Three words have been all the rage in ortho lately: "Direct Print Aligners". But, is the future here today?
Here at Voxel, we've watched, evaluated, and tested for ourselves the very best in dental tech. Sometimes, major innovations come with lofty promises to doctors - and it's important doctors are aware of the potential upsides but aware of any changes in workflows.
That's why we are so meticulous in our evaluations, so we know when we decide to partner with a manufacturer and sell their products - we can be confident our customers are getting the very best.
Traditionally, clear aligners like Invisalign® have relied on external laboratories to fabricate a series of custom-made aligners from digital impressions. However, a new frontier in orthodontics has emerged—direct-printed aligners produced in-house using cutting-edge 3D printing technology.
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.
It's clear to see why this major innovation of direct 3D printing of aligners may become a mainstay in orthodontics. "Direct print" clear aligners offer unprecedented convenience, precision, and efficiency for dental professionals and patients alike.
In this article, we explore the differences between traditional clear aligners and direct-printed aligners, with a focus on how LuxCreo is transforming the landscape of orthodontic treatment.
Taken from our August 2024 webinar "Direct-Printed Appliances - The Future is Here" Dr. Neil Warshawsky graphs out a visual comparison between each workflow. We'll dive deeper into how the workflow works for most today, and how Direct Print Aligners are disrupting that!
Traditional clear aligners, such as those provided by Invisalign, are custom-made orthodontic devices designed to gradually move teeth into the desired positions. These aligners are produced in a multi-step process that includes taking digital impressions, sending them to an external laboratory, and receiving batches of aligners over the course of treatment.
Direct-printed aligners are an innovative alternative to traditional aligners, made possible by advancements in 3D printing technology. Using systems like LuxCreo, orthodontists can now print aligners directly in their office, significantly reducing turnaround times and offering greater flexibility throughout treatment.
LuxCreo has introduced a powerful 3D printing solution that allows orthodontists to design, print, and deliver clear aligners all in one place. This technology offers several key advantages over traditional aligner systems.
Digital Scan and Treatment Planning: As with traditional aligners, the process starts with an intraoral digital scan of the patient’s teeth. This scan is imported into the treatment planning software, where the orthodontist designs a customized treatment plan.
3D Printing in Office: Instead of sending the data to an external lab, the aligner designs are sent to the LuxCreo 3D printer, where aligners are printed in-house using LuxCreo’s proprietary resin materials. These materials are biocompatible and strong enough to withstand the forces needed to move teeth.
Immediate Delivery: The printed aligners are ready in a matter of hours, meaning that patients can begin their treatment the same day as their scan. Adjustments or new sets of aligners can be printed just as quickly, allowing for highly responsive treatment.
Customization and Flexibility: Because the orthodontist has complete control over the printing process, LuxCreo’s system allows for immediate modifications to the treatment plan without needing to reorder or wait for aligners from a lab.
One of the most significant advantages of LuxCreo’s system is the dramatic reduction in turnaround times. Traditional aligner systems often require weeks between the initial scan and receiving the first set of aligners. With LuxCreo, aligners can be printed in-office on the same day as the consultation, allowing for immediate treatment starts.
Orthodontic Relapse Patients: Dr. Warshawsky discussed how many practices regularly see patients needing minor adjustments or retreatment due to relapse. With direct-print aligners, these cases can be addressed more efficiently, increasing the practice’s ability to treat more patients in a shorter time.
Below is a quick calculation displayed by # relapse cases per week:
Calculating ROI: He provided a formulaic approach to calculating ROI, considering factors such as the number of relapse patients treated per week, the cost savings from reduced lab fees, and the potential for increased patient volume due to quicker treatment times. Dr. Warshawsky emphasized that, while the initial investment in 3D printing technology may be substantial, the long-term financial benefits can be significant, particularly for practices with a high volume of orthodontic cases.
The direct-printing method offers unparalleled flexibility in treatment. Orthodontists can make real-time modifications to treatment plans, printing new aligners as needed without the delay of ordering from external suppliers. This is especially beneficial for complex or unpredictable cases where frequent adjustments are necessary.
Traditional aligner systems often result in wasted materials, as multiple aligners are fabricated and discarded during long treatments. LuxCreo’s system produces aligners on demand, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact of orthodontic treatments.
With LuxCreo’s rapid production process, patients enjoy shorter treatment times and immediate access to their aligners. Same-day treatment starts can greatly improve patient satisfaction, as there’s no need for extended waiting periods between diagnosis and treatment.
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.
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.