Show #346 Airing Sunday, 6/25/06
Clothing designers unveil their latest creations at annual fashion shows. Well, dentists have their own annual event where the latest in dental designs are revealed. Just back from their program in San Diego is our own Dior of Dentistry, Dr. Steven Marsh. We’ve rolled out the red carpet so he can give us the inside scoop on the newest techniques in cosmetic dentistry.
Question: I understand that you recently returned from attending a conference that focused on cosmetic dentistry. Can you tell us about it?
Answer: I recently got back from the 20th American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry's meeting, held in San Diego this year. Every year, for 5 days, cosmetic dentists from around the world come together for lectures and discussion groups devoted to continuing education and the latest trends in cosmetic dentistry.
For the first 10-15 years of the conference, about 200-250 dentists attended. Now, over 4,000 dentists, staff, and lab technicians participate.
Question: Can you tell us about the trends that are developing now?
Answer: Whitening is now more popular than ever. Picture of zoom machine. However, while whitening is getting whiter and brighter, there is also a trend towards a more natural looking color, away from the white-whites.
Before and after of natural whitening.
Another trend is the development of very close communication between the dentists and the labs who are involved in the makeover process by actually creating the crowns and veneers.
This communication is especially important in a third trend-the use of photography in dentistry. In my office, we take lots of photos with the digital camera, but the real innovations in dentistry and photography is in imaging.
Question: What is imaging?
Answer: Imaging is when a computer is used to give a patient an idea of what their finished smile will look like before any procedures are done.
In the past, I would use an imager in my office. Now, however, we work closely with the labs. I can send a before photo to a lab company, and they can send back an image of what they believe is possible.
Question: And I understand the last trend is of great importance to our audience. Correct?
Answer: It used to be that most people interested in cosmetic dentistry were younger, or were models, actors, etc. The trend now is that most patients are baby boomers or older who feel great and want to look as young as they feel.
Is your smile in style? If you want to learn more about how you can benefit from the latest trends in dentistry, give Dr. Marsh a call. His number's next.
