Utilizing 3D Printing Technologies in Dentistry

March 07, 2025

3D printing has become a welcome addition to dentistry, dramatically transforming the industry. Dental practices that integrate 3D printing have streamlined their processes, improved patient outcomes, and made high-quality dental restorations more accessible. In particular, it has revolutionized the creation of prosthetics, orthodontics, and surgical guides. For people looking to modernize their dental practices, 3D printing could be the key to staying ahead in the