The process of 3D scanning and printing in dentistry is divided into three key phases: scanning, design and manufacturing. At Additium 3DWe follow these steps to provide accurate and customised dental solutions.
First, the materials of 3D printed dental products for dentistry.
Choosing the right materials is crucial to ensure the success of 3D printed dental products. Here is a list of the most commonly used materials in dentistry and their benefits:
Biocompatible Dental Resins
UseManufacture of dental prostheses, crowns, veneers and orthodontic appliances.
BenefitsThey are safe to use in the mouth, offer high precision and allow for a smooth and natural finish.
Nylon
UseProduction of mouthguards and splints.
BenefitsFlexible, impact resistant and durable material, ideal for products that require a high level of comfort and strength.
Ceramic materials
UseProduction of highly aesthetic crowns and bridges.
BenefitsThey offer a natural look and are very durable, ideal for applications requiring superior aesthetics.
Metal alloys
UseCreation of dental implants and support structures for prostheses.
BenefitsThey provide excellent strength and durability, essential for products that must withstand chewing forces.
Dental acrylics
UseCreation of removable and temporary dental prostheses.
BenefitsEasy to work with, lightweight and economical, perfect for temporary or trial dental solutions.
Digital printing materials
UseDental models for diagnosis and treatment planning.
BenefitsHigh precision and detail, enabling accurate visualisation of dental anatomy and precise treatment planning.
Light-curing resins
UseProduction of surgical guides and customised orthodontic appliances.
BenefitsCures quickly under ultraviolet or LED light, providing high precision and fast availability.
Each material offers different benefits depending on the specific use in the dental practicel. The 3D printers for dentistry are designed to work with these materials, providing high quality dental products that meet the most demanding standards.
If you want to know what uses you can make of it, in this article you can find 10 uses of 3D printing in a dental practice.
Second, choose 3D printer and technologies: Dental 3D printers for Dentistry
Choosing the right 3D printer is crucial to maximise the benefits of 3D printing in dentistry. Here are some of the best dental 3D printers available on the market, together with their uses and benefits:
Formlabs Form 3B+
- UsesCreation of dental models, unloading splints, surgical guides, and clear aligners.
- BenefitsStereolithography: Offers high precision and exceptional impression quality thanks to its stereolithography (SLA) technology. It is compatible with a wide range of biocompatible dental resins, making it ideal for multiple applications in dentistry.
SprintRay Pro 95
- UsesProduction of dental prostheses, orthodontic models and mouth guards.
- BenefitsWith its DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology, this printer provides fast print speeds and high precision, enabling clinics to produce dental workpieces in less time and with great detail.
Asiga MAX UV
- UsesImpression of crowns, veneers, bridges and surgical guides.
- BenefitsUV LED: Offers excellent print accuracy and consistency thanks to its advanced UV LED technology. It is ideal for applications that require high resolution and detail in the final products.
EnvisionTEC Life
- UsesManufacture of removable prostheses, dental models and orthodontic appliances.
- BenefitsThis printer uses DLP technology to deliver high print speed and micron accuracy. It is highly versatile and can work with a variety of dental materials, making it a flexible option for any dental practice.
Anycubic Photon Mono X
- UsesProduction of dental models and surgical guides.
- BenefitsWith a large print area and speed, this printer is excellent for clinics that need to produce multiple parts at the same time. Its 4K monochrome display ensures high precision and long-lasting performance.
Shining 3D AccuFab-D1
- UsesPrinting of orthodontic models, aligners and dental prostheses.
- BenefitsIt stands out for its ease of use and its ability to produce high quality impressions with precise details. In addition, its intuitive software makes it easy to integrate into dental workflows.
And now, the step-by-step guide to creating 3D printed dental models.
At Additium 3D, we follow a structured process for creating dental models from intraoral scans, ensuring the highest possible accuracy and customisation.
1. Intraoral Scanning Phase
The process begins in the dental clinic, where an intraoral scan is performed to capture detailed digital images of the patient's mouth. This scan generates an accurate 3D model of the teeth and gums, eliminating the need for traditional physical impressions and providing an accurate basis for subsequent design.
2. Digital Modelling and Processing Phase
The 3D digital file is optimised in specialised software to remove imperfections and adjust anatomical details. It is then imported into CAD programs, where the structure of the model is defined and modifications are applied according to clinical requirements.
3. Design Phase
Our team of Additium 3D experts use advanced CAD software to design the dental model. This design is adapted to the dentist's specifications, considering elements such as occlusion, alignment and dental aesthetics to ensure a perfect fit and proper functionality.
4. Manufacturing Phase
Once the design is approved, the digital file is sent to our specialised 3D printers. We use high quality biocompatible materials, such as resins certified for dental use. The printing is carried out layer by layer with micrometric precision, ensuring a strong and detailed structure.
5. Post-Processing Phase
After impression, the models undergo a curing process with UV light to harden the resin and improve durability. Supports are removed and a final polishing is performed to ensure smooth and adaptable surfaces in the oral cavity.
6. Quality Control and Delivery
Before sending the final model to the dental clinic, we carry out an exhaustive quality control. Measurements, anatomical details and material strength are checked to ensure that the model meets clinical standards. Finally, the device is shipped ready for application on the patient.
If you need to 3D print for your practice or create models from dental intraoral 3D scans, contact us at Additium 3D to receive personalised advice and tailor-made solutions.
Start working with 3D Printing and Dentistry in your dental clinic
At Additium 3DWe are here to transform your dental practice with the latest 3D printing technology. We offer a comprehensive solution from design and scanning to 3D printing and delivery of final products.
Would you like to see how we apply our experience with a real case? In the Hospital de la Ribera, we design and manufacture an elastic and adaptable support for catheters.demonstrating our commitment to innovation and precision. This success story is just one example of how our technology can benefit your dental practice.
Contact us today and we'll tell you more how our 3D printing solutions can improve the efficiency and quality of your dental treatments.. Our team of experts will guide you every step of the way, from selecting the right printer to ongoing technical support - find out how we can help you revolutionise your dental practice with 3D printing!
