If you think going to the dentist is scary now, imagine having your teeth ripped out with no anesthesia using sharpened rocks as a drill. Dentistry has come a long way, and new innovations like EZ Smile Teeth Straighteners continue to make processes more efficient and effective. Both the equipment and the treatments are more advanced, providing better results for patients. Here are some of the ways modern dentistry has changed for the better as well as what exciting advancements there are in the pipeline.
Preventative care
One of the best aspects of modern-day dentistry is preventative care. Instead of waiting for problems to arise, the focus is on preventing them from happening in the first place. The reason dentistry has shifted to this model is that there is now a thorough understanding of dental issues and their causes. By knowing the causes of problems such as cavities, gum disease, and abscesses, dentists can work with their patients to eliminate them.
Of course, it’s up to the patients to follow the guidelines and maintain oral hygiene. If not, you may find yourself in need of emergency dental treatment. If you do find yourself in this predicament, you can find an emergency dentist nearest to you at emergencydentalservice.com. The most popular form of preventative care is brushing and flossing.
Teeth whitening
Even as little as 25 years ago, teeth whitening was something only the rich and famous could afford. The treatments were invasive and uncomfortable with harsh chemicals, painful rubber dams, and bright lights. From there, teeth whitening developed to make it more accessible with plastic trays that you could use at home. Today, you can buy whitening treatments such as whitening strips over the counter at your local pharmacy. Anyone can achieve a brighter, whiter smile without even needing to go into the dentist.
Electric toothbrushes
The 60s saw the introduction of the electric toothbrush. With a moving head, the design was even more effective than manual brushing to remove plaque and tartar. When they first came on the market, similar to whitening, they were costly. They were also bulky and needed to be plugged into a power socket. Today, there are a range of electric toothbrushes available at a variety of price points, making it an accessible option. They also have rotating and oscillating heads to provide a more thorough clean.
New advancements
Looking ahead, experts are researching more ways to make dental care more effective. Clinical trials are taking place around a substance called dentin. Dentin is a substance naturally produced by teeth to protect the inner nerve from external damage. Though we do produce it naturally, it is at a prolonged rate, and scientists are seeking ways to speed up that process by using stem cells. The result of this would mean that artificial fillings may no longer be necessary and the tooth would regrow its dentin layer. It is a fascinating prospect as dental fillings often need replacing, which can weaken the tooth so much it falls apart. The treatment is nowhere near ready, and more research and trials are needed to develop it entirely. That said, it’s great to know that these options may be possible in the future.
