November 23, 2022

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and as we write this, families across the nation are preparing to gather in a celebration of the bonds that unite us. The spirit of this season springs from a profound sense of gratitude. We at the Blende Dental Group believe that relationships form the cornerstone of our success. We wouldn’t be able to achieve our goals without the support of our cherished partners and patients. And so we would like to take a special moment to thank you all.

We Are Grateful for You

We have so many things to be thankful for at the Blende Dental Group: the people behind the scenes who make us tick, our patients, our partners, and our hard-working teams. One of the most inspiring aspects of this company is that we have created an organization that feels more like an extended family and that we are able to support populations that have historically had difficulty accessing the dental care they need. It’s a sincere honor to wake up every morning knowing that we will be making a difference in the lives of others.

None of this would be possible in the absence of meaningful relationships. And that’s part of the concept behind the Blende Dental Group – that on a philosophical level, we are all linked by our dedication to the goals of providing the most robust continuum of care for patients of all backgrounds, needs, and unique challenges.

On behalf of everyone at the Blende Dental Group, we have the privilege of thanking you for showing consistent confidence in our services. You are truly valuable allies and friends to our practice. We wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!

November 22, 2022

House calls are firmly ingrained in the fabric of American culture and history. We’ve all heard stories about the country doctor who traveled across hill and dale to care for patients around the local community. Today, many people believe the tradition exists only in nostalgia, period-piece stories, small rural towns, or the memories of our elders. They seem surprised when we tell them we specialize in house calls. In fact, house calls have not only returned, they’ve regained prominence and importance. The modernization of mobile technologies and the evolving needs of society have brought renewed attention to a formerly bygone practice. And for dentistry, house calls represent new access to care for people who would otherwise go without treatment.

The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of the House Call

In the early 1930s, house calls represented 40% of doctor-patient meetings. Over the next 20 years, they grew to encompass almost half of all medical consultations. However, the frequency of house calls plummeted to less than one percent by the 1980s. So what happened? As Tina Rosenberg explained in a 2016 New York Times article, “The country began building big hospitals and luxurious doctors’ offices, and doctors acquired sophisticated equipment they couldn’t put in a medical bag. Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement systems made home visits untenable. But the house call is now a better idea than ever.”

Traction for reviving house calls took hold again in the 1990s when team home care, including in-home visits, became a small but growing field in health care. The primary patient groups were seniors and people with chronic illnesses. Examining their challenges sheds more light on the renaissance of house calls in the modern era.

For frail seniors, people with special needs, and the homebound, routine care is next to impossible. Going to the doctor or the dentist for preventative treatment is a big undertaking. Relatives must take time off from work to transport their loved ones. Sometimes an ambulette must be hired. Some people can’t physically leave their homes. Still others have conditions that prevent them from tolerating procedures in a medical office. So what happens? They forgo the routine care they need. Then, whether for a health or dental emergency, they land in the hospital.

“But most hospitals are fee-for-service: they benefit from having more patients, not fewer,” Rosenberg pointed out. “Today two-thirds of doctors are employed by hospitals, which buy practices in part to require doctors to send them patients. And that percentage is growing fast.”

During Rosenberg’s research and interviews with medical professionals, she noticed some fascinating trends. Doctors who opted to focus on house calls had more time for work-life balance, made more money by not “buying practices” from hospitals, had better connections and insights from their patients, and were able to treat people who couldn’t access regular care. 

“Time is another advantage,” Rosenberg wrote. “House calls eliminate no-shows. So doctors don’t have to do the double- and triple-booking that can lead to seeing 30 patients per day.”

The issues are particularly more pronounced with dental care. Let’s face it, more people put off going to the dentist than they do their doctor. So imagine what that’s like for homebound seniors or people with special needs. The end result is the same, because oral health problems lead to dire physical problems – so these patients wind up in the emergency room. 

One of the factors that contributed to the demise of the house call was bringing equipment to patients. Well, the technological barriers have been lifted with advances in portable treatment tools, mobile x-ray machines, sterilization equipment, and teledentistry. 

With about two-thirds of our aging population expected to suffer from chronic oral health and medical conditions, they’ll need access to attention early; dentists who make house calls may be the only ones equipped to provide this care. 

Researchers and the Government Support House Calls

On February 26, 2018, the House of Representatives voted 387–13 in favor of the Action for Dental Health Act of 2017. Thematically, this bill is intended to prevent dental disease, divert dental emergencies from high-cost centers (like hospital emergency rooms) to dental offices, and reduce barriers to accessing care. Lines 15–17 of the bill include grant funding to support portable or mobile dental equipment, and this should lead to an expansion of opportunities to deliver and receive care through the use of portable dental equipment. Portable dental equipment includes relatively lightweight and easily movable dental chairs, x-ray units, and portable dental drills.

More recently, Congress passed another bill to help bolster funding for mobile health care. On October 18, 2022, President Biden signed into law S. 958, the “Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for (MOBILE) Health Care Act,” which allows community health centers to use New Access Point grants to establish mobile health clinics. This was a bipartisan effort championed by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV), Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA), and Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA). The law allows federal funding to be used for mobile outreach clinics. 

As Taylor Heeden wrote for the Chatham News and Record (a paper covering Hudson’s district), “Before the COVID-19 pandemic, community health clinics were only allowed to use federal grants for ‘brick and mortar’ additions to facilities, not for mobile outreach efforts. But during the pandemic, the government lifted those brick-and-mortar restrictions and allowed facilities to use their federal funds to purchase mobile clinic supplies, such as buses, vans, medical equipment and more.”

A Timeless Solution for Current Needs

Over 61 million people in the United States live with special needs, including 7 million children. Yet as we’ve seen, these individuals go without proper oral care given the lack of dentists who have the specialized skills, training, and capabilities to serve these unique patients. It’s important to understand that you and your loved ones can get the care you need through in-home care, facilitated by advances in mobile dentistry, and the evolution of sleep and sedation options. This has been the hallmark of the Blende Dental Group. We have devoted our practice to supporting the under-supported.

Forgoing dental care should never be an acceptable option. The modernization of house calls, mobile dentistry, and portable equipment overcomes these hurdles for seniors and those who care for them. It’s also a cornerstone of the Blende Dental Group, which is home to House Call Dentists. 

