CATEGORY 50 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST Transforming smiles to wellness: Changing how we think about visiting the dentist The evolution of dentistry is increasingly centred on patient wellness and comprehensive care. Advancements in technology and evolving treatment approaches are equipping dental professionals with the tools to provide holistic care that addresses both immediate and long-term health needs. A noticeable shift in the perception of oral health is taking place, moving beyond the treatment of isolated issues to a more preventive, patient-focused model that prioritises overall wellness. This shift has made "comprehensive dentistry" a key concept in modern dental care. It extends beyond routine procedures like routine treatment of cavities and emphasises a whole-patient approach that considers individual needs, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions. Comprehensive dentistry acknowledges the intrinsic link between oral and general health, integrating treatments for periodontal disease, bite function, and cosmetic concerns into a cohesive care strategy. This holistic approach fosters stronger relationships between patients and dental professionals, resulting in more personalised care and improved health outcomes across all age groups. Early education plays a crucial role in lifelong oral health, making it a priority— especially for parents and caregivers to instil kids with good dental habits from a young age can have a significant impact on a child's future oral health. However, raising awareness about the importance of preventive care remains a challenge. Oral hygiene is not just about brushing and flossing; it involves cultivating habits that promote overall dental well-being. Technology is proving to be one of the most powerful tools in supporting early education and treatment. Innovative technologies offered in iTero™ Lumina intraoral scanners can help provide an unprecedented level of insight into a patient’s oral health. Advanced scanning and imaging systems, such as Near Infrared Imaging technology* enables dental professionals to detect issues earlier, providing a more comprehensive picture of a patient’s mouth. With insights and a shift in mindset, there is a potential for dentists to create care plans that not only prioritise more longterm wellness but also shift the mindset from reactive treatment to proactive prevention—encouraging patients to see dental care as an ongoing investment in their health rather than a response to immediate concerns. Whether guiding a child toward proper oral care or helping a teenager make informed decisions about their dental health, dental professionals serve as both educators and healthcare providers. With the support of iTero scanner’s advanced capabilities, like timelapse and NIRI technology, the focus extends beyond immediate treatment to anticipating future needs and taking preventive action. At Align, we expect the coming years to bring further technological advancements and a continued shift towards comprehensive and preventive approaches in dentistry. More widely, we are excited for the industry’s potential influence in the oral health trajectory of individuals for generations to come. Equipping patients with the knowledge and tools needed for lifelong oral health will be our responsibility. Align Technology remains committed to supporting dental professionals in integrating the latest intraoral scanner and clear aligner therapy innovations into practices. Align Technology continues to offer solutions that help power dental practices, enabling dentists and their teams to create lasting impact on patient health and as the field of dentistry evolves, we will be your partners to help continual improvements for patient care and outcomes. u This article was written by Invisalign Australia Pty Limited. The iTero™ Lumina is an intra-oral scanner used to record images of teeth and oral tissue. Always follow the directions for use. * iTero NIRI technology is only available on the iTero Lumina Pro, iTero Element 5D Plus and iTero Element 5D scanner models. INSIGHT 2025
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