Technology continues to transform our world, and dentistry is no exception. Modern advances in the field of dentistry give us tools that we could never have imagined a few decades ago. If you are considering visiting a dentist, it’s important to choose one who takes full advantage of the dental progress that has transformed the discipline. Here are a few of the dental technologies we deploy in our practice to ensure our patients get the best results and have the best experience at every visit.
Virtual Consultation
Sometimes it’s hard to fit a dental visit into your busy schedule. We understand, and that’s why we’ve invested in the technology that lets us perform virtual consultations. All you have to do is take a picture of your smile and upload it to our site, along with a brief description of your smile goals. We’ll look at your picture and your goals and respond with a personalized video that addresses your current smile and how you can achieve your goals. Then you can make an appointment to achieve your goals.
Advanced Imaging
Getting a good look at your teeth is critical to understanding your needs and achieving your goals. We utilize powerful imaging techniques to ensure we are giving you the best treatment for your needs. For visual assessment, we can use an intraoral camera.
However, we go a step further with a true intraoral scanner. This scanner creates a 3D model of your teeth that we can use to plan and manufacture dental restorations.
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an x-ray visualization technique that lets us see your teeth and bones in 3D. This helps us plan dental treatments, including dental implant placement. We can merge the CBCT and digital scanner data to get a full picture for maximum accuracy in your treatments.
3D Printing
We don’t have to send to a lab for every little thing. Instead, we can use the data from our digital scanners to print many things you might need, such as custom orthodontic aligners, retainers, dentures, surgical guides, and more.
You’ll get faster treatment without needing to visit a second location.
Orthodontic Innovations
The science of straightening teeth is hundreds of years old, but it’s changed dramatically in recent years. Of course, Invisalign has transformed dentistry with its clear plastic aligners. We began using Invisalign in 2001–one of the earliest adopters of this technology–and we’re among the top 1% of providers in California. We know how to use it for maximum effectiveness.
We’ve also embraced rapid orthodontic treatments like Six Month Smiles and AcceleDent Accelerated Orthodontics. You don’t have to wait longer than necessary to get the beautiful straight smile you want.
Computerized Cosmetics
Although a dentist’s eye remains an essential part of cosmetic dentistry, computerized technology lets us take into account many subtle details quickly and accurately.
Our digital smile design lets us do detailed analysis of your smile and even simulate your results so you can get a look at your new smile before you start treatment.
Shadewave Computerized Color Matching lets us ensure that all your restorations will match your teeth under all lighting conditions. This ensures that your smile will look as good on the golf course as it does in the boardroom or the bedroom.
Dental / Facial analysis technology lets us create a harmonious balance between your facial features and your teeth. It ensures that cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and implant dentistry create a beautiful facial appearance, as well as a beautiful smile.
Proactive Prevention
Preventive dentistry is better than restorative dentistry, and we’ve taken steps to add the most sophisticated prevention technologies to our practice.
Laser cavity detection helps us to easily find cavities that would be missed by more traditional detection techniques.
DNA testing of your oral bacteria can tell us if you have an infection with types that are responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. It tells us how aggressive your oral hygiene should be, and whether we should escalate our other interventions.
CariFree is an advanced cavity prevention system that helps if you aren’t getting good enough results from traditional hygiene approaches–including regular dental checkups and cleanings.
VELscope oral cancer detection lets us see cancerous and precancerous cells by making them glow.
Minimal Intervention, Maximum Results
You don’t need to have a dramatic intervention to achieve a beautiful smile. We’ve adopted technologies that let us precisely treat your teeth to preserve natural structure while giving you more beautiful results.
BioClear is a great example. It’s an advanced composite, and it can provide results similar to porcelain veneers. However, unlike porcelain veneers, there’s no need to remove tooth enamel before treatment with BioClear.
Microabrasion is another technique that lets us preserve your natural tooth enamel. It lets us remove tiny cavities without needing to make room for a filling. It’s so gentle that you don’t even need your tooth numbed–you won’t feel a thing.
Laser dentistry lets us target your gums precisely for treatment. Whether you’re looking for cosmetic gum reshaping or gum disease treatment, lasers let us do it faster, with less discomfort and less bleeding–and generally better results too!
Enjoy the Benefits of Dental Technology in Irvine
Want to learn how these and other dental technologies can improve your dental treatment in Irvine? Please contact Rice Dentistry today for an appointment–or go ahead and use our virtual consultation tool if you prefer.