Mobile dentistry: Care in the comfort of familiar surroundings

Our fully equipped team of dentists, registered dental assistants, and mobile hygienists provide in-home dental evaluations and treatments with portable dental equipment. Based on our assessment, we determine the level of care required and whether treatment can be delivered in the home or under sedation in our office or the hospital. Providing sedation in any of these locations allows us to complete care in as few as one or two visits.

Caring for Seniors Is Our Specialty

We partner with families, care facilities, and health care providers – including dentists, physicians, care managers, and social workers – to develop a targeted daily dental care plan that complements successful treatment. When homebound seniors experience discomfort, we’re dedicated to making treatment as comfortable as possible. Initial visits include exams, digital x-rays, cleanings, and emergency care as needed to rapidly eliminate infection or pain. Our medical and dental teams meet or exceed hospital grade standards for sterilization safety.

Our multidisciplinary team of nationally recognized dentists, anesthesiologists, and MDs allows us to offer palliative treatment to full-mouth restoration in the safety and comfort of your home. We bring state- of-the-art mobile dental technologies to people who are homebound or have difficulty traveling to a dentist. We provide preventative, restorative, and emergency care 24/7/365.  Our teams handle the setup and breakdown of all portable equipment, as well as access to our teledentistry platform, which provides real-time access to video visits with your dentist, treatment plans, and more.

Of course, as Rosenberg also highlighted in her article “house calls may be making a revival among the wealthy through concierge telemedicine.” At House Call Dentists, our teams have been specializing in concierge in-home care for years. Learn more about how house calls can help you and your family.  

November 8, 2022

With Halloween behind us and more holidays on the way, along with a bevy of sweets and treats, it’s no coincidence that National Brush Day is observed on November 1 as a way to reinforce the importance of children’s oral health while promoting the good tooth-brushing habits recommended by dental experts. We’ve already discussed some helpful tips for keeping teeth healthy during holidays packed with confections, but have you ever wondered about the device that does all the heavy lifting? Yes, the toothbrush itself has an interesting and storied history. In honor of National Brush Day, let’s explore the origins of this humble yet essential oral hygiene tool.

The Ancient Origins of the Modern Toothbrush

“As humans are primates and primates are gregarious and visually oriented, facial appearance, including the teeth, has likely influenced social self-consciousness since time immemorial,” according to University of the Pacific’s virtual dental museum. “In response, throughout the ages people have tried various devices for maintaining pleasant smiles and, consequently, healthy mouths.”

“Toothpicks, in the form of wood, bone, reeds, quills, thorns, ivory, metal or plastic, have been used for over 5,000 years and possibly since prehistoric times,” the university explained. “Using a finger, with or without a covering, to rub the teeth was popular in ancient Greece, and in 17th- to mid 19th century Europe, a piece of linen or a sponge was preferred.”

It wasn’t until 1498 when the incarnation of the modern bristle toothbrush appeared in China. The stiff, coarse hairs from the back of a boar’s neck were attached to handles made of bone or bamboo.

During the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe, toothbrushes evolved into rare luxury items. With ornate handles designed from silver, gilt, and gold, these devices belonged primarily to wealthy households.

The toothbrush made its appearance in the United States just three years after the end of the Revolutionary War, with American dentists advocating for brushing. But because toothbrushes were mostly imported from Europe, their use remained scarce in the States. Finally, in 1857, the first U.S. patent for a toothbrush was filed.

Toothbrush development took its most significant step forward in 1938 when DuPont announced “Dr. West’s Miracle Tuft brush” made with nylon filaments instead of natural bristles. Synthetic handles also gained adoption during World War II, marking the end of bone handles, which faded from production. As refinements occurred over the intervening years, the 1960s saw the launch of the first electric toothbrush.

Other Interesting Facts

From the Library of Congress, the official national research library of the United States, here are some other intriguing tidbits to round out the history of the toothbrush.

• The first mass-produced toothbrush was made by William Addis of Clerkenwald, England, around 1780.
• The first American to patent a toothbrush was H. N. Wadsworth, (patent number 18,653,) on Nov. 7, 1857.
• Mass production of toothbrushes began in America around 1885.
• One of the first electric toothbrushes to hit the American market was in 1960. It was marketed by the Squibb company under the name Broxodent.

 Toothbrushes Today

The toothbrush continues to innovate alongside research and development efforts. From crude “chew sticks” to pieces of art to the advanced practical designs of today, toothbrushes are ingrained as an instrumental aspect of human history.

Ongoing research and rigorous quality control tests continue to propel the effectiveness of toothbrushes. So what’s the best option today? For the vast majority of people, a soft-bristled toothbrush will be the most comfortable and safest choice. Depending on how vigorously you brush your teeth and the strength of your teeth, medium- and hard-bristled brushes could actually damage the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel. For even more tooth protection when you brush, be sure the bristles on the toothbrush you select have rounded tips.

For more tips on brushing and oral hygiene, schedule a visit with the Blende Dental Group today for a checkup and consultation.

October 28, 2022

With Halloween falling on a Monday this year, weekend gatherings and All Hallows Eve trick-or-treating mean costumed revelers may have three days’ worth of sweets and goodies to enjoy. That’s a lot of sugar. But there are steps we can take to protect our mouths from candy related damage. 

From Honoring the Harvest to Harvesting Hoards of Goodies

The holiday originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.

The American custom of trick-or-treating started in the 1930s. At that time, neighbors would give children homemade cookies, pieces of cake, fruit, nuts, coins, and toys. Sometime around the 1950s, candy manufacturers capitalized on the growing trend by advertising their products as affordable and convenient options for Halloween handouts. Twenty year later, in the 1970s, wrapped, factory-made candy had become the almost exclusive standard for spooky season treats. A key reason for this was safety, because packaged candy seemed more tamper resistant than homemade goodies.

Halloween handouts, however, can become too much of a good thing. Sugar has a direct connection to tooth decay. Bacteria feeds on sugar, which produces acid that interacts with saliva. This combination leads to plaque on teeth, which dissolves enamel, creates decay, and produces cavities. So let’s take a look at some tips for promoting oral health while still having some spooky fun.

Halloween Oral Health Tips

Of course, routine dental checkups and daily oral hygiene habits should always be followed. For instance, brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste twice a day for at least 2 minutes, covering all four quadrants for 30 seconds. The following tips are focused on making trick-or-treating less tricky for our teeth.

