As digital technology continues to advance, it’s significantly impacting our lives. There’s scarcely a part of modern culture that its introduction hasn’t influenced. Dental medicine is just one area of the medical industry that has seen significant advances thanks to the growing availability of digital imaging. Cosmetic dentistry, in particular, has struggled with a communication block between patient and dentist that this new technology addresses. Patients would describe their desired outcomes, and cosmetic dentists would describe what they could expect. However, this was all done verbally, and there was no visual aspect to ensure that each understood the other correctly. Digital technology has overcome this limitation and allowed the outcomes to be shown in advance.
Setting Clear Expectations With Digital Technology
Dental imaging has a significant role to play in the area of cosmetic dentistry. Dentists can use this technology to create photorealistic images of the oral cavity in 3D. These images can then be presented on a monitor and rotated to any viewing point. Due to their digital format, they can quickly, easily, and securely be transmitted to other providers in and out of the office. This imaging technology allows dentists to have clear conversations with their patients, pointing out concerns and discussing treatment approaches. However, the real point where this new technology shines is setting proper expectations.
Digital technology can go beyond merely showing the patient a current and clear image of their oral concerns. It can also project corrections and treatment results onto the image. They’ll be able to understand the results of dental whitening clearly. They can also see how their mouth will look with restoration work, cosmetic treatments, and even veneers. Patients can see the results and determine if it’s what they’re hoping to achieve during their dental care. Cosmetic dentistry can be costly, especially since it’s rarely covered by dental insurance. Setting a clear expectation of the results helps prevent patient buyer remorse.
Dental imaging makes it possible to:
- Provide clear previews of potential outcomes
- Clearly understand the desires of the patient
- Show the results of a range of treatment options
- Ensure patient expectations are correctly set
- Instill confidence in the treatment and results in the patient
Patients undergoing a consultation using digital technology can feel confident in their choices to move forward. They’ll be able to understand the possible results of these treatments better than ever before. Further, they’ll be able to know whether they’ll be able to achieve their desired results with the options presented. Everyone benefits from the more precise communication this technology provides.
Reach Out To Your Dental Provider For More Information
Your dental professional will be best equipped to tell you how digital technology is used at their clinic. Every year more offices are investing in providing this treatment planning option for their patients. Start preparing for your next appointment by calling and scheduling your visit. During your visits, your dentist will answer your questions and know what options are available in digital technology.
