Direct Print Aligners: PERFECTING THE CLEAR ALIGNER WORKFLOW with LuxCreo

When the Voxel team got back from the AAO 2024 in New Orleans, it was abundantly clear - direct print aligners are all the rage. The technology capable of completing a clear aligner case with a same-day turnaround - without sacrificing quality - is now a reality thanks to manufacturing excellence with brands like LuxCreo.

And . . . it's clear to see why direct 3D printing of aligners  may become a mainstay in orthodontic workflows. "Direct print" clear aligners offer unprecedented convenience, precision, and efficiency for dental professionals and patients alike.

Enter LuxCreo, an innovative 3D printing manufacturer that is making waves in this "direct print" world - empowering dentists to create custom clear aligners in-house at an affordable cost. In fact, they lay the claim to be the first FDA cleared 510 (K) class II direct print aligner workflow.

Today, we're exploring the benefits, workflow, and impact of same-day direct 3D printing of clear aligners for dentists using LuxCreo.

The Advantages of Direct Print Aligners

1. Accelerated Treatment Timeline: Traditional methods of clear aligner production involve lengthy processes of impression-taking, mold creation, and manufacturing off-site. Digital workflow improved efficiency as practices began  replacing traditional molds with intraoral scans to produce models using dental 3D printers. From 3D printed models, the doctor or staff will need to wash and cure the model to prepare it for the next step. Then, the models are used on suck-down machines called thermoforming units, which require thermoforming plastics which will eventually become the clear aligner. After thermoforming, the doctor or staff will spend time hand-trimming the clear aligner or using an automated aligner trimmer such as the vhf E3 Aligner Trimmer or the Laser Aligner Cutter to produce the finished product.
   
   Same-day direct print using the LuxCreo system eliminates these delays, allowing dentists to eliminate the need for models or thermoforming systems.
   
   
2. Customization and Precision: LuxCreo's advanced 3D printing technologies enable dentists to create highly customized clear aligners tailored to each patient's unique dental anatomy. This level of precision ensures optimal fit, comfort, and treatment outcomes.
   
   
3. Patient Convenience: With same-day direct 3D printing, patients benefit from shorter wait times and fewer appointments. They can receive their clear aligners on the same day as their office visit, reducing treatment duration and enhancing overall satisfaction.
   
   
4. Iterative Adjustments: LuxCreo's digital workflow facilitates iterative adjustments and refinements to clear aligner designs. Dentists can easily modify treatment plans, address patient feedback, and make real-time adjustments as needed throughout the treatment process.

Direct Print Workflow with LuxCreo

LuxCreo has made the process of direct print aligners even easier with their validated same-day aligner workflow. This process is largely automated through several of their units, operated by 1-click. In 4 simple steps, you Design > Load > Print > Wash & Cure - and you have a finished aligner!

1. Digital Scanning: The process begins with a digital intraoral scan patient's teeth. LuxCreo's software allows for precise capture of dental impressions and creation of digital models.
2. Custom Design: After scanning, you will use design software like Softsmile Titan, 3Shape or ULAB to design the tooth movement stages. Here, you can adjust tooth movements, aligner thickness, and treatment progressions according to individual patient needs. Then, you will export the staged STL files and import into Lux Design to design the aligners for direct print.
3. 3D Printing: LuxCreo's state-of-the-art 3D printers utilize high-quality resins and additive manufacturing techniques to produce clear aligners with exceptional accuracy and surface finish. The printers' speed and reliability ensure rapid production without compromising on quality.
4. Post-Processing and Finishing: After 3D printing, the clear aligners undergo post-processing steps such as cleaning, curing, and polishing to achieve optimal clarity, fit, and biocompatibility. LuxCreo's expertise ensures consistent results and compliance with industry standards.

How to get started with direct print aligners

If this wets your appetite to try direct print aligners for your practice, let's talk about how to get started with LuxCreo.

Here at Voxel, we pride ourselves in developing lasting relationships with our customers and connecting them with products we've elaborately tested to ensure the best clinical outcomes.. We're obsessed with the latest digital dental tech, and always strive to offer the very best the market has to offer. Hence, with the growing popularity of direct print aligners, we sought to find the best workflow available at a great value. 

To help doctors get started with the direct print aligner workflow, we've introduced our LuxCreo iLux Pro Dental - Complete Direct Print Aligner Solution. Starting at $20,899 - we've created the full bundle of LuxCreo, with all necessary components for printing same-day clear aligners, from design software to print to wash/cure and resin bottles to get you started.

INCLUDED IN PACKAGE

 iLux Pro Dental 3D Printer
 iLuxCure Pro
 iLuxWash Dental
 SepTree Finishing Oven
 LuxFlow Basic Software
 LuxDesign Software 1 Year
 Dental Clear Aligner Resin 500g/Bottle
 Dental Model Resin 1kg/Bottle 

We’ve worked with thousands of dentists across the US. We know what it takes to get up and running quickly, especially with new technology. 

That’s why we back all of our products with a comprehensive warranty, 24/7 product support, installation, and perhaps, most importantly, online and on-site training to help get you and your staff started with your new technology as quickly as possible.

If you're interested in learning more about LuxCreo and this offer, let us help! Give us a call at (281) 789-7270 or fill out an online inquiry form below. We look forward to earning your business.