• Use moderation. That means encouraging kids to enjoy fun-sized candies instead of the full-sized bars. The smaller portions have just as much flavor with only a fraction of the sugars.
• Drinking water helps rinse away sugar that would otherwise cling to teeth. It also balances out the pH levels in your mouth that sugar makes unbalanced.
• Limit candy consumption throughout the day. Instead of gulping down handfuls of goodies, eat a few pieces with lunch or dinner. It’s also a good way to make that trove of treats last more than a day.
• Avoid sticky or chewy candy. Candies like caramels, and taffy are particularly sticky. They get stuck on your teeth and are difficult to remove even with regular brushing and flossing. Try to avoid these candies, as they can remain on the teeth for prolonged periods of time and cause tooth decay more rapidly. Even worse, they can break teeth and pull out crowns or fillings.
• Steer clear of anything sour. The acid in sour candies is extremely harmful to tooth enamel and causes it to break down quickly.
• Sugar-free gum increases the flow of saliva, which helps wash away acids and bacteria. Gum containing xylitol is especially effective because xylitol actively blocks the production of decay-causing acid on the teeth.
• Hard candy and lollipops dissolve slowly, leaving plenty of time for teeth to get coated in sugar and for bacteria to transform that sugar into acid.
• Clean your teeth soon after eating candy. Floss first and then brush teeth shortly after eating candy to remove the harmful bacteria.

We at the Blende Dental Group are committed to ensuring that our patients receive the utmost care, whether they visit our offices, require home visits, or need special care because of special needs. We treat all patients with all conditions. And we can help keep your mouth healthy and cavity free even after indulging in too many Halloween treats.

October 14, 2022

In 2009, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) helped launch National Dental Hygiene Month, which has been recognized annually in October since its inception. ADHA took these steps because it saw a need for people to focus more on preventative oral health. Routine teeth cleanings aren’t just cosmetic. Sure, everyone enjoys a healthy smile, but dental hygiene is a critical step in overall oral health. The preventative processes that take place during regular checkups and cleanings help patients dramatically reduce the potential for long-term, complicated dental problems that can negatively affect their overall physical wellbeing. It’s an inventive and innovative practice with a history of breakthroughs and stellar outcomes.

The History of Dental Hygienists

In 1906, a Connecticut dentist named Alfred Fones trained his cousin to assist in cleaning his patients’ teeth and performing preventative treatments. He coined the term “dental hygienist,” and Irene Newman, his cousin and assistant, became the world’s first person to hold that title. 

Newman’s training consisted in large part in learning to clean teeth under Fones’ guidance. For teaching aids, Fones took the many extracted teeth from his practice, mounted them in a modeling compound and painted plaster of Paris around the neck of each tooth to represent calculus and stains. Newman started performing oral prophylaxis for the public in 1907. Seeing the success of the program and the position, Fones established the first school of dental hygiene in 1913.

Newman later received the world’s first license as a dental hygienist in Connecticut in 1917, and she became the first president of the Connecticut Dental Hygienists Association. Fones forged ahead in his efforts and eventually formed the American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA). Shortly after the organization’s creation, all 50 U.S. states had licensed dental hygienists.

The ADHA continued to pioneer not only oral health standards in America but contributed to its social progress, as well. During the Civil Rights era of the 1950s and 1960s, the ADHA played a part. The ADHA lifted previous restrictions for admissions based on race, color, and creed. The association also struck the word “female” from the ADHA constitution, allowing males to graduate in dental hygiene. Jack Orio became the first male student to do so.

The Importance of Oral Health

Most of us know the basic steps of keeping our mouths healthy: brushing at least twice a day, flossing, regular dental checkups, and cleanings. What people may not understand is how oral hygiene contributes to better overall health. 

Compared to other parts of the body, people are more likely to ignore problems that manifest in the mouth.  Bleeding gums, pain, and infections are common problems that negatively impact physical health and quality of life.  They affect how a person speaks, eats, and socializes. There are also more serious risks.

As we wrote previously, an estimated 54,000 cases of oral cancer were diagnosed last year.  Detection often occurs during dental checkups. About 43% of those individuals were not expected to survive beyond the five-year mark. Unlike other cancers, this disease is less frequently discussed in the media. And with only 35% of adults attending routine dental screenings, the risks are high.

Ways to Honor Oral Health Month

Good Daily Oral Hygiene Habits

Maintaining oral hygiene is not difficult, but it does require a little diligence. Here are some best practices to incorporate into your daily routine.

• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes, covering all four quadrants for 30 seconds
• Don’t forget to brush your tongue
• Alcohol-free mouthwashes can reduce plaque formation, curb infection, and eliminate bad breath
• Eating healthy foods goes far in helping the body fight or prevent infection
• Avoid acidic beverages like orange juice and carbonated beverages, which can erode the enamel on your teeth  
• Sugary foods, as we all know, cause cavities 
• Check your mouth for any warning signs of oral cancer, such as red or white discolorations, bleeding, sores, or bumps

Perfect the Proper Brushing Technique

The way in which people brush their teeth matters. Proper brushing techniques go a long way in enhancing the effectiveness of daily cleanings.

• Angle the toothbrush properly: tilt the brush at a 45-degree for the best results.
• Motion matters: with a firm yet gentle pressure, brush back and forth or use a circular motion 15 to 20 times before moving to the next area.
• Hit every surface: cover the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
• Don’t ignore the tongue: bacteria love to gather on your tongue, so make sure to brush it or clean it using a tongue scraper.

Most importantly, be sure to schedule regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist.  Even if you maintain exemplary oral health habits, dental checkups help uncover other issues you may not be aware of. 

Over 116 years ago, the first dental hygienist began practicing critical work that continues to advance in effectiveness. So schedule a visit and be a part of the rich dental hygiene history we celebrate every October.

October 7, 2022

With leaps in the development of Virtual Reality (VR), could dentistry become part of Mark Zuckerberg’s metaverse? VR is being used as an educational tool for students and as an anxiety reducer for patients, especially those with autism. VR has transcended the domains of entertainment and gaming. Even Zuck seems to get this, describing his metaverse as a platform that connects people to new experiences, including “immersive education and training to new possibilities in healthcare and the workplace, and much more.” He’s not wrong. VR has already been applied to medical training. And it’s gaining traction in dentistry, with benefits for dentists and patients alike.

