Voxel Dental Learning Hub

The Best 3D Printer for Aligners: Direct-Print

Written by Mark Bacino | December 3, 2024

Many orthodontic & GP practices are turning to in-office 3D printing to streamline workflows and reduce turnaround times on their patient's appliances. But, the next wave of the future happening right now: direct-print aligners (also known as same-day aligners). 

By bypassing the traditional 3d-printed clear aligner workflow, which requires printing models and thermoforming plastic, the direct print aligner workflow makes quick work of printing aligner material directly from the unit. But, is this technology really advanced enough to stand the test? Today, we're sharing our pick for the best 3d printer for aligners, and it may surprise you to learn how far this technology has come to deliver on the promise of same-day aligner production.

Enter the LuxCreo iLux Pro Ecosystem—a state-of-the-art solution specifically designed for producing high-quality aligners. This innovative system stands out as the best 3D printer for aligners, offering orthodontists unmatched accuracy, reliability, and workflow integration.

Why 3D Printing is Ideal for Aligners

3D printing has revolutionized the field of orthodontics by enabling practitioners to produce aligners on demand. Traditional aligner manufacturing typically involves sending digital impressions to an external lab, which fabricates the aligners and ships them back—often taking weeks. With in-office 3D printing, orthodontists can:

  • Speed Up Production: Aligners can be designed, printed, and thermoformed in-house, reducing turnaround time from weeks to hours.
  • Enhance Customization: On-site production allows for precise, patient-specific adjustments throughout the treatment.
  • Improve Cost Efficiency: By eliminating lab fees, practices save on production costs while maintaining control over aligner quality.

The LuxCreo iLux Pro Ecosystem: A Game-Changer for Aligners

The LuxCreo iLux Pro Ecosystem is the ultimate solution for orthodontic practices seeking a reliable, high-performance 3D printing system. This ecosystem includes the iLux Pro 3D printer, specialized dental resins, and seamless integration with digital workflows, making it the gold standard for producing aligners.

Key Features of the LuxCreo iLux Pro Ecosystem

LuxCreo's technology is based on their proprietary Light-Based Additive Manufacturing (LBAM) process, which utilizes advanced photopolymerization techniques to create highly detailed and durable dental restorations. This process involves the following key components:

  1. High-Speed Printing: LuxCreo's 3D printers are designed to operate at significantly higher speeds than traditional 3D printing technologies. This rapid production capability reduces turnaround times, enabling dental professionals to deliver restorations faster and improve patient satisfaction.

  2. Precision and Accuracy: The LBAM process ensures exceptional precision and accuracy, producing restorations with fine details and smooth surface finishes. This level of detail is crucial for achieving optimal fit and function in dental applications.

  3. Advanced Materials: LuxCreo offers a range of high-performance materials specifically developed for dental applications. These materials include biocompatible resins, high-strength polymers, and esthetic composites, allowing for the creation of durable and lifelike restorations.

  4. Integrated Software: LuxCreo's comprehensive software suite facilitates seamless integration with digital workflows. The software includes tools for design, optimization, and management of 3D printing processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in dental practices and laboratories.

Benefits of the LuxCreo iLux Pro for Aligners

1. Faster Turnaround Times

The LuxCreo iLux Pro significantly reduces the time required to produce aligners. With its rapid printing speeds and efficient workflow, practices can deliver aligners to patients on the same day, improving patient satisfaction and reducing overall treatment times.

2. Cost Savings

By bringing aligner production in-house, practices eliminate the high fees associated with outsourcing to external labs. Over time, the investment in the iLux Pro ecosystem pays for itself through lower per-unit production costs and increased efficiency.

3. Superior Customization

The iLux Pro allows orthodontists to make on-the-fly adjustments to aligner designs, accommodating mid-treatment changes or corrections. This flexibility ensures that patients receive aligners that are precisely tailored to their evolving needs.

4. High-Quality Results

The combination of advanced DLP technology and LuxCreo’s dental resins produces aligners with smooth, detailed surfaces and exact dimensions. This precision translates to better fit, comfort, and treatment outcomes for patients.

5. Eco-Friendly Production

With its efficient use of materials and low waste output, the LuxCreo iLux Pro is an environmentally conscious choice for orthodontic practices looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

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.

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.