How has 2019 been for you?  
 
Although December is a busy time for many of us I find myself looking back to see the changes that have taken place over the year, and the four main things I have noticed this year are ....... 
More people are buying anti-snore appliances 
 
Anti snore appliances
At Ultralight we have made anti-snore devices for nineteen years but over the last twelve months we have seen a significant increase in the demand for these products. To respond to this we have increased the range of appliances we offer. Entry products work really well in the majority of cases but the patients bite and jaw shape can often indicate when a different appliance may be more effective. 
An increasing number of biteguards/B splints are being used due to patients stress 
Occlusal splint
Teeth grinding and clenching can be the bodies way of relieving stress. 80% of the population experience bruxism at some point in their life. Over the last year we have seen an increasing number of hard/soft biteguards being ordered as well as an increase in the use of stabilisation splints for patients who exhibit tooth wear related to bruxism and TMJ problems. These splints allow the jaw muscles to relax and the joints to seat fully to centric relation. 
Digital dentistry makes work easier for both labs and dentists  
Intra oral scanner
At Ultralight we were an early adopter of lab scanning technolgy, and this has made lab work more fun for me! 
I hope more dentists will start to use intraoral scanners as they produce more accurate results than analogue impressions. The scan can be sent whilst the patient is in your chair meaning any problems can quickly be identified. No need for postage also reduces turn around time! Printing materials for making splints are now available. 
The materials range continues to grow 
 
As well as an increase in the number of materials for biteguards and splints, the composite materials that have emerged for implant work have also increased the choice of materials available for crown & bridge work. Long term temporary crowns now last years and are made of layered material with thirteen layers of shade gradient. The wide range of materials mean this work is more aesthetic and stable. 
I hope that 2019 has been a good year for your dental practice and we look forward to working with you in 2020. 
 
If you would like to talk to me about any of our work please contact me either via the website or give us a call on 01937 588868 
Banner Image: <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background">Background vector created by kjparg 
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