The Real World Boons of Virtual Reality

As Bernard Marr wrote in Forbes, the digital world operates under a different set of rules: “Objects can be conjured into being by simply describing them. Travel between destinations takes place in the blink of an eye. And any damage that you do can be undone with the press of a button.”

This “consequence-free” yet emotionally engaged interaction is a vital development that enhances processes of experimentation and innovation. The possible uses for VR in healthcare are already being explored.

• Medical schools are using VR to train students in sensitive surgical procedures through a “hands-on” virtual experience.
• VR is successfully treating people suffering from anxiety by placing them in serene, lifelike environments, which also guide them through calming breathing exercises.
• Doctors treating autism are using VR to help patients develop social skills, recognize cues and respond appropriately.
• For the 8 million Americans living with PTSD, VR has worked wonders in the field of exposure therapy, which pushes patients to recount their traumas, visualize them and explain to doctors or therapists the stressful scenarios taking place as events unfold. For military veterans returning from combat, this is vital for assimilating into civilian life.

In other business sectors, VR is revolutionizing prototyping and design, while saving millions of dollars in the process. VR allows every component, mechanism, or part of a solution to be examined and tested – without the costs or safety risks involved in constructing material objects. Virtual showrooms and virtual training environments are expediting and augmenting the customer experience. At the same time, they’re increasing operational and cost efficiencies for organizations.

• Boeing relies on VR to prototype new aircraft designs through these simulations.
• Pilots are also being trained on intense in-flight scenarios through VR.
• Architects can craft virtual replications of buildings, which enables customers to explore them digitally. Imagine the cost savings — nothing is built, and everything can be modified to motivate a client’s decision to buy.

Some organizations are tapping into the power of VR to foster diversity and inclusion initiatives. By allowing scientists and doctors into the “minds” of others, patients are realizing tremendous enhancements to their treatments. As NextAvenue explained in Forbes, “In 2016, one of the biggest trends in technology was the consumer realization of virtual reality (VR) — the ability to become immersed in another world.”

Unlike watching a film, where the viewer experiences the story as a somewhat detached observer, VR draws the audience into the character’s sensations directly. “VR puts you in this world and that creates empathy, which has been shown to lead to better communication skills and professionalism for the health care workforce,” said Carrie Shaw, the chief executive of Embodied Labs.

But what about dentistry? Although use of VR is nascent, it is happening. And if ongoing studies demonstrate wider spread adoption and success, VR is likely to become a commonplace tool in the future of oral healthcare practices.

VR in Dentistry

For Dentists

Around 2017, a defense company specializing in flight simulation trainers partnered with the Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam to create the Moog Simodont dental trainer, “a virtual reality learning environment designed for use in dental education. This VR training tool was created to meet the challenges currently faced within dental curricula where there is an increasing need to obtain educational materials, such as extracted human teeth with the appropriate pathology.”

As Defense TechConnect explained, “The dental trainer uses haptic technology – it can recreate the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user.  This mechanical stimulation allows the user to create virtual objects in a computer simulation and to control them. Haptic devices can also use tactile sensors that measure forces exerted by the user on the interface. With the Moog Simodont, dental students manipulate a simulated hand piece and simulated hand mirror while watching a screen that shows the instruments working in a virtual mouth, while wearing glasses similar to those worn while watching 3D movies.”

Dental schools across Europe and Asia incorporated Simodont units into their curricula shortly after the product’s launch. A year later, the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Dental Medicine became the first dental school in North or South America to integrate the technology into its classrooms. According to Penn Dental, “The result is a much more realistic training experience that allows students to see (using 3-D glasses for depth perception) and work on a virtual tooth, with different colors representing its layers (dentin is yellow and pulp is red, for example), and to ‘feel’ what makes each layer unique using virtual dental instruments.”

For Patients

In 2021, dental researchers with BMC Oral Health published an academic article on the implications of VR in treating dental patients by distracting them from anxiety or discomfort. 

“Virtual reality (VR) has been used successfully in medicine both as a distraction tool during procedures, and as an acclimatisation tool to prepare for a procedure or experience,” the authors wrote. “It has not yet become widely used in dentistry, but could theoretically have a role in exposure-based acclimatisation for dental experiences.”

The studies concentrated on pediatric patients as the focus. The results? 

“Systematic reviews and randomised control trials have demonstrated the successful use of VR to both distract patients perioperatively during medical procedures, and also preoperatively to prepare them for these interventions. However, to date, VR has only been applied to dentistry in a very limited number of studies. Three studies using virtual reality in a dental setting demonstrated decreased pain and anxiety compared with no intervention. All three of these studies were carried out in the perioperative period. A fourth study used a bespoke dental app and imagery to prepare patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for dental treatment, finding statistically significant decreases in both the number of appointments and number of attempts required to carry out a procedure.”

Another academic study conducted by Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found similar success. 

“This study examines the use of VR as a form of distraction for dental patients using both subjective and objective measures to determine how a VR system affects patients’ reported anxiety level, pain level, and physiological factors. As predicted, results of self-evaluation questionnaires showed that patients experienced less anxiety and pain after undergoing VR treatment. Physiological data reported similar trends in decreased anxiety. Overall, the favorable subjective and objective responses suggest that VR distraction systems can reduce discomfort and pain for patients with mild to moderate fear and anxiety.”

VR immerses patients in serene or entertaining virtual worlds that present pleasing distractions that reduce anxiety, increase relaxation, and help maintain a sense of calm throughout dental procedures.

Other VR Advantages for Dentistry

In her article for Dentistry IQ, Lisa Schermerhorn discussed several advantages gained by implementing VR based on various studies. 

