4 Essential Objects A 3D Printer Can Generate For Dental Practitioners

3D scanners are used by dentists all over the country for the creation of crowns, bridges, and a number of other clinic essentials that help in the restoration of patients’ smiles. There are even printers that are exclusively designed to print veneers and other specialty items.  In this article, we will discuss the most important items you can use a 3D printer to create in your clinic.

4 Essential Products of Dental 3D Printers

These devices have become essential tools, helping create a number of correctional products that have improved the smiles of patients. Here are the most popular dental applications of 3D printers:

• Aligners
  

  3D printers are now capable of printing transparent pieces that accurately align with the patient’s teeth. These aligners are based on a 3D model the dentist will create after he performs a scan, which has a very high level of accuracy. As a result, the practitioner can create a perfect match for the patient’s smile.The process begins with the dentist taking digital impressions of the patient’s teeth using a specialized scanner. These digital impressions are then converted into 3D models, which serve as the foundation for designing the aligners.

  Once the 3D models are ready, they are sent to a 3D printer, which uses a transparent and biocompatible resin to produce each aligner layer by layer. The accuracy of 3D printing ensures that each aligner fits the patient’s teeth perfectly, gradually shifting them into the desired position over time. These aligners are transparent, making them nearly invisible when worn, offering a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. Moreover, 3D printing technology allows for quicker production and adjustments when needed, offering patients a more efficient and convenient orthodontic experience while giving dentists and orthodontists greater control and precision in treatment planning.

• Surgical guides
  

  3D printing also helps in aiding the delicate procedure of oral surgery. Through tangible replicas of the patient’s mouth created through preliminary scanning, the orthodontist can pinpoint the affected areas, and prescribe and carry out the most accurate treatment.These guides are invaluable for complex surgeries like dental implant placements. The process begins with the dentist taking detailed scans of the patient’s mouth and jaw using advanced imaging techniques like cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). These scans are then converted into 3D digital models that accurately represent the patient’s oral anatomy.

  Using specialized software, the dentist designs a surgical guide tailored to the patient’s specific needs. This guide outlines the exact location and angle for implant placement, ensuring optimal results and minimizing the risk of complications. Once the design is complete, it’s sent to a 3D printer. The printer utilizes biocompatible materials to produce the surgical guide with incredible precision. During the procedure, the dentist places the guide in the patient’s mouth, allowing for precise implant placement with minimal invasiveness. This not only enhances the safety and success of the surgery but also shortens the overall treatment time, making the dental experience more comfortable and efficient for both patients and practitioners.

• Crowns
  

  The creation of crowns is one of the many tasks that 3D printers have made easier. It starts with a scan of the broken teeth, allowing the software to make the model of the crown.These digital impressions are generated using intraoral scanners, which quickly create highly accurate 3D models of the patient’s dental anatomy. This eliminates the need for traditional messy impressions involving molds and trays.

  Once the digital model is ready, it’s sent to a 3D printer that specializes in dental materials. The printer uses biocompatible materials like ceramics to construct the crown layer by layer. The advantage of 3D printing lies in its ability to create custom-fit crowns that perfectly match the patient’s tooth structure. This precise fit not only enhances comfort but also ensures that the crown functions effectively. Furthermore, 3D printing reduces the time required for crown fabrication, allowing patients to receive their permanent crowns faster than with traditional methods. Overall, 3D-printed dental crowns have revolutionized restorative dentistry by providing patients with durable, natural-looking solutions that are both efficient and comfortable.

• Models
  

  Using models of the teeth helps practitioners come up with accurate treatments for their patients. The scan of the teeth creates a 3D appearance of the smile, aiding the dentist in designing the procedure that would best address the patient’s predicament. To create these dental models, the process typically begins with the dentist taking digital impressions of a patient’s teeth using specialized intraoral scanners or traditional dental molds. These impressions are then converted into digital 3D models that precisely replicate the patient’s dental anatomy, capturing even the smallest details.

  Once the digital models are ready, they are sent to a 3D printer that uses dental-grade materials to construct the physical models. These 3D-printed dental models are incredibly accurate, offering a tangible representation of a patient’s teeth and oral structure. Dentists and orthodontists use these models for a variety of purposes, including planning orthodontic treatments, creating custom-made dental appliances, and practicing dental procedures. They are also valuable for patient education, allowing dentists to visually explain treatment options and expected outcomes, enhancing the patient’s understanding and involvement in their dental care. Overall, 3D-printed dental models have become indispensable tools in modern dentistry, improving the precision and effectiveness of dental treatments.

There is no doubt that CAD/CAM printing has become increasingly essential to dentistry in recent years. While some practitioners have yet to fully adopt these technologies, it is catching on with a wider base of dental practitioners every year.

Let Benco Dental ease your way into 3D printing. Talk to our representatives for cutting-edge CAD/CAM dental solutions.