Dr. Yaste, Dr. Tesmer and Dr. Binns of Ballantyne Dentistry in Charlotte NC have brought a new doctor in their experience fold: Dr. Eric Davis. Together, they offer nearly any dental treatment a patient would need to get their smile looking and functioning its best.
Dr. Davis specializes in veneers, facial aesthetics, and full-mouth rehabilitation, and he is staying ahead by utilizing cutting-edge technology and modernized digital dentistry techniques. Curious about digital dentistry? We talked with Dr. Davis for some insight on what this means, and how important it is
What is digital dentistry?
Digital dentistry is any computer aided technology which helps a dentist diagnose, plan and treat patients more efficiently and comfortably. One of the biggest advancements in digital dentistry is 3-D digital imaging scanners. These can be used for cosmetics, Invisalign, disease prevention, and much more.
What are the benefits of digital dentistry and how can it improve people’s dental experience?
Digital dentistry gives patients more control of their dental health.
We can now show real time virtual smile designs to patients interested in changing their smiles appearance with Invisalign, dental veneers, dental implants, and more. Patients can talk openly with their dentist to plan their dental needs and customize their care. With intraoral scanning we can create 3-D images of your jaw, teeth, and gums that instantly display onto a tablet. Communication and trust improve greatly once patients can see their needs and treatment options.
In addition, digital dentistry, specifically digital scanners, allow dentists to no longer use “goop” or traditional impression material that has an unpleasant scent and taste. This is especially great for patients with a gag reflex. Instead, we take digital impressions which alleviate discomfort and save a significant amount of time. Not to mention, these scans are more accurate due to distortions in traditional techniques and reduce appointment times by 20%.
Digital scanning also improves the accuracy of dental procedures and has drastically advanced the planning, design, and manufacturing of dental restorations (crowns, veneers, Invisalign etc). We can provide well-fitting customized results to patients compared to more traditional techniques.
How do you know if your dentist is providing digital dentistry?
Over 85% of offices worldwide take dental impressions the conventional way. The best way to know if your dental office is digital is by simply asking. The office can tell you if they are using 3-D printing, using intraoral scanners, taking digital x-rays, and providing Invisalign.
Is an office using digital dentistry more expensive to a patient?
There is generally no difference in cost between a non-digital office and digital dental practice. With more accessibility, less manufacturing issues and greater accuracy I believe that in the long run digital dentistry can actually be less expensive for patients.
What does the future of dentistry look like?
Anyone who owns a computer, phone or tablet knows how quickly technology changes. Digital dentistry is no exception. Dental offices committed to providing the most advanced patient care invest in technology and keep up with these advancements.
Digital dentistry is having a positive impact on the environment because there are no wasted plastics from impressions and materials. Digital transmission of cases eliminates wasteful packaging and shipping. A smaller carbon footprint is better for the planet.
The future is bright for both patients and dental professionals. Digital dentistry is revolutionizing the perception of dentistry from a patient’s perspective and is making the patient experience more enjoyable and comfortable.
