The dental industry has existed for thousands of years and has seen numerous changes, especially in the last century. Evolving technology and research lead to innovation that produces new trends. Keeping up to date with dental industry trends is essential for every dental practice.

Digital trends like patient portals have made dental practices more efficient and communicative. Dental Intelligence offers the perfect patient portal for your office. But patient portals aren’t the only trend you should be aware of. 

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, new technologies, methods, and philosophies are shaping the dental industry. 

7 Emerging Dental Industry Trends In 2023

Keeping up with new dental industry trends is essential to improve patient care. Following these trends can help your practice grow.

1. Artificial Intelligence Trends

Artificial intelligence is all over 2023 headlines. AI technology is evolving at a fast pace, and numerous industries are finding it to be a useful tool, dentistry included. The biggest impact AI is making on dentistry right now is through AI-powered imaging tools. 

Pearl AI, for example, learns algorithms to recognize patterns in dental images. It can then detect early signs of cavities, allowing for earlier treatment and prevention of further damage. Similarly, KaVo DIAGNOdent is a non-invasive AI approach to detecting cavities early on. 

Orca Dental AI is a tool for orthodontists. It uses 3D imaging to predict how each patient’s teeth will move during treatment. This tool makes treatment plans more accurate and personal to each patient.

2. Alternative Therapy Approaches 

The dental industry is embracing alternative therapy approaches to replace traditional medicine in some circumstances. These therapies are often more affordable than traditional dental services.

Specifically, therapies for patient anxiety before treatments or procedures are proving useful for many practices. Music therapy and virtual reality (VR) therapy are the primary methods to combat patient anxiety in 2023.

3. 3D Printing Trends

3D printers have altered how dental practices create molds, aligners, and prosthetics for patients. With 3D printing, dentists can make these tools much easier and quicker than ever, increasing the efficiency of dental care.

3D aligners are particularly popular. Invisalign, a notable dental service, primarily uses 3D printers to make their aligners. All dental practices can use 3D printers to make more accurate, effective aligners for their patients. 

3D printing has also made prosthetic implants for dental crowns and bridges more affordable. Not only that, but they are more likely to last longer. 

Finally, 3D printers can produce surgical guides to ensure accuracy during dental procedures. They print a model of the patient’s jaw to better guide the dentist during the implant placement.

4. Increase in Implant Demand

More patients in the United States are choosing implants as a treatment plan. One of the reasons implants are becoming more popular is the evolution of bone regeneration. Some patients may have been unable to use implants because of a weakened jaw.

Bone regeneration, which uses a bone graft to strengthen patients’ jaws, has made implants possible for more patients. Understanding this upward trend will help you better meet patients’ needs.

5. The Use of Digital Impressions

Dentists make impressions of patients’ teeth and gums to diagnose issues and provide treatment. Previously, this has been an uncomfortable and long process for the patient. However, with digital impressions, you no longer have to worry about the mess.

Digital impressions develop quicker, are more accurate, and eliminate patient discomfort. Their precision makes it easier for dentists to identify gum disease, decay, and malocclusion. 

With a more accurate diagnosis comes more accurate treatment. Dental patients have access to more personalized treatment than ever before. 

6. Teledentistry

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more industries are finding that workers can perform their jobs remotely. 

Dentistry treatment often requires an in-person appointment, but an initial appointment can sometimes involve a quick conversation. A dentist and patient may use teledentistry for communication purposes. 

This is a more cost-effective, accessible appointment method. The American Dental Association finds that teledentistry is an increasingly effective tool.

7. Intraoral Cameras

Dentists are using intraoral cameras to better investigate patients’ oral health. These high-quality cameras create better images of patients’ teeth, which allows dental practices to take a more accurate approach to their treatment plans.

Keep Up With Industry Trends With Dental Intelligence

The dental industry will continue to evolve, introducing new trends as technology advances. Keeping up with dental industry trends is a must if you want to become a profitable dental practice. 

To learn more about how you can make your dental practice more efficient and effective with Dental Intelligence’s software, schedule a demo today.