, and techniques used. It also opens the door to robotics and automation.

Have you seen a robotic surgery where a surgeon guides the robotic tools to make precise incisions? Tooth surface preparation is one thing that robotics can do. When a tooth surface needs to be etched, robots can do it fast and efficiently, which reduces overall patient costs and avoids too much or too little being removed, resulting in additional work.

Robots can also carefully place implants without even the tiniest fraction of misalignment. They can also adjust orthodontic appliances with a level of precision that humans cannot match. It also lowers the risk of infection and healing times.

Augmented and virtual realities are other popular advancing technologies. Imagine putting on a headset and seeing yourself and looking at the different dental options available and how they would change your smile.

ClearCorrect Custom Trays

Are you used to the metal braces that bite into your inner cheek or lips and make for a painful, noticeable experience while straightening teeth? ClearCorrect is the latest solution that’s ideal for people who want straight teeth without the “metal mouth.” 

Instead of traditional metal braces, digital images are created to establish how your teeth need to shift to get them to the correct positioning. Clear custom trays are designed, printed with 3D printers, and arranged for patients to wear in sequence. Each tray slowly straightens and realigns your teeth. 

Digital Smile Design

One aspect of technology that’s incredibly useful is the realistic images of what different dental treatments will do for your smile. Panoramic x-rays are taken of your jaw and teeth and images of your face from different angles are taken and added to the virtual software. 

You can see exactly what you’ll look like if you whiten your teeth to Shade A vs. Shade B or if you have braces or veneers to fix imperfections and misaligned teeth. Technology lets you see exactly what results you get with the different cosmetic dentistry services available.

Laser Gum Correction and Other Uses for Laser Treatments

Receding gums is a common occurrence with age, and it can make people feel bad about their smile. You don’t have to be old. Some people simply have uneven gum lines. Gum contouring is a trending cosmetic dentistry practice that uses a laser to re-correct the gum’s position and restore an even gum line. Lasers also help with teeth whitening by accelerating the process. 

Personalized Dental Care Solutions

Finally, the use of AI, digital scans, and design tools allows for personalized dental care solutions. While some treatment options used to be one-size-fits-all, that’s not true anymore. You’re not limited to one tooth whitening option or metal braces. Talk to your dentist about the smile you dream of and the things you feel keep you from having it. 

Enjoy an initial consultation without leaving your house or leaving work early. Virtual consultations are available for patients who want to talk about the problems they have with their smile and get to know how Jody Jones DDS can help before going to the office. Virtual consultations are easily arranged by completing these steps.

• Fill out your first and last name.
• Fill out your email and confirm it.
• Upload a close-up selfie of your smile.

Wait for the dentist to review your request and offer a customized plan to address your concerns. You’ll receive a video response that you can view at your leisure and schedule an in-person visit when it’s convenient.

Dr. Jody Jones works with all patients, whether you experience severe dental anxiety or need to go at your pace. His office goes over the best path to being able to afford and achieve the smile of your dreams. 

Don’t let your oral health, discolored, or misaligned teeth keep you from feeling confident when you smile. Today’s dental advancements are making it easier than ever to be proud of your teeth.