As a practice, dentistry has been around for ages. We’ve been able to watch it evolve into the technologically advanced, life-changing practice it is now, and it’s largely thanks to the astounding advancements in technology. When it comes to technology and the dental industry, they practically go hand-in-hand. If you want your practice to truly shine, you’ve got to equip it with technologies that will take you further. From the advent of braces to the latest advancements with AI, here are the fascinating ways in which dental technology has developed and where it will go from here.

Earlier Advancements

We can trace dentistry’s origins back to the 1000s, meaning its history of innovation is long and illustrious. Even in the most recent decades, though, we’ve seen explosive growth and change.

Braces

A staple of orthodontists everywhere, braces adorn the mouths of people around the globe. While they go as far back to ancient Egypt, braces, as we know them today, came on the scene in the 1970s. Stainless steel and dental adhesives allowed the wires to bond effectively, making it a more comfortable and effective mechanism.

Dental Implants

As with braces, we can trace dental implants in their earliest forms back quite some time. When it comes to their effective use and comfort, however, you have to turn to the 1960s. Dentists implemented the very first titanium dental implant in 1965, and it was a huge success.

Current Technologies

Walk into any modern dental practice and you’ll find some truly incredible technology. Advancements are happening every day—here are just a few of the life-changing technologies you’ll find.

Invisalign

Clunky braces are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Due to the advent and popularization of Invisalign, patients can get straight teeth without flashing a metal smile. It’s becoming increasingly popular, especially among adult patients.

3D Printing

3D printing has wide-reaching capabilities across many different industries, and they especially show promise in the dental industry. Rather than having to get tasks printed through a third party, practices can print what they need in-house, lowering the costs for the dentist and patient.

The Future

New and incredible technologies are always on the horizon, and when it comes to technology and the dental industry, things are just heating up. Our world is more inundated with technology than ever before, and it reflects in the new advancements that will become mainstream in no time.

Cloud-Based Software

The Cloud is impacting businesses across the globe, and this rings true for dental practices. While it may not be a technology that’s directly used on patients, its applications make clerical work that much easier and information that much more secure.

Robotics

Robotics is all about automation and precision—something that the dental industry can benefit from. Not only could robots perform routine, minimally invasive surgeries, dentists can also use them remotely to perform a procedure on the other side of the globe. With robotics, the possibilities are limitless.

Not only will the latest technology increase patient satisfaction, but also your practice’s value. Chat with your dental broker about all the latest technologies and if they’d be a good fit for your practice. At the end of the day, technology will continue to change—what matters is treating your patients with the utmost care.