How 3D Printing Technology Has Changed The Dentistry

3D Printing technology is relatively a new concept that is taking the world by storm. With the help of 3D printing technology, the developers are able to roll-out more versatile, high-quality devices with an aim to change the functioning of dental clinics. Almost all the dental clinics are making use of 3D technology to improve accuracy and speed in dentures, prosthetics, aligners, night guard, bleaching tray, and sports guard. Well, the potential applications of 3D printing in Dentistry are endless and have been promising advances A recent study shows that 3D printing would see a rise in demand.

The application of 3D printing in other markets is expected to grow as well, but better 3D printers and materials are already being manufactured specifically for dentists. Moreover, the study predicts that the sale of 3D printing systems for dental labs will double by the and of the year 2020. 3D printing technology is also expected to provide more than 60 percent of all dental production needs, and perhaps even more in certain areas such as dental modeling.in the medical as well as the dental field.

How Is The Growth Of 3D Printing In Dentistry?

A recent study shows that 3D printing would see a rise in demand. The application of 3D printing in other markets is expected to grow as well, but better 3D printers and materials are already being manufactured specifically for dentists. Moreover, the study predicts that the sale of 3D printing systems for dental labs will double by the and of the year 2020. 3D printing technology is also expected to provide more than 60 percent of all dental production needs, and perhaps even more in certain areas such as dental modeling.

How 3D Printing Technology Helps Dental Professionals?

3D Printing technology can help dental professionals in producing adapted medical devices. It is actually used in dental modeling to improve the daily work of dentists, orthodontists, and prosthetists.

3D Printing Technology – 3D printed Braces With LED Lights:

With the help of 3D printing technologies, dentists can develop smart 3D printed braces with an aim to align and straighten the teeth faster. These developed semi-translucent 3D printed braces put a small battery on each tooth which will provide power to the LED lights. The imported energy helps the teeth to move faster. These 3D printed braces are safe and comfortable for the patients.

3D Printing Technology – 3D printed dental implants

3D printing technology also plays an important role in dental implant surgeries by assisting in creating a 3D model to replace the missing tooth. It allows dentists and orthodontists to get a replacement tooth faster and with more accuracy. 3D modeling is considered being an easy and economical method where the final product has a really good finish.

3D Printing Technology – 3D printed dentures

3D printing technology makes it possible to 3D print complete dentures, along with gum and teeth, that have to be printed with biocompatible materials. In addition, the denture base can also be 3D printed and can be adapted to the patient’s morphology.

3D Printing Technology – 3D printed crowns

3D printing technology aids in producing the crowns very quickly. It is also considered one of the most common applications of 3D printing in dentistry. It helps in scanning all the teeth of a patient, model it to directly print the crown. The entire process is time-saving and assists the professionals to modify the crown and reprint the model if there are errors or mistakes.

What Are Some Benefits of 3D Printing Technology In Dentistry?

Dentistry has always been relying on the dental labs to produce crowns, bridges, and other implants required by the patients, but with 3D printing technology, dentistry has witnessed a drastic change. There are several benefits of 3D printing as noted below:

  • Dentists Can Save Money: Having a dental laboratory needs a significant investment where a dentist would need to implement proper equipment, software, and employ skilled staff to produce the implants. This makes the cost of running a dental laboratory huge. In 3D printing technology, dentists just have to make the initial one-time investment to get a high-quality 3D printer.
  • Patients Can Also Save Money: Generally, the high cost of running a dental lab is also reflected in the patient’s bill. 3D printers have lowered the overhead costs directly by 80 percent. This will help in reducing the costs of implants and other dental surgeries.
  • 3D Printing Orthopedic Services Faster And Accurate: Generally the conventional method of manual model-making is time-consuming whereas 3D printing allows for multiple appliances to be printed at once. With 3D printing technology there is an improvement in the images since 3D printers convert digital images into physical objects by printing 16-micron-thick layers one on top of the other. Advancement in technology increases production capacity and improves the accuracy of the end results.

Summary:

The creation of 3D models and prints is a massive game-changer for not just the accuracy it provides, but also how it improves the patient’s experience. Processes are generally faster as digital elements remove redundant steps, making the patient’s visit quicker and easier.

Digitization has also allowed for better cataloging and patient-specific care. Technological development allows for the printing of better guides and dental appliances with data that can be easily transferred from one dental practice to another if needed.