Top three dentistry techniques for 2025

Dr Edward Li talks through the advanced and cutting-edge dentistry techniques he will be using this year

DR EDWARD LI

Dr Edward Li is the founder and principal dentist at the a.b.c. smile clinic in Fitzrovia, London. He is a leading cosmetic dentist with a passion for innovative smile design. His expertise spans rehabilitating tooth wear with composite bonding to crafting porcelain smile makeovers that stand the test of time.

Modern medicine develops and innovates at such a rapid pace, it can be daunting to keep up with all the new research, techniques and materials that are consistently hitting the market. While overwhelming at times, it’s also an incredible gift to the industry as it allows us, as medical professionals, to provide increasingly better care and results for our patients. As a long-time champion of innovation, I work alongside my clinic team to ensure we are constantly learning, growing and improving our practices – researching and trialling new ways to achieve the very best for our patients – and always keeping ourselves aware of the most cutting-edge techniques.

While I don’t claim to be an expert on every new technique, there are three particularly exciting methods which my team and I have adopted that are transforming our practice and patient outcomes. These include digital workflow integration, injection moulding of composite and periodontal soft tissue augmentation. By incorporating these techniques into our practice, we have been able to achieve an elevated result for our patients that is both aesthetically aligned to their unique profile and supremely functional – allowing them to feel confident about their oral health and their overall look.

1. Digital workflow integration: 3D scanning, designing, printing and milling

The integration of 3D scanning, digital design, additive manufacturing (printing) and subtractive milling has brought big changes to modern dentistry. Many clinics now use some parts of this workflow, such as intra-oral scanning instead of traditional impressions, but fewer have fully embraced in-house design, printing and milling. Relying on external labs can mean missing out on creative control, efficiency and precision that come with a fully integrated digital workflow.

The ability to turn a digital design into a physical model that can be tested in the patient’s mouth has completely changed the way we plan treatments. This approach allows real-time collaboration between clinician and patient, making it easier to fine-tune the design before committing to the final restoration.

The development of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in dentistry is a bit like how digital tools changed filmmaking. While digital workflows give us accuracy and consistency, the challenge is keeping the natural artistry that makes dental work look and feel real. Just like filmmakers balance CGI with practical effects, we need to blend digital precision with a skilled human touch to create restorations that are both natural-looking and functionally precise.

2. Injection moulding of composite: a transformative clinical approach

Composite resin has been used in dentistry for years, and materials have become more advanced, offering great aesthetics and durability. Bonding techniques, layering methods and polishing have also improved, allowing for incredibly natural results. However traditional composite application is still very technique-sensitive, requiring careful hand-sculpting to achieve the right shape and symmetry.

When working on multiple teeth – especially in larger aesthetic cases – achieving consistency can be difficult. Injection moulding provides a more predictable approach. Instead of shaping the composite freehand, we use a pre-designed template to guide placement. This template can be created from a wax-up model or a fully digital workflow. A clear silicone matrix is then used to transfer the design onto the teeth, making application quicker and more consistent.

Newer flowable injectable composites have made this process even more effective. These materials now have the same strength and appearance as traditional sculptable composites but can be applied in a single step.

That said, injection moulding has its own challenges. It requires careful handling of the silicone matrix, precise bonding techniques and an understanding of how the material behaves. Unlike freehand sculpting, it doesn’t allow for as much layering control, so some adjustments are still needed. The result still comes down to the clinician’s skill and attention to detail.

3. Periodontal soft tissue augmentation: connective tissue graft (CTG) and coronally advanced flap (CAF)

Soft tissue augmentation techniques like Connective Tissue Grafting (CTG) and Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) have been used for a long time to treat gum recession and periodontal defects. Traditionally, these procedures helped to restore lost tissue, improve root coverage and stabilise the gums. More recently, they’ve been used in aesthetic dentistry, particularly for achieving gum symmetry in implant and bridgework cases.

CONNECTIVE TISSUE GRAFT (CTG)

CTG involves taking a small amount of tissue from the palate and grafting it to the area where more volume is needed. This technique is excellent for thickening the gums, covering exposed roots and improving overall gum health. Because it uses the patient’s own tissue, it integrates well and produces predictable, long-lasting results.

CORONALLY ADVANCED FLAP (CAF) WITH MEMBRANE

CAF is a technique that repositions gum tissue to cover recession defects. When combined with a resorbable collagen membrane, it can be a great alternative to traditional grafting, reducing patient discomfort while still improving gum thickness and stability. This approach is particularly useful when there isn’t enough existing tissue for a standard graft.

As patients become more aware of the role gum aesthetics play in a beautiful smile, demand for soft tissue treatments is increasing. Many patients aren’t just looking for functional restorations, they want a complete smile transformation where their gums and teeth work together harmoniously.

LOOKING AHEAD

Advancements in digital dentistry, composite techniques and soft tissue management are changing the way we work. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach but integrating these techniques has helped us improve both the look and function of our results. As new technology and materials continue to emerge, staying open to learning and adapting will be key to delivering the best possible outcomes for our patients.