• Patients in study groups reported “a significant decrease of pain perception and anxiety scores with the use of VR during dental treatment.”
• Dentists may be able to use less nitrous oxide. In a medical study involving burn victims, “the pain relief during procedures using VR measured twice the pain relief of morphine. Patients immersed in VR showed a 70% reduction in pain with no medication. Dentists who have used VR report little or no use of nitrous oxide to relax their patients. They’ve experienced benefits such as lower expenses, administering fewer drugs to patients, showing patients that they’re innovative, and demonstrating that they care about the opioid drug epidemic and are part of the solution.”
• VR can help build a dental practice’s brand. Incorporating the technology demonstrates another level of concern for patient welfare. This in turn helps dentists stand out as welcoming, with procedures that reduce fear and discomfort during treatment. 
• VR is cool. People love shiny new tech. Especially younger folks. Developing a VR experience is an enticing marketing strategy.
• VR may assist with controlling overhead costs, as Shermerhorn pointed out: “Another study conducted in 2018 called ‘Virtual reality exposure therapy for the treatment of dental phobia’ demonstrated that VR showed a significant decrease in dental anxiety scores and behavioral avoidance. Four of five VR participants booked an appointment, while none of the non-VR participants booked appointments.”

Dentistry may not get the attention that big tech companies do, but it’s no less innovative. As we’ve written previously. Technology breakthroughs are revolutionizing cosmetic dentistry, while artificial intelligence (AI) is inspiring further evolutions in oral health, involving  orthodontics, implants, periodontics, oral surgery, prosthetics, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), sleep disorders, electronic dental records, telemonitoring, data collection, treatment planning and risk assessment, scanning improvements, and much more. And all these developments will offer patients enhanced ways to enjoy enhanced smiles.

August 26, 2022

From August 23 to 26, the 26th conference of the International Association for Disability and Oral Health (iADH) takes place in Paris. “The rights of vulnerable populations to achieve an equitable standard of oral health are increasingly enshrined and we hope to showcase examples of best practice and scientific evidence to make this premise a reality worldwide,” the iADH said in announcing the event. Treating patients with special needs is a cornerstone of our practice at the Blende Dental Group, home of the House Call Dentists. Our participation in the iADH conference not only upholds our ongoing commitment to supporting these underserved and underrepresented populations, but empowers us to collaborate with a community of other experts to learn, share, spread awareness, and enhance the care we provide.

Scientific, Educational, and Specialized Oral Health Focus

The scientific content covered in the conference will include all aspects of Special Care Dentistry, with a concentration on pediatric dentistry, gerodontology, restorative dentistry, oral medicine, dental public health, prosthetic dentistry, implantology, oral surgery, periodontology, sedation, teledentistry, multidisciplinary car, and much more. 

The event will also highlight broader topics associated with Special Care Dentistry, including education, ethics, political lobbying, and disability representation and inclusion. These areas are particularly relevant in helping to solve the growing problems we discussed in our July article, “People with Special Needs Are Facing a Growing But Seldom Discussed Oral Health Crisis.”

States across the nation are confronting serious challenges in protecting the oral health of patients with special needs. In Wisconsin, a team of investigative journalists discovered that special needs patients in the area languished on waiting lists for years to receive dental care that required “crucial in-house or hospitalized sedation.”

Oral health is instrumental to overall physical health and quality of life. Without a network of dentists trained in advanced sedation modalities and in treating people with special needs, the dental problems of an already underserved population will continue to exacerbate. In response, the budget passed by the state legislature appropriated $2.5 million to “increase payments for dentists providing dental care to people with cognitive or physical disabilities who needed anesthesia during care.”

Other states are also experiencing similar issues. For example, tens of thousands of Californians with disabilities require special accommodations for dental care, but only a limited number of centers in the state can treat them. Traditional dentists outside of these specialized facilities lack the training and tools to care for the special needs population. A typical dental office cannot perform general anesthesia, nor are its teams or facilities equipped to handle patients with specific behavioral, physical, or cognitive challenges.

California Dental Association (CDA) president Ariane Terlet called the situation “untenable.” As in Wisconsin, advocates in California are imploring state lawmakers to include funding in the budget for developing solutions to alleviate this growing oral health crisis. The CDA has requested $50 million to be allocated for these purposes.

Addressing the problem and developing solutions are tasks not solved by dentists alone; they require visibility, legislative action, political engagement, and advocacy. Associations such as the iADH are dedicated to these causes and help fulfill the wider mission of bringing care to those with special needs. We at the Blende Dental Group are proud to participate in the conference and support the iADH.

About the iADH

The International Association for Disability and Oral Health “is a global organization with over 8,000 members from all sectors of health and social care interested in disability and oral health.”

 Since 1970, iADH has hosted a biennial congress that provides members from all over the world with an opportunity to assemble in one place to share their scientific knowledge and collective experience for improving oral health outcomes for people with disabilities.

“Quality of healthcare is a key component of the route to equity and dignity for people with disabilities and disadvantages,” iADH President Alison Dougall said. “Quality care has to be based on scientific knowledge and evidence-based guidelines and we anticipate that the 26th iADH conference will offer a phenomenal international scientific program with world-class keynote speakers and a showcase of the best available research in Special Care Dentistry.”

About the Blende Dental Group, Home of the House Call Dentists

Over 61 million people in the United States live with special needs, including 7 million children. Yet as we’ve seen, these individuals go without proper oral care given the lack of dentists who have the specialized skills, training, and capabilities to serve these unique patients. It’s important to understand that you and your loved ones can get the care you need through in-home care, facilitated by advances in mobile dentistry, and the evolution of sleep and sedation options. This has been the hallmark of the Blende Dental Group. We have devoted our practice to supporting the under-supported.

Patients with special needs require a level of care above and beyond what can be provided in a conventional dental office. This is why 60% of our disabled patients are referred to us by other providers. The category of special needs encompasses a broad population of individuals with unique circumstances. Some are homebound seniors, some are children, some experience severe anxiety or phobia, some have physical or cognitive challenges, and others live with complex medical conditions that make dental care difficult to obtain.

The Blende Dental Group is one of the few practices that is qualified to treat those with special needs. And we’ve been doing it for more than 20 years. Our dentists are longstanding and active members of the American Academy for Persons with Disabilities. They lecture nationally on special needs dentistry. Our genuine compassion for the person, understanding of their disability, and grasp of its possible complications form the core of our care. Our teams are licensed to treat special needs patients in our offices, at a hospital, or even in their homes through its House Call Dentists practice.

“Here at Blende Dental, our mission has been to help people who need dental care and give them the dental care that they deserve,” Dr. David Blende said. “That’s why our at-home service is so important. We provide care for the underserved, people who can’t leave home. Our mission is to break that barrier that keeps people from receiving dental care: geriatric and assisted living, the physically disabled, and people with cognitive disabilities.”

