Dental Cosmetic Imaging
Dental cosmetic imaging technologies allow patients to get a realistic visual preview of how their teeth will look after a particular dental procedure is completed. The technology is typically used in situations where a patient might be unsure about the cosmetic implications of a dental procedure that they might be about to undergo. For example, a patient might want to see how a Sapphire teeth whitening procedure or a complete dental restoration will affect their appearance. Cosmetic imaging technologies are used to offer such patients a visual depiction of their teeth and their smile both before and after the proposed procedure.
How Cosmetic Dental Images are Created
Typically, the dental cosmetic images used at dentists’ offices comprise of professionally altered digital photos of the patient’s teeth and mouth. Photos of the patient’s teeth and smile are first captured and then digitally altered using sophisticated digital imaging and photo-editing tools. The resulting simulations depict the various changes in appearance that will result once a proposed procedure is completed. The simulations show how the procedure will alter the color, shape or position of the teeth. Cosmetic images focus especially on the appearance of teeth that will be visible when the patient smiles.
Growing Use
A growing number of dentists are using cosmetic imaging technology to handle patients who are hesitant to undertake certain cosmetic dentistry services because they are unsure about the results. Most cosmetic imaging software tools are compatible with standard digital cameras. The images can be easily presented on handhelds, notebooks and other digital devices without the patient having to leave the dentist’s chair. The digital images can also be easily inserted into and made a part of a patient’s electronic medical chart.
Digital Images in Minutes
Many dental cosmetic imaging systems allow dentists to create digital simulations of the patient’s smile in minutes. Such systems offer the dentist a collection of smile designs from which they can choose one that best matches the patient’s smile. The smile design is then inserted into the patient’s digital image and digitally manipulated to reflect the proposed cosmetic changes to the patient’s teeth. Such systems are designed for ease of use and require little training.
In some cases, cosmetic imaging services create digital images for the dentist. All the dentist has to do is take a digital photo of the patient and send it to the service over the Internet. The imaging service then uses its own professionals to create smile simulations based on the dentist’s instructions. The image is then sent back to the dentist, often within minutes. Imaging services eliminate the need for dentists to buy their own cameras and software.
Dental cosmetic imaging services and technologies have become important tools for dentists and offer a way for patients to get a better understanding of how a cosmetic dental procedure could change their appearance.