The benefits of 3D printing are numerous, and this method can definitely help any healthcare professional produce customized medical devices. Here are some examples of how dental 3D printing solutions specifically the use of dental modeling software and dental 3D printers can help improve the daily work of dentists, orthodontists and prosthodontists:
3D Printed Braces with LED Lights
Researchers are developing “smart 3D printed braces”. The goal of these braces is to align and straighten teeth faster thanks to LED lights. These semi-translucent 3D printed braces place a battery on each tooth to power the light, as the energy actually helps the teeth move faster. In case you are wondering, no, light is not visible to the naked eye, it is a discrete process. The team’s researchers worked on non-toxic lithium batteries, but also on the flexible properties of these braces to make them safe and comfortable. These 3D printed braces are not yet available for public use, but they provide a nice glimpse into the research done in this sector.
3d Printed Dental Implants
Additive manufacturing also has an important role in dental implant surgery. It is actually possible to create a 3D model to replace a missing tooth. 3D printing actually makes it possible to get a replacement tooth faster and with greater precision than traditional methods. It is also an easier and more economical method and the final product can have a really good finish. 3D printing and dental restoration have a bright future ahead of them.
3d Printed Dentures
It is also possible to 3D print complete dentures with gums and teeth that must be printed with biocompatible materials. Even the base of the prosthesis is 3D printable and can be adapted to the patient’s morphology. For now, 3D printed dentures are only being created for clinical trials, but we expect it to be a common 3D printed product soon.
3d Printed Crowns
Additive manufacturing makes it possible to produce crowns very quickly, as the dentist can perform the process himself. It is one of the most common applications of 3D printing in dentistry. It is possible to obtain a scan of the patient’s teeth, model it and directly print the crown. The process is really time-saving and a professional can adjust and reprint the crown if a mistake is made. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of what you can 3D print in the dental industry, it is also possible to 3D print surgical instruments, night guards and so on.
3D printing can also be used by professionals themselves. It is possible to 3D print not only braces, biocompatible surgical guides, implants or crowns, but also tools. In this way, it is possible to perfectly adapt the device to work methods or processes. This method of tool production is applicable to the entire medical industry.