2020 looks to continue a number of new trends that are changing the face of cosmetic dentistry. Today, this form of dentistry is more popular and accessible than ever before, with improved technology allowing for better results at cheaper prices. In this piece, we’ll take a look at major 2020 trends that look to shape cosmetic dentistry over the next decade.
Keep reading to learn more about trends to look out for in the months and years to come!
Top New Trends in Cosmetic Dentistry
So what are the top trends to look out for in cosmetic dentistry in 2020? As you’ll find out, this includes brand new trends born of modern-day technology and established procedures that are easier and more affordable than ever before with the growth of the cosmetic dental industry. Let’s take a look:
Digital Impressions
Digital impressions refer to digital scans of the mouth and teeth that allow orthodontists to more accurately create dental molds, implants, and other products for a more aesthetically-pleasing smile. The process involves the use of high-resolution cameras that are linked to digital software that eventually 3D prints functional dental molds. The use of digital impressions is one of the newest trends in cosmetic dentistry and is allowing for more affordable access to accurate and effective dental procedures.
Implants over Bridges
Once considered an “old person” thing, dental implants are on the rise in 2020. People of all ages are turning to the product for a more natural-looking smile and a more functional bite. Dental implants today look more realistic than the models of the past, making them a more comprehensive dental treatment when compared to bridges. As such, an increasingly-young clientele is turning to implants to replace broken or missing teeth.
Generally, dental implants are constructed with titanium or non-metal white zirconia and can be inserted into the mouth individually or in segments.
Natural Teeth Whitening
Tooth whitening procedures remain one of the top cosmetic dental trends in 2020. These procedures involve the use of bleach to remove stains from the teeth. This can bring back that pearly smile that patients are looking for. In recent years, some patients have opted instead for a more “natural” whitening, which enhances the authenticity of a smile by making the teeth white enough to be clean without looking fake. Today, patients can opt for a variety of whitening services among many cosmetic treatment options to get the smile they want.
Gum Reshaping
The use of lasers to reshape the gumline is another recent trend in cosmetic dentistry. This procedure generally involves the pulling back of the gum to show more of a patient’s teeth. Gum reshaping helps eliminate gummy smiles and reduce the likelihood of gum and tooth infection.
Porcelain Veneers
When all else fails, porcelain veneers can be attached to the teeth to cover up discoloration, misalignment, and an assortment of other dental issues. Veneers remain a popular option for patients with sensitive teeth or those who lack the funds for more permanent and expensive corrective surgeries. Veneers work both to correct teeth and give the appearance of a more perfect smile but are generally only seen as a “last resort” option when tooth whitening and other forms of correction are out of the question.
Composite Bonding
Technically, bonding has been around for decades. Despite this, it remains a popular trend in 2020, in part due to the superior quality of materials and technology that make the procedure quicker and more affordable than in years past. Bonding refers to the use of resin to fill gaps between the teeth or imperfections on the teeth. In general, this process provides a permanent solution to stained or discolored teeth, cracked or chip teeth, and teeth of unequal length. Because bonding is permanent, it’s generally advised over whitening for long term use, especially as it helps protect the tooth underneath from damage.
CAD/CAM Tech
One of the more exciting and unprecedented trends in cosmetic dentistry is the use of CAD/CAM technology to create same-day cosmetic products, such as crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers, and more, through the use of Cerec machines. The process, which allows for such treatments to be completed within just a few hours directly in the dentist’s office, is effectively changing the way patients receive their dental care and altering expectations between patients and providers.
With CAD/CAM tech, dentists now have a way to offer patients solutions to broken, chipped, or missing teeth, busted fillings, and more in record time. As such, the technology looks to play an ever-increasing role in dental care, with the potential to optimize treatment all around the country.
Invisalign
Thanks to products such as Invisalign, tooth straightening is more popular than ever before. In recent years, Invisalign has emerged as the top competitor to traditional braces and looks to continue this trend in both 2020 and the years to come. The product, which consists of computer-generated, removable molds, can be inserted into the mouth and works to align crooked teeth into their rightful positions. The molds themselves are translucent, as the name implies, helping to correct smiles without the clunky appearance of braces.
Though Invisalign remains more expensive than traditional braces, the product continues to see amazing sales growth. In 2018 alone, the product saw growth of over 24% in the United States alone, a trend that looks to continue in 2020 and beyond. As more and more patients look for simpler ways to fix their cosmetic dental issues, Invisalign leads the pack when it comes to at-home teeth straightening with professional results.
The Bottom Line
Cosmetic dentistry in 2020 looks to enjoy even more popularity, with recent and new trends such as Invisalign and CAM tech allowing for convenient fixes to aesthetic problems. As cosmetic dental procedures become more affordable, a growing number of patients are turning to their dentists to not only solve health-related dental issues but also to obtain that perfect smile.
In 2020 and beyond, the trends listed in this guide will dominate the cosmetic dental industry. For this reason, make sure to take advantage of these services to get that smile you’ve always wanted!
