In my years of dental practice, I’ve witnessed remarkable changes in cosmetic dentistry, especially in patient comfort. Gone is the notion of a visit to the dentist being painful or uncomfortable, as efficiency and cutting-edge technology improve the patient experience.

This year is going to be a particularly exciting one, with some of the most innovative trends and treatments to date coming to KB Village Dental.

So, let’s look at what to expect in cosmetic dentistry in 2024.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

A cosmetic dentist aims to make your smile as beautiful as possible with various procedures to improve the natural appearance of your teeth and gums. However, it’s often the case that improving your smile also benefits overall oral health. Here are some of the common reasons people see a cosmetic dentist:

• To have old fillings replaced with more modern materials.
• For teeth whitening to give them a brighter smile.
• For orthodontics to reposition crooked teeth.
• To replace missing teeth or minimise gaps between the teeth with dental implants or dental bridges.
• To repair broken, cracked or chipped teeth with dental crowns or dental bonding.
• To fix a gummy smile with gum contouring.
• To repair discolouration or staining with veneers.

How technology is revolutionising cosmetic dentistry

Digital dentistry has transformed our approach. Many procedures are now more precise and less invasive. Here at KB Village Dental, we’ve embraced technological advances in imaging and 3D milling.

Creating a tailor-made solution for patients using digital smile design software gives them more say in the outcome and ensures a perfect, more comfortable fit and a more aesthetically pleasing result.

Another example is computer-assisted 3D-guided surgery for dental implants. The use of this technology has made this dental procedure less invasive and, therefore, less painful for patients. It has also led to greater long-term success of dental implants by ensuring they are optimally placed.

Even dental procedures that require tooth impressions have been revolutionised with intraoral scanners. This technology has improved accuracy and precision for a range of standard procedures, including dental crowns and veneers.

If you’re considering veneers, here are 10 facts about them that you probably don’t know, including how technology has affected their longevity.

The rise of smile makeovers and restorations

Put simply, smile makeovers change lives. And they are not just for those people who believe beauty and aesthetics are everything. Undergoing a series of dental procedures to transform your smile is growing in popularity because it can boost self-confidence and make you feel more positive in all aspects of your life.

Personalised treatment plans are used to build a smile design. It considers a person’s unique facial structure and dental needs and usually combines various treatments such as dental veneers, orthodontics, or dental bonding

In some cases, 3D milling technology can be used to create dental crowns or dental bridges, which are used to replace damaged or missing teeth. Not only does replacing missing teeth improve your facial structure, but it can also help with chewing and improve your overall oral health. So, as you can see, a smile transformation can do more than just make you look fantastic.

You can read more about what teeth look like after a smile makeover here.

Make teeth whitening a part of your smile makeover

Teeth whitening treatments continue to be a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure for people from all walks of life. The latest, most innovative professional whitening systems offer dramatic results in a single visit, so there’s no longer a need for multiple appointments to achieve glowing smile enhancements.

KB Village Dental also offers very effective at-home whitening kits to help you maintain your smile between dental visits.

See our article on the safety of teeth whitening and how long it lasts for more information on these treatments.

The future of orthodontics goes beyond braces

Another shift in cosmetic dentistry is the advent of new techniques in accelerated orthodontics, which significantly reduce the time it takes treatments to work.

Further innovations such as clear aligners and other invisible solutions are also helping to revolutionise orthodontics by offering discreet, comfortable treatments for adults with crooked teeth or gaps between their teeth. Best of all, these options can often deliver similar outcomes to other methods.

See our article Invisalign vs Braces: The Pros and Cons for more information on these exciting innovations.

Dental technology can’t replace good oral health

Keeping on top of your oral health is essential for protecting tooth structure, which is vital for bone health, speech and maintaining the shape of your face. The trend towards preserving the natural tooth structure means that minimally invasive techniques are now the norm in cosmetic dentistry.

The use of natural-looking materials like porcelain and composite resins has increased as these tooth-coloured fillings provide patients with more aesthetically pleasing results. And we all know that having a beautiful, healthy smile does wonders for our self-esteem as well as being crucial for overall good health and well-being.

Cosmetic dentistry looks toward sustainable practices

Advancements in technology aren’t the only things changing cosmetic dentistry. Another growing trend is the adoption of sustainable practices. At KB Village Dental, we are very proud to be part of a movement towards a more eco-friendly way of operating, including the use of biodegradable and non-toxic materials.

Cosmetic dentistry that will leave you all smiles

It’s the role of dentists such as myself to keep on top of trends and the latest treatments in cosmetic dentistry so that I can provide the best possible care to my patients.

If you are looking for a North Sydney dentist who will go that extra step to make sure you feel calm and comfortable, contact KB Village Dental today to discuss our cosmetic dentistry procedures so that you can step out into the world with confidence.