Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making headlines everywhere with its innovative methods for completing everyday tasks such as writing papers and generating social-media-ready images. Unfortunately, like any technology, AI can be used for illicit purposes, and many even consider it cheating- especially when used to write term papers for students.
But while this controversial technology may leave a bad taste in your mouth, it can also be really useful.
Enter AI in dentistry. While we’re not at the point where robots will perform your cleanings or dental procedures, new technology is being developed every day, and what the future holds is anyone’s guess.
That being said, AI has already begun to benefit patients, with the development of AI generated dental crowns. While the technology is not yet available to all dentists, a new research project from the University of Hong Kong has developed AI that can create crowns that match perfectly with your other teeth!
By analyzing the teeth next to where the crown will go, this AI helps to create a secure fit, but one that isn’t too tight and won’t cause pressure or difficulties flossing between the crown and the natural teeth (yes, you still have to floss around your crown!).
The AI uses what is known as a “tooth library” to offer up a general catalog of different tooth shapes. Once a shape is selected, the dental professional then hones and perfects the tooth and reshapes it to best fit the patient’s individual mouth.
This technology aims to create crowns that are not too big, not too small, but just right. In other words, the Goldilocks of dental crowns!
In the meantime, dentists like Dr. Abelar will still create crowns using the latest available technology, and can potentially choose to adopt AI crown products for patients in the future.
If you need a crown or any other dental procedure, please contact Dr. Abelar’s office today and schedule an appointment!
