Cosmetic treatments are a $4 billion industry in the United States. As with other forms of medicine, dentistry is continually evolving. Research, improved training, and advances in dental technology are reshaping the industry while quite literally reshaping patients’ smiles.
2020 marks the beginning of a new decade, so the dental team of Grand Lake Dental is taking this moment to explore important trends in cosmetic dentistry. If this blog leaves you thinking about ways to add beauty to your smile, we invite you to explore our Grove, OK dental practice’s cosmetic treatment options.
A Brief Look Back at Cosmetic Dentistry
It is a safe bet that humans have tried various cosmetic treatments for as long as they have cared about the appearance of their teeth. The Egyptians and Romans were known to use various forms of toothpaste. The early 20th century saw the use of porcelain crowns, which were later fused with metal for increased durability.
At-home bleaching became an option in 1989. Veneers had been around as a temporary fix for movie stars, but the first permanent variants became available for everyone else in the 1980s.
Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Trends of 2020
Modern cosmetic dentistry employs new technology while continually improving and refining existing techniques. To stay on top of these advances, Dr. Karl Jobst is dedicated to continual education and clinical excellence in dentistry. He is currently an active participant in the elite Spear Education Program in Scottsdale, AZ.
Here’s an overview of cosmetic trends and popular treatments.
Teeth Whitening
While teeth whitening isn’t new, there is a general trend toward more natural-looking results. Many of us are old enough to remember the 1999 episode of Friends where Ross goes overboard on his teeth whitening treatment. The audience’s laughter hit riotous levels when Ross showed his overly bleached results.
The level of your teeth whitening treatment is a personal decision. It is possible to brighten your smile by several shades without the results coming off as over-the-top.
Teeth whitening is and will remain a very popular cosmetic treatment. Globally, teeth whitening treatments and products will constitute a $7 billion industry. It is also an evolving industry.
You may have noticed an increase in the number of ads offering at-home whitening treatments. Many of these products include fancy LED lights that are used in conjunction with a whitening gel that contains some amount of peroxide.
While many of these products may deliver cosmetic results, only a professional teeth whitening can guarantee drastic results in a predictable and safe manner. Anyone who has tooth sensitivity may especially benefit from working with Dr. Jobst. Our dentist has many years of experience, and he can provide advice and tips to help you avoid uncomfortable side effects following your whitening treatment.
For our patients’ convenience, we offer in-office and take-home treatments. Treatments at our office offer drastic results in around one hour. Some patients prefer the convenience of home for their whitening treatment. Whatever your preference is, our dental team will be glad to provide you with the right tools and advice to brighten your smile.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligner technology has revolutionized orthodontic treatments. Before Invisalign developed the first model, enjoying straight teeth required uncomfortable wire tightenings and dietary limits. Our office works with Invisalign because of the proven results and reliability the company offers.
Invisalign uses patented Invisalign SmartTrack material, which has been proven to deliver incredible and predictable cosmetic results. Beyond being very effective, the clean aligners are incredibly discreet. When kept clean, few people will be able to tell that you are wearing clear aligners.
Clear aligners are removable, meaning that you will be able to eat any foods of your choice. Simply remove the trays, have your meal, and place the trays again. We recommend that you brush your teeth or at least gargle with mouthwash before placing your trays to prevent build-up of food particles.
3D Printers
If you are using Invisalign, then already have a 3D-printed appliance in your mouth! While restorations like crowns and bridges are constructed by milling down a solid block of ceramic or another material, 3D printers build restorations and other dental appliances from the ground up.
3D printers are now used to construct drill guides for dental implants. Doctors can use the technology to create accurate models that allow you to see what your restoration will look like before it is fabricated. Maybe one day, all restorations will be constructed using this computer-guided technology.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are incredibly reliable. The earliest implants were developed in the 1960s and ’70s. Now, millions of Americans have undergone dental implant placement. Implants are the only restoration that truly replaces a missing tooth.
Traditional prosthetics fill gaps between teeth while a dental implant replaces the root and crown. One trend that is shaping this technology is use among younger adults. As the benefits of dental implants become more widely known, adults in their 50s, 40s, and even 30s are beginning to see the restorative treatment.
Dental implants offer incredible cosmetic results. If you are missing one tooth, Dr. Jobst can have you fitted with one implant that can be capped with a dental crown. Careful care will be taken when fabricating your crown to ensure that the restoration blends well with your natural teeth.
A traditional bridge requires the removal of natural tooth structure from neighboring teeth. One benefit of a dental implant is that you will not need to have your natural teeth altered.
Digital Previews
Many dental practices are using special software to render realistic previews of cosmetic results. If you are unsure about committing to a specific cosmetic treatment, the technology can give you a before and after comparison.
Better Ceramics
At Grand Lake Dental, we work with an established and reputable dental lab. If you thought that a porcelain crown was carved from a rock, guess again. Ceramics is an evolving science. The material is being continually refined and tested to deliver stronger and more natural-looking results.
If it has been 10 or more years since your last restoration was replaced, you will probably benefit from improved durability and better aesthetics once Dr. Jobst places your new restoration.
If you opt for porcelain veneers, you will similarly benefit from a technologically advanced material that is both durable and natural-looking.
Make 2020 the Year You Revamp Your Smile
Have you been putting off cosmetic treatments? Many of us understandably get caught up in work, life, parenting, and maintaining relationships. Putting others first is commendable, but it’s important to treat yourself generously too.
Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in your appearance and self-confidence. An attractive smile can often deliver surprising benefits in your professional and personal life.
If you are still unsure, schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Jobst. If you have a cleaning or exam coming up, that would also be a great time to get his thoughts on suitable cosmetic treatments. You may be surprised how affordable many cosmetic treatments are. We even offer this online Smile Analysis questionnaire.
To schedule your cosmetic consultation, please contact our office online or call (918) 787-5800.