August 19, 2022

Fictional stories can have profound impacts on our perceptions. So it’s fair to say that films like “Marathon Man” and “Little Shop of Horrors” did no favors for dentists. Modern dental techniques and tools have transformed the industry. Sedation dentistry, in particular, has heralded new possibilities and treatment options for those who otherwise could not tolerate even simple procedures. Yet with the news of anesthesia-related fatalities out of North Carolina, patients wonder: “Is it safe?” It is, and we’ll explain what to know and what to look for when considering sedation dentistry.

Unsafe Practices in North Carolina

As WSOC-TV’s Allison Latos reported, “For 32 years, the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners’ rules have allowed dentists to sedate patients and perform procedures at the same time. There have been eight anesthesia-related deaths –six in the past four years – and now the board is considering changes.”

North Carolina allows a dentist to administer sedation or general anesthesia (after receiving a permit based on verified training) and perform the procedure at the same time. In each of the six cases cited, the dentists were found to be in violation of the rules in place at the time. State regulations governing sedation vary widely.

In her article, Latos referenced a man who needed two teeth extracted. The patient noted in his paperwork, under the question concerning existing health conditions, that he had undergone a heart transplant in 2002.

Records from the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners state that the doctor failed “to seek a medical consultation or request medical clearance for patient Roman M. and document any clinically sufficient reason(s) or justification(s) before administrating deep sedation or general anesthesia.” The patient’s heart stopped and the doctor was unable to revive him. The North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners revoked the dentist’s license.

Stories such as these stoke an increase in fear over medical and dental procedures. And anesthesia is not without certain risks. In a German academic journal on dentistry, the authors included a bit of interesting history:

“There should be no deaths due to anesthesia [sic] (Sir Robert Macintosh, 1949). These were the poignant words used by the first holder of a chair in anesthesiology in Europe, Sir Robert Macintosh, some 60 years ago, in order to emphasize that administering anesthesia is always dangerous and for this reason should be undertaken only by physicians with specialist qualifications.”

Since Macintosh’s time, the practice of using anesthesia has continued to become safer and more effective, largely because of the introduction of safety standards and improved training. During the 1940s, about 6 people in 10,000 died due to anesthesia-related complications. Today, the mortality rate is incredibly low at about 1 person out of every 200,000 to 300,000. 

As the Mayo Clinic assessed, “General anesthesia is overall very safe; most people, even those with significant health conditions, are able to undergo general anesthesia itself without serious problems.”

Understanding Sedation Methods

The first step in understanding sedation options is to recognize that not all of these modalities are the same. Put another way, sedation doesn’t always mean you’re going to sleep. Let’s take a look at the primary modalities and how they work in order to magnitude.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthetics like novocaine or lidocaine numb a specific part of the body to prevent pain during procedures. The dentist numbs only the part of your mouth where you need a filling or extraction. Local anesthesia is always used, even in combination with any other sedation methods.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide  is a gas that helps decrease anxiety and allows you to feel more relaxed when inhaled. It’s administered through a small rubber inhaler placed over your nose. The recovery time is very short, and the effects pass within minutes, so you’ll be able to drive yourself home.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral Conscious Sedation involves taking a pill about an hour before your treatment, which makes you feel relaxed and drowsy. You’ll still remain awake during your treatment so you can interact with and respond to the dentist. The sedative effects can last for up to four hours. The most commonly used medications are Halcion or Valium. For the majority of dental practices that advertise sedation, this is typically the highest level they provide, in combination with nitrous oxide and local anesthetics.

Intravenous Sedation

Intravenous Sedation (IV) induces a lower level of consciousness. Sedative and analgesic medications are run through an IV, but patients still have full control of their breathing. IV sedation is fast acting, taking hold within one minute. The flow of solution can be controlled to increase or decrease the level of sedation safely and precisely. For people who have deep phobias of dental work, IV sedation allows them to sleep through the treatment with no discomfort, trauma, or memory of the procedure. It’s predictable, comfortable, and ensures that your dental treatment can be easily completed. The recovery is simple and quick.

General Anesthesia

General Anesthesia produces a state of unconsciousness where patients are completely asleep during their treatment. It is typically performed in a hospital by an anesthesiologist. General anesthesia is fast acting, taking effect within one minute, and can be controlled to increase or decrease the level of sedation safely and precisely. Because this level of sedation is so deep, a tube is also inserted to control the patient’s breathing. For people with  special needs—physical or mental disabilities, recovery from an addiction, or complex medical conditions—general anesthesia may be the safest option.

Choosing the Right Dentist

Despite what you might think, most dentists can’t offer the full range of sedation services. Patients who require modalities beyond nitrous oxide often find themselves being referred to specialists for oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia.

When you receive any type of sedation, the medications must be administered by a trained and licensed professional. Only qualified and credentialed individuals can monitor the sedation level achieved, vital signs, and adverse effects while being equipped to handle any emergencies that arise.

Some general dentists have qualification permits to administer IV sedation. In that case, you’ll need to determine your comfort level for having the dentist monitor the results of your sedation while working on delicate tooth structures.

A dentist anesthesiologist (DA) provides advanced anesthesia and pain management services for dental and oral surgical procedures. Some dentist anesthesiologists also attend medical surgeries. Post-doctoral specialty programs that train dentist anesthesiologists are rooted in medical anesthesia residencies, with DA residents closely and in some instances identically following the medical anesthesia residency training as their physician cohorts. These doctors bring a heightened level of experience and qualifications to sedation-based treatments.

At Blende Dental Group, we recommend that patients look for practices that have developed a multidisciplinary approach to managing the complexities of treating patients with diverse needs, staffed by physician anesthesiologists, medical doctors, and leading dental specialists who deliver care in office or at  local hospitals. Unlike dentist anesthesiologists, physician anesthesiologists are medical doctors just like your primary care physician and surgeon. They specialize in anesthesia care, pain management, and critical care medicine, and have the necessary knowledge to understand and treat the entire human body.

When an anesthesiologist is present, he or she is dedicated solely to monitoring your wellbeing as the dentist works.

