As we step into 2024, the world of digital dentistry is buzzing with exciting new trends. These innovations are set to change how dental care is delivered, making treatments faster, more accurate, and more comfortable for patients. From the rise of generative AI to the latest in 3D printing, here are the top five digital dentistry trends you need to know about this year.
The impressive capabilities of ChatGPT and the rapid progress of generative AI will continue to make artificial intelligence the dominant 2024 technology trend. In dentistry, we see exciting opportunities for its application within diagnostics, planning, and treatment i.e., AI-supported diagnostics of X-rays.
In 2023, we witnessed just how far generative AI has come with the huge growth of 3Shape Automate. More than two million crown designs have been downloaded with a 92% design acceptance rate from the totally hands-free AI-powered service. Other applications include AI-driven automatic phone support and marketing.
No doubt there. Generative AI and AI in general will be a huge part of the dental landscape this year. We have already seen players like Pearl, Diagnocat, 3Shape Automate, and Dentbird establish themselves as market leaders, with many following the trend and entering the dental market.
Teledentistry has become a vital part of modern dental care. Enhanced platforms now allow for virtual consultations, treatment planning, and post-treatment follow-ups. This provides convenience and accessibility to patients, especially those in remote areas.
Teledentistry is not just a substitute for in-person visits. It can actually improve healthcare by increasing the frequency of check-ups and making it easier for people to get the care they need. For the 20% of Americans living in rural areas, this is a game-changer.
Dentists can now offer patients access to their dental records online. They can also schedule appointments and get information about their treatments. Some platforms even offer treatment simulations, so patients can see what their teeth will look like after treatment.
Teledentistry is revolutionizing dental lab efficiency with advanced software like GreatLab LMS. Embracing digital dentistry leads to better productivity and quality restorations, transforming the future of dental milling centers.
3D printing is changing the way dental prosthetics are made. This includes crowns, bridges, and even orthodontic devices. This technology makes the manufacturing process faster and more accurate. It also allows for more customized solutions.
Dental practices used to rely on third parties for many applications. Now, many can handle their 3D printing needs in-house or through cheaper options. Here are some dental products that can be 3D printed:
In 2024, 3D-printed crowns, bridges, and veneers are becoming more popular. They can be customized to fit a patient's mouth perfectly. This ensures a natural look and reduces the time and cost of traditional methods.
Augmented Reality (AR) is revolutionizing treatment planning in dentistry. By overlaying digital information onto the patient's real-world view, dentists can better visualize treatment outcomes. This not only enhances patient communication but also improves treatment acceptance rates.
Dentists are increasingly using intraoral scans, x-rays, and treatment simulations to engage patients, especially during the first appointment. Offering a simulated or interactive treatment proposal is becoming the new standard of care.
Digitizing dental lab operations enhances collaboration, precision, and quality. It enables rapid adaptation, scalability, and customization, leading to improved efficiency and patient care.
AR technology is set to become a cornerstone in modern dental practices, providing a more interactive and engaging experience for patients.
Intraoral scanners are becoming a game-changer in the dental world. Their adoption by dentists and labs is on the rise, with over 50% penetration in the USA, Nordics, and Australia. In the United States alone, 33% of all lab cases now start with an intraoral scan. This technology is revolutionizing efficiency and precision for dental technicians with integrated digital imaging, easy inventory management, quality control, and seamless integration with digital dentistry.
Most users see intraoral scanners as an efficient solution for digital impressions. However, upcoming technological advancements promise to further transform dental practices. These scanners are not just for impressions anymore; they are becoming essential tools for diagnosing periodontal and dental pathologies, monitoring tooth wear, and designing surgical guides.
The future of intraoral scanners looks bright, with continuous improvements making them indispensable in modern dentistry.
As we look ahead to 2024, it's clear that digital dentistry is on the brink of some exciting changes. From advanced AI to 3D printing, these trends are set to make dental care more efficient and personalized. Dentists who embrace these innovations will be able to offer better care and stay ahead in their field. The future of dentistry is bright, and those who keep up with these trends will be well-prepared to meet the needs of their patients.
