Dental implants are growing in popularity by the day, with more people opting for a tooth replacement rather than leaving a gap where a tooth once sat. Not taking care of tooth loss can result in speech changes, jaw changes, and even a loss of self-esteem.

In the United Kingdom in 2018, dentists performed more than 260,000 dental implant procedures – double the figure from 2013. If that’s anything to go by, then it’s a procedure that’s bound to get more popular as the years go by.

With that in mind, there’s always room for improvement and advancement in the dental world – especially with procedures such as dental implants. That’s why Image Navigation announced the world’s first advanced image-guided implant system at the 2019 International Dentist Show in Messe Cologne, Germany.

The system, which is known as IGI for short, makes use of a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner but with some clever advancements. It’s equipped with intra-surgical navigation which can react and track in real-time while boasting sub-millimetre accuracy. In essence, this piece of equipment can perform dental implant procedures as accurately – if not more so – than a human dentist.

The dental plan is superimposed onto a 3D CT scan that shows the patient’s bone, teeth, roots, sinuses, and nerve canals. All of this information is in real-time with no lag and a full picture of what the IGI is up against. If the machine ever strays from the digital plan, it will stop and turn off as a safety measure.

Many dentists praise the system for what it brings to the dental industry. It takes all the benefits of freehand surgery but then applies far more accuracy than ever before. As it’s working, the surgeon monitors where the robot is moving as it happens and can make adjustments as he or she sees fit.

The benefits of this new dental implant technology are unparalleled. Dentists can be more precise, and healing times may even be shorter in the future. This IGI builds on the success of dental CT scanners which have been growing in popularity for nearly a decade. The US market has increased by over 300 percent, and there are thought to be at least 40,000 dental CT scanners in the US by 2022.

Dental implants have long been a preferred way in which to replace a missing tooth without resorting to dentures. Any accident, injury, or illness can require tooth removal, but it’s always helpful to know that dental implants are a way to solve the problem.

Dental implants are frames or posts constructed of metal that a dentist positions in your jawbone underneath your gum. Once in place, your dentist can then fit replacement teeth onto those posts. Unlike dentures, dental implants are firmly in place and take on the role of a natural tooth with full function.

However, dental implants require enough bone for a solid tooth foundation, and those who have suffered from an accident or injury resulting in tooth loss may not have enough.

Dentists solve that problem with a surgical procedure known as bone grafting. Titanium mesh supports the shape of the graft as new bone grows. However, that material can irritate soft tissue and can be particularly tricky to mold in place and get right.

That’s why 3D planning may be of future assistance in the dental implants field. A recent letter in the Journal of Oral Implantology discusses a possible technique to improve bone regeneration for dental implants.

Authors and doctors of the study from King Khalid University, King Saud University, and Loma Linda University created a virtual 3D model of a patient’s mouth with a bony defect resulting from an injury.

They identified where the graft should go with a computer program, printed a model, and fabricated it with titanium mesh so that it would fit the bone volume and position. The mesh was then filled with harvested bone and secured in the patient’s mouth with fixation screws.

3D planning allows dentists to form the most accurate shape for any bone loss. As a result, the patient is less likely to experience irritation from the titanium mesh and a more desirable healing outcome.

According to one of the authors, Aladdin J. Al-Ardah, the best part about 3D planning is precision. Accuracy is everything for the best outcome, and being able to know correct measurements and positioning before the procedure can save a significant amount of time in the dentist’s chair, and during healing and alterations.

There is still work to do, especially on improving the fabrication, but this dental procedure could become mainstream for the effective installation of dental implants in the future. Time will tell what this could mean for those with missing teeth as a result of an accident or injury.

Instead, it’s a revolutionary form of technology that has made many people smile with more confidence around the world — intrigued yet? Read on to learn everything you need to know about Invisalign.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses SmartForce Technology for nearly invisible teeth straightening. Instead of metal braces which stand out and come with a range of inconveniences, Invisalign are custom-made aligners that move your teeth to their best position and are entirely removable.

While they are not suitable for everyone in need of cosmetic dental treatment, they suit a significant number of people who would prefer not to wear braces. Ask your Invisalign-trained dentist if they are right for you.

What is the Process for Invisalign?

If you believe that Invisalign may be an excellent cosmetic dental procedure to help straighten your teeth, then it’s a good idea to visit your dentist. They can confirm that it’s right for you or suggest alternative options, such as braces, instead.

If Invisalign is a suitable method, your dentist will take photos, scans, or x-rays of your teeth so that they can create a three-dimensional treatment plan. This plan will also come in handy for the creation of your custom aligners.

You will receive three or four sets of Invisalign aligners at a time, which you will need to replace every two weeks. Within 12 to 18 months, you will see the final position of your teeth.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?

When braces work so effectively, you may be wondering why dentists chose to offer another cosmetic dental service to complement them. Invisalign are game-changers in the dental world. The first standout point is that they are nearly invisible. Very few people will ever know you are wearing an aligner unless they look closely.

They are also more comfortable than braces, which can have irritating metal brackets, and they are hygienic. You can remove them to eat food and clean your teeth. Invisalign aligners sometimes require fewer visits to a dentist and allow you to visualise each treatment stage.

Who Can Use Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners won’t be for everyone. They are suitable for most mild and moderate cases of correction. Check with your dentist and see if they recommend Invisalign or an alternative method of straightening.

Invisalign is a near-invisible, hygienic, and comfortable cosmetic dental service for those who are not happy with their teeth. Get in touch with your dentist to see if Invisalign or traditional braces are right for you.