3D printing technology has transformed many industries, and dentistry is one of the biggest beneficiaries. Thanks to the precision and versatility of dental 3D printers, it is possible to manufacture customised dental solutions quickly and efficiently. In this post, we tell you about how 3D printing is revolutionising dentistry, from the creation of dentures to orthodontic appliances, and how you can take advantage of a 3D printer for dentists in your dental clinic.
But, before we start delving into these topics, let's cover the basics by answering some questions such as what exactly is 3D printing in dentistry, how long a dental impression lasts or how a dental impression is made. We believe they will help you better understand how this innovative technology is changing the practice of dentistry.
3D Printing for Dentists
3D printing in dentistry is an advanced technique that uses 3D printers to produce accurate, customised dental models from digital images. This technology allows you to create dentures, crowns, aligners and other dental devices quickly and efficiently.
3D printing technology has revolutionised many industries, and dentistry is no exception. Thanks to advances in intraoral scanning and digital fabrication, dental treatments are now faster, more accurate and more personalised than ever before. 3D printing in dentistry enables the creation of dental models, aligners, crowns and other devices with an exact fit, optimising treatment time and improving the patient experience.
What is 3D printing in dentistry?
3D printing in dentistry is an advanced technological process that replaces traditional moulds with highly accurate digital models. For this purpose, intraoral scanners are used to capture a three-dimensional image of the patient's mouth. This digitised image is converted into a CAD (computer-aided design) file, which is then used to manufacture customised dental devices using 3D printers.
This process eliminates the hassles associated with conventional moulds, which can be cumbersome and lead to fitting errors. In addition, the digitisation of the process ensures greater manufacturing efficiency and reduced material waste.
What is a dental digital impression?
Dental digital impressioning is the 3D representation of the patient's oral anatomy using digital scanning technology. This innovative method provides an extremely accurate model of the patient's mouth, allowing dentists to plan treatments more effectively.
Unlike traditional methods, which require the use of silicones or alginates to take physical impressions, digital printing offers significant advantages:
- Increased patient comfort.
- Reduction of consultation time.
- Elimination of errors arising from deformations in traditional moulds.
- Creation of perfectly fitting orthodontic restorations and appliances.
How is a 3D dental impression made?
The dental 3D printing process follows a series of well-defined steps. In this article we explain the step-by-step process of creating 3D printed dental models from 3D scans..
Summarised, the process would be:
- Intraoral scanningThe dentist uses a digital scanner to capture the structure of the patient's teeth and gums in high resolution.
- Creation of the digital designThe scanner data is processed in CAD software, where the customised dental device is designed.
- 3D printingOnce the design is approved, it is sent to a 3D printer that uses biocompatible resins or ceramic materials to manufacture the model.
- Post-processingAfter printing, the device undergoes curing and finishing processes to ensure its strength and precise fit.
- Patient positioningFinally, the dentist tests and adjusts the device in the patient's mouth, ensuring an optimal fit and proper functionality.
And how long does a dental impression last?
The time required to produce a dental impression depends on the method used. Digital impressions with an intraoral scanner usually take only a few minutes to complete, while the fabrication of a 3D printed model can take several hours or even days, depending on the complexity of the design and the material used.
Thanks to the evolution of high-speed 3D printers, it is now possible to produce crowns, bridges and aligners in significantly shorter times, reducing waiting times for patients and allowing dentists to optimise their workload.
10 uses of 3D Printing in a dental practice
The dental 3D printing offers a wide range of applications in dentistry that improve treatment accuracy and patient experience. Here are 10 outstanding uses of this innovative technology in dental practices and how it is changing the way dental professionals work.
1. Personalised dental models
One of the most common uses of the 3D printing in dentistry is the creation of accurate dental models. These models are used for treatment planning, showing the patient the procedures to be performed and for designing orthodontic appliances. With a dental 3D printerIn this way, practitioners can produce detailed models that accurately reflect the patient's oral anatomy.
2. Dentures and bridges
The 3D printing of dental prostheses is another key application. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to fabricate partial and complete dentures that fit perfectly in the patient's mouth, ensuring a comfortable and precise fit. In addition, the dental 3D printers significantly reduce production time and costs compared to traditional methods.
3. Crowns and veneers
The 3D printers for dentistry allow high-precision dental crowns and veneers to be fabricated. These parts are digitally designed and then printed in biocompatible materials that are both aesthetic and durable. With the dental 3D digital printingIn this way, dentists can offer quick and personalised solutions to restore the aesthetics and functionality of their patients' teeth.
