Technology is a necessary part of life in the 21st century and is used for everything from running a business and staying up-to-date on the news. Dentistry is no exception, as dentists use technology to improve patient care and carry out more efficient procedures. These changes make dental care a more positive experience for patients because the procedures are often less invasive, quicker, and more cosmetically appealing.
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is a powerful tool for your dental health, providing more efficient treatment and a much higher comfort level during the procedure than invasive drills and scalpels.
Our dentists at Valley Dental Care use Biolase Waterlase iPlus technology for dental procedures such as scaling and root planing to treat gum disease without harming healthy tissue. Besides virtually eliminating discomfort, laser dentistry also speeds up healing, allowing you to recover faster from your dental treatment.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Dental fillings are a common dental treatment for tooth decay. Previously, dentists used amalgam fillings which were silver and contained metal alloys and liquid mercury. Today, there are concerns about the safety of these fillings among some people due to the presence of metals. However, the FDA currently does not recommend replacing existing silver fillings with composite ones if they are in good condition.
Modern dental technology has improved the durability and appearance of these materials, enabling dentists to match the colors of original teeth with metal-free resin composites for a seamless smile.
Innovative Teeth Straightening Procedures
Adult and adolescent patients have more subtle options for straightening teeth like Invisalign, Six Month Smiles, or ClearCorrect that use custom clear aligner trays to apply pressure on certain teeth, encouraging them to move into alignment over time.
Depending on the severity of your misalignment, clear aligners can provide faster results than traditional braces. Your dentist will provide you with a new set of aligners every two weeks, with each tray targeting a different tooth or group of teeth. Regular follow-ups with a Valley Dental Care dentist can ensure that you enjoy a higher quality of life with clear aligners since you don’t have to adjust your eating or brushing habits.
Same-Day Crowns
Getting a dental crown used to involve biting down into a physical mold and then sending the impressions to a lab where the crown would be fabricated. You would need a temporary crown while waiting for your new dental crown to arrive from an off-site laboratory.
Same-day crowns are now a convenient reality. Using PlanScan® Technology, your dentist can design a crown that fits your mouth perfectly. The PlanScan system allows dentists to digitally scan teeth and create a 3D image of the prosthetic they want to make. The PlanMill uses the data from the PlanScan and the dentist’s input to create a dental crown within an hour. Once the crown is milled, the dentist can fit it over your tooth, saving you from making multiple visits.
At Valley Dental Care, we are committed to providing you with comfortable, compassionate dental care for better dental health and quality of life. Our team of professionals uses innovative technologies and minimally invasive procedures to relieve stress and provide you with a positive experience.
If you want to know more about our high-tech dental practices, call us today to schedule an appointment. We are happy to walk you through our procedures to ensure you feel safe and comfortable.