As we learned from the cases in North Carolina, these best practices weren’t being followed. The dentist administered the general anesthesia and performed the procedure. At Blende Dental Group, every patient is attended and treated by a physician anesthesiologist (in office or at the hospital), who remains present during the entire procedure to focus exclusively on monitoring the patient and the sedation. The dentist performs the procedure separately. Our commitment to this level of quality and care has ensured that every patient we’ve treated has had a safe, effective, and comfortable procedure with minimal risk.

Consulting with Your Dentist

People should approach their selection of a dentist with the same diligence they use to hunt down a good car mechanic. No one would want an unqualified, uncertified, untrained, and unskilled grease monkey messing around with an expensive piece of machinery. Consider your body a very high-performance vehicle that requires precision, experience, and expert care. Also like a good mechanic, you want a dentist who can evaluate your condition and your needs to deliver an honest recommendation for treatment.

After speaking with your dentist, you may realize that you don’t need general anesthesia. Oral conscious sedation might be the best option for you. Conversely, you may discover that general anesthesia will offer the best outcome. But beyond that, you also need to verify that the dentist has the qualifications and training to safely administer the sedation.

Sedation modalities represent a breakthrough in dentistry. Patients with special needs, phobias, developmental or cognitive challenges, and physical limitations can receive the care they need without discomfort. For patients and dentists alike, sedation options open up new treatment approaches to those who would otherwise struggle to access oral health care. However, with hundreds of practices currently advertising sedation and sleep options, people need more insight to make informed decisions.

At Blende Dental Group, we’re a team of medical dentists with over 40 years of experience in all sedation modalities. Our doctors have hospital privileges and rely on MD anesthesiologists to provide the safest treatment outcomes available. To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact us today.

August 12, 2022

The good news? Tobacco use has reached an historic low. The bad news? Vaping (using electronic cigarettes filled with juice or nicotine salt) and marijuana use are climbing. Vaping may not be as harmful as cigarettes, Johns Hopkins’ Dr. Michael Blaha noted, “but it’s still not safe.” Cannabis, meanwhile, has proven to yield a host of therapeutic and medical benefits, particularly among patients with cancer, AIDS, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, or other neurodegenerative diseases. Health officials like the FDA have approved cannabis for medical use. Harvard researchers prefer CBD and medical marijuana as safer options than opiates.  But weed, too, is not without its unknowns and risks. The reality is that any form of smoking presents big challenges in maintaining proper oral health.

Peering Through the Smoke Screen

Cigarettes and Tobacco

“Current smoking has declined from 20.9% (nearly 21 of every 100 adults) in 2005 to 12.5% (nearly 13 of every 100 adults) in 2020,” according to the most current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That represents a “decline of approximately two-thirds in the more than 50 years since the first Surgeon General’s report warned of the health consequences of smoking.”

Cigarette smoking has a storied and lurid history of health-related pitfalls. There really are no positive health effects to be gained by tobacco use. If anything, smoking amounts to little more than elevated health risks, as CDC estimates demonstrate:

• For coronary heart disease, risks increase by 2 to 4 times; for stroke, by 2 to 4 times
• Men are 25 times more likely to develop lung cancer if they smoke
• Women are 25.7 times more likely to develop lung cancer if they smoke

“Smoking causes diminished overall health, increased absenteeism from work, and increased health care utilization and cost,” CDC concluded. Even puffing one ciggie a week dramatically increases a person’s susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, cancer, poor bone health, trouble with fertility and pregnancy, diabetes, decreased immune function, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Vaping

As awareness of the dangers of smoking spread across society, so did the habit’s decline. Unfortunately, that also led to a rise in vaping, which electronic cigarette manufacturers promoted as a safer alternative.

“There’s almost no doubt that vaping exposes you to fewer toxic chemicals than smoking traditional cigarettes,” Dr. Blaha wrote. But in the same article for Johns Hopkins Medicine, Blaha also pointed out a less rosy scenario: “Research from The Johns Hopkins University on vape ingredients published in October 2021 reveals thousands of chemical ingredients in vape products, most of which are not yet identified. Among those the team could identify were several potentially harmful substances, including caffeine, three chemicals never previously found in e-cigarettes, a pesticide and two flavorings linked with possible toxic effects and respiratory irritation.”

Marijuana

Then there’s pot, which is to many recreational users a “harmless giggle” as John Lennon quipped, and a potential pharmacological boon to medical researchers. In many ways, cigarettes, vapes, and your ex-roommate’s “kind bud” are different, apart from the actual smoke they rely on as a transport mechanism for their substances. Yet all three products have one big thing in common: they all contribute to oral health and dental problems.

Smoking and Oral Health

People who smoke are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer, gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. They’re also more likely to experience complications such as dry socket after extractions or oral surgeries.

The most common oral problems affecting smokers include:

• Gum (or periodontal) disease
• Oral cancer
• Whitening of the soft tissue in the mouth (called smoker’s keratosis)
• Poor healing after tooth removal (dry socket)
• Tooth decay
• Tooth loss
• Poor healing after mouth and gum surgery
• Decreased taste
• Bad breath (halitosis)

Blende Dental Group’s Dr. Lindzy Goodman explained that dry mouth is perhaps the biggest oral health issue caused by smoking, outside of cancer. Also known as cottonmouth, and technically called xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when salivary glands fail to produce sufficient saliva to keep the mouth moist. Dry mouth is a leading culprit in the cause of dental complications, akin to “meth mouth.” Common adverse effects include:

• Increased plaque
• Rampant decay, often gum line decay
• Mouth sores
• Oral yeast infections (thrush)
• Sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth
• Cracked lips
• Poor nutrition resulting from related difficulties with chewing and swallowing

The American Dental Association pointed out that “reduced salivary flow can cause difficulties in tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speaking; it can also increase the chance of developing dental decay, demineralization of teeth, tooth sensitivity, and/or oral infections.”

Apart from this, cannabis use can also hinder efforts at maintaining oral hygiene routines. People who use marijuana to relax or sleep may forget to brush and floss before going to bed in the haze of their relaxed state. This can be especially troublesome when combined with the munchies. Pot’s active ingredient is tetrahydrocannabinol, or TCH, which stimulates the part of the brain responsible for influencing appetite. This is why many who partake in the drug develop cravings for salty, sweet, or fatty carbohydrate-rich foods. But falling asleep with food particles left in the teeth becomes a sure-fire recipe for dental problems.