4. Surgical guides for implants
In the field of implant dentistry, 3D printed surgical guides have greatly improved the accuracy and success of procedures. These guides, designed from digital scans, allow dentists to place implants with high accuracy, minimising errors and reducing surgery time.
5. Orthodontic appliances
The 3D printed orthodontic appliances are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide a precise fit and superior comfort. Transparent aligners, for example, are manufactured using 3D printers for orthodontics which ensure an exact adaptation to the patient's tooth structure.
6. Customised dental implants
With the dental 3D printingWith the new implant, implants can be customised for each individual patient. This ensures better integration with the bone and a lower risk of postoperative complications. The dental 3D printers allow implants to be designed to fit perfectly to the specific site where they are to be placed.
7. Mouth protection devices
Mouth protection devices, such as mouth guards for bruxism or mouth guards for athletes, also benefit from dental 3D printing. These 3D printed devices offer a perfect fit and are much more comfortable than those made by traditional methods.
8. Production of dental resins
The 3D resin machine is ideal for the creation of high quality dental models and teeth. Dental-specific resins offer the hardness and durability required for clinical applications, as well as being biocompatible, making them safe for use in the patient's mouth.
9. Innovation in the treatment of sleep disorders
Devices for the treatment of sleep disorders, such as mandibular advancement devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea, are also manufactured using dental 3D printers. These customised devices help keep airways open during sleep, improving patients' quality of life.
10. Educational and training
Finally, dental 3D printing also has a crucial role to play in the education and training of new dentists. 3D printed dental models are used in dental schools for the practice of procedures and simulation of clinical situations, providing students with an invaluable learning tool.
3D printing in dentistry is not only transforming the way treatments are performed, it is also improving patients' quality of life. At Additium 3D we work from design and scanning through to printing and the final product as you can see in this case where we designed and manufactured an elastic and adaptable support for catheters for the Hospital de la Ribera.located in Alzira (Valencia).
3D Scanning and 3D Printing in Dentistry
The combination of 3D scanning e 3D printing is revolutionising dentistry, transforming the way dental devices are manufactured and treatments are carried out. This synergy not only speeds up the process, but also improves the precision and customisation of dental solutions. Here's a closer look at how this technology duo integrates into the dental workflow.
1. Intraoral scanning: The basis of accuracy
The first step in the process of dental 3D printing begins with intraoral scanning. Intraoral 3D scanners capture detailed images of the patient's mouth, generating an accurate three-dimensional digital model of tooth morphology. This step eliminates the need for traditional physical impressions, reducing errors and improving patient comfort. In addition, in-lab scanning solutions are available that allow previously obtained physical models to be digitised, integrating anterior teeth as well.
2. Digital modelling: Custom design
Once the 3D scan file is obtained, it is sent to a dental laboratory via secure online platforms. In the lab, the file is used to model the final design using specialised CAD software. This modelling process takes into account all critical details, from the shape of the gum and interaction with other teeth, to the aesthetics of the patient's smile. This precision in design ensures that the final product fits perfectly and meets clinical and aesthetic expectations.
3. Manufacturing with 3D Printers: From the digital to the physical
With the digital model ready, the manufacturing phase is carried out using a dental 3D printer. Unlike standard 3D printers, dental printers are designed to offer greater precision, surface quality, and speed. These devices use biocompatible materials to produce finely detailed crowns, bridges, and other dental devices. The ability to create parts in a reduced timeframe allows practitioners to offer immediate solutions, sometimes completing treatment in a single appointment.
4. Benefits of the integrated process
- Reduction of manufacturing time3D printing can transform a process that used to take days into hours, enabling a more streamlined and efficient workflow.
- High precision and customisationThe integration of 3D scanners and CAD software ensures that each part is precisely tailored to the patient's individual needs.
- Efficiency and convenienceTreatments can be planned and executed faster, improving the patient experience and optimising the practitioner's time.
5. Technical considerations and training
To make the most of 3D scanning and printing, it is essential to have the right equipmentincluding 3D scanners, specialised printers and advanced CAD software. In addition, professionals must be trained to use these technologies effectively. Investment in training and quality equipment is crucial to overcome the challenges associated with these innovative tools and ensure their successful integration into daily practice.
In conclusion, the 3D scanning and printing have revolutionised the dental field, offering fast, precise and personalised solutions. With the right technology and the necessary training, dentists can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of the treatment they provide to their patients.
If you need professional help, do not hesitate to contact us. At Additium3D, we offer a comprehensive service of 3D printing for the health sector in hospitals and dental clinics.
