The dental industry has been experiencing a lot of changes in recent years. With the advent of new technologies and treatments, dentists have had to adapt to stay competitive.
Here are the top 10 emerging trends in the dental industry that you need to know about.
#1: Luxury Dentistry
Some patients seek a higher level of luxury and pampering. They opt to receive their aesthetic treatments while enjoying a glass of wine or champagne while relaxing in a spa-like environment while traveling abroad.
Luxury dentistry also implies having ample amenities, such as dining areas and waiting rooms. A new trend is to create “dental spas”. Dentists buy or create luxurious locations that offer amenities like comfortable waiting areas, live music, and refreshments.
#2: Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments Becoming More Permanent
Using nanotechnology, dentists are able to use fillers that are more natural-looking and feel less like fillers. This technique can be used on gums as well as under the lips of people who have thin lips.
The new filters also last longer without being replaced, providing patients with a permanent solution for missing teeth or receding gums.
#3: Specialty Dental Care
Patients want dental care tailored to their needs, making it essential for dentists to stay abreast of evolving technologies and treatments.
One example is laser gum surgery which uses advanced lasers for precise incisions in the gums. These lasers also reduce bleeding and swelling while minimizing the need for drugs to numb tissue, which makes recovery times shorter.
#4: Dentistry Becoming a Key Player in Healthcare
Dentists are now playing a more significant role in patient care because of their expanded ability to detect oral cancer due to better equipment and imaging techniques.
They can also help monitor patients’ cardiovascular health by identifying periodontal disease that is linked with heart disease.
Due to these expanded roles, insurance companies such as Aetna, Cigna, and United Health Group have been including coverage for dental procedures such as teeth whitening, dental implants, and veneers.
#5: Digital Technology Made Accessible to Patients
Digital technology is one of the biggest trends in dentistry today. As a result, dental practices are becoming more patient-friendly with the use of smartphone access, online check-ins, video chats with dentists, and computerized treatment plans.
Patients can now have their high-resolution images stored electronically, helping to speed up the consultation process with faster diagnoses by radiologists. Digital x-rays are also safer due to reduced radiation exposure for patients and dentists alike.
#6: Dental Implants Replacing Bridges, Dentures
Patients opt for dental implants rather than bridges or dentures because they are more aesthetically pleasing while delivering superior function.
This has resulted in an increase of new implant sites being added throughout North America.
#7: Younger People Seeking More Advanced Treatments
The number of millennials seeking more advanced treatments such as laser whitening, veneers, and dental implants has been on the rise.
They are less afraid of going to a dentist’s office for regular check-ups, resulting in an increase of younger patients receiving treatment compared to older generations.
#8: Cosmetic Dentistry Becoming More Affordable
Hospitals that offer cosmetic dentistry treatments such as dental veneers, teeth whitening, and porcelain crowns have lowered their prices.
This enables more people to take advantage of such procedures, which can be very costly at privately owned dental practices. The hospitals also offer financing options so patients can pay off these procedures over time through free monthly payments.
#9: Prevention Becoming More Important
Today’s consumers want everything done for them, and they want it done quickly. However, with the increase of dental treatments over the years, people are becoming more aware of their oral health and want to make sure they prevent any future problems.
This has made preventive dentistry a priority for many people who take advantage of products such as Pronamel, which helps promote healthy teeth by removing bacteria and reducing enamel erosion caused by sugar and acid.
#10: Dental Tourism Promoting Smiles Around the World
Due to the cost of dental treatment in North America, certain countries like Costa Rica have seen an increase in patients traveling there for cheaper rates on procedures such as cosmetic veneers.
They also offer wellness packages that include yoga, spa treatments, luxury accommodations, and fitness centers so clients can relax while getting their dental work done.
The dental industry is constantly evolving with new technologies and treatments being introduced. The top 10 trends we’ve outlined in this article reflect the changes within the industry and how patients respond to them. Whether you’re looking for more advanced treatment or simply want to keep your teeth healthy, there’s something for everyone in today’s dental landscape.
