Good question!
We here at Voxel have been teaching dental offices and labs to implement 3D printing as well as tip & tricks for entire digital implant workflows since 2016. We've continued our curiosity into what 3D printing would be capable of in dental applications by testing all of the latest and greatest printing units, to see how manufacturing innovation has helped do things we may have never thought possible.
Doctors often as us based on our expertise about some of these innovations, and whether or not the price tag makes sense for their needs. After all, the promise has to be able to deliver!
So, what are the most common applications for 3D printing in dentistry today? Let's take a look!
1. Dental Models
One of the most common uses of 3D printing in dentistry is the production of dental models. These models are created from digital impressions taken using intraoral scanners. Dentists use these models for a variety of purposes, including treatment planning, patient education, and the creation of orthodontic appliances.
Benefits: 3D printed dental models offer high accuracy, helping dentists visualize and plan treatments more effectively. They also provide a tangible way for patients to understand their dental issues and proposed solutions.
2. Surgical Guides
3D printing is used to create custom surgical guides for implant placement and other surgical procedures. These guides are based on the patient's specific anatomy, ensuring precision and improving the accuracy of surgeries.
Benefits: Surgical guides enhance the precision of dental surgeries, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes. They also streamline the surgical process, saving time and reducing costs.
3. Crowns, Bridges, and Prosthetics
3D printers are capable of producing highly detailed and customized dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and partial dentures. Using biocompatible resins and other materials, these restorations can be printed quickly and accurately.
Benefits: The ability to produce restorations in-house reduces turnaround times and costs. Customization ensures a better fit and improved patient comfort, while the accuracy of 3D printing enhances the overall quality of the restorations.
4. Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontists use 3D printing to create a range of appliances, including clear aligners, retainers, and space maintainers. Digital scans of the patient's teeth are used to design and print these appliances, ensuring a perfect fit.
Benefits: 3D printed orthodontic appliances are highly precise, providing better treatment outcomes. The speed of production allows for quicker adjustments and replacements, improving patient satisfaction and treatment efficiency.
5. Temporary Restorations
Before the final restoration is completed, dentists often use temporary restorations to protect the prepared tooth and maintain aesthetics. 3D printing allows for the quick and cost-effective production of these temporary solutions.
Benefits: Fast production and customization of temporary restorations improve patient comfort and satisfaction during the treatment process. They also allow for rapid adjustments if needed.
As 3D printing technology continues to advance, its applications in dentistry are expected to expand even further. Ongoing research and development are focused on improving the materials used in 3D printing, enhancing the precision and speed of printers, and integrating artificial intelligence to optimize designs and production processes.
1. Advanced Materials
Future developments in biocompatible materials will enhance the durability and aesthetics of 3D printed dental restorations. This will enable the production of even more lifelike and long-lasting dental appliances.
2. Faster Printing
Technological advancements are likely to increase the speed of 3D printers, further reducing production times and improving efficiency in dental practices and laboratories.
3. AI Integration
The integration of artificial intelligence in 3D printing design and production processes will optimize workflows, reduce errors, and improve the overall quality of dental devices and models.
Get to know Voxel! We have a team of dental technology experts ready to help you find the right equipment for your practice. And, because we’re an authorized dealer of many top technology brands, we’ll be able to help you find the best solutions for your practice at the best value and support you throughout the lifespan of your equipment.
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.
Ready to begin? Give us a call at (281) 789-7270 or fill out an online inquiry form here. We look forward to earning your business.