Oral Health Tips for Smokers

Of course, the best advice for smokers is to quit. People who stop smoking ultimately reduce their dental risks to the same level as non-smokers. For those who have no desire to kick the habit, there are some things you can do to mitigate tooth and gum problems.

• Try to reduce the amount of smoking you undertake in a day.
• Clean your teeth and gums twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Use dental floss or interdental brushes once a day to clean between your teeth.
• Visit the dentist every 6 to 12 months. They can provide advice about the proper care of your teeth and gums while detecting prospective problems early.
• Avoid dry mouth. Drink plenty of water and keep water nearby when partaking in any kind of smoking to stimulate saliva flow. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help induce the production of saliva.

For more tips or an examination to assess the state of your oral health, get in touch with the Blende Dental Group today.

August 5, 2022

According to the July report “Cosmetic Dentistry Market Size, Share, Trends, By Product Type, By Patient Type, By End-Use, and By Region Forecast to 2028,” cosmetic dentistry is booming. Analysts expect the global market value to exceed $35 billion by 2028. There are several factors influencing the growth: rising incomes of middle-class populations, increasing consumer knowledge about cosmetic dentistry, and a stronger focus on wellness and quality of life improvements since the pandemic. However, it’s the advances in technology, materials, and techniques that have propelled the evolution and expansion of the market. As with many other industries, dentistry is reaping the benefits of modernization and innovation in an increasingly tech-savvy society.

New Remedies for Old Pains

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 2 billion people across the globe have cavities, which represents one of the most common dental diseases. People want to improve their smiles and repair damage, but many have long considered dental procedures to be invasive, painful, and frightening. A study conducted by ​​market research platform DentaVox, which polled 18,000 people worldwide, found that 61% of respondents claimed to suffer from dentophobia (dental fear), with 4% admitting to having never seen a dentist. The smells of chemicals, equipment such as drills and scalers, and injections often top the list of anxiety inducing aspects of treatment for patients. Whether the procedure involves teeth whitening, orthodontics, or implants, new technologies and practices are paving the way for effective and minimally invasive treatment options that have fueled the momentum for the flourishing cosmetic dentistry market.

“For instance,” Business Wire reported recently, “in June 2019, Zumosun Healthcare launched its new product Zumosun Smile, which is an advanced teeth whitening system that uses LED light technology. This product offers various benefits such as pain-free treatment, immediate results, and cost-effectiveness. Such products are expected to fuel the growth of this market in the coming years.” The use of lasers is also being explored to increase the comfort, speed, and effectiveness of cosmetic procedures while substantially mitigating the more invasive processes associated with traditional instruments. These tools, however, are just part of the burgeoning array of advances taking shape in the industry.

New Materials

The industry has witnessed a transformation from conventional materials to new technologically advanced materials such as dental cements, bonding agents, and others. The widening use of these advanced materials to design dental restorations has resulted in more natural looking teeth. Omnichroma is a great example of modern dental filling materials that match every tooth shade.

Artificial Intelligence, Robots, and Implants

As we discussed in a July article, artificial intelligence (AI) is fast becoming a mainstay in the evolution of dentistry, enhancing countless processes including prevention and maintenance, caries detection, periodontics, dental implants, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral cancer screening, endodontics, prosthetics, and more. Specific to cosmetic dentistry, AI is having a profound impact on implants.

Different AI models have been successful in recognizing implant types by scrutinizing images and x-rays. They have also demonstrated high reliability in determining implant prognosis, implant design, and identifying fractured implants. “The overall accuracy for AI models applied for implant type recognition ranges from 93.8% to 98% for prediction of osteointegration,” the ADA wrote.

Dr. Lindzy Goodman of the Blende Dental Group said that oral surgeons are already using robotic devices such as Yomi by Neocis to place implants. This type of robot-assisted surgery, augmented by AI-driven improvements, has already received FDA 510(k) clearance for use in patient procedures.

3D Printing

Eventually, 3D printers will be able to further enhance treatment outcomes. Using dedicated materials, labs and practices can produce orthodontic models, highly accurate crown and bridge models, surgical guides, castable or pressable restorations, aligners, retainers, long-term biocompatible dental products like splints or dentures, and more. At some point, the entire wax-up to production process could take place right in the office within a matter of hours or minutes, rather than weeks or days.

Orthodontics

According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), around 4.5 million patients in the United States are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. That’s 3.9 million children and one-in-four adults. One of the reasons for this increase comes from the latest developments in orthodontic materials and techniques.

“Ceramic braces, which are made of clear or tooth-colored materials, are becoming increasingly popular due to their aesthetic appeal,” Business Wire noted. “Invisalign is another popular treatment option within cosmetic dentistry that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. According to the AAO, the number of Invisalign patients has increased significantly in recent years, reaching almost 700,000 in 2017.”

Lingual braces represent another option. They adhere behind the teeth to remain hidden from view. Patients see many benefits from the less invasive, less visible structure of traditional braces, as we explained in a May article.

Key Takeaway from the Cosmetic Dentistry Report

The cosmetic dentistry forecast included some key findings that could shape market trends between now and 2028. From the report:

• By product type, dental implants segment accounted for significant revenue share in 2020. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They are an ideal option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, injury, or any other reason. Moreover, these implants improve the appearance of your smile and also boost your confidence and self-esteem. They also provide a natural feel and appearance as compared to other options, which is expected to drive the segment growth.
• The Porcelain veneers segment among product types is projected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of ceramic that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of your smile and are an effective treatment option for chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth. They can also be used to close small gaps between your teeth.
• The growing demand for minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry procedures is expected to fuel market growth during the forecast period. Minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry is a type of procedure that uses the least amount of intervention to achieve the desired results. It is a popular choice among patients as it requires less time, is less painful, and has a shorter recovery period as compared to traditional cosmetic dentistry procedures.
• The North America market is projected to grow at a significant CAGR (compound annual growth rate) during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the rising awareness about dental aesthetics and the growing demand for minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry procedures in the region. The presence of major players in the region is also expected to contribute to market growth.

New Tech, New Smile

It’s often said that every company is a tech company these days. Those involved in healthcare, whether medical or dental, have long served as pioneers in the advancements of technology to promote better health and wellness. In this digital era, the innovations may have changed in nature, but the outcomes they promise continue to ensure an ongoing commitment to brighter smiles, healthier teeth, and improved quality of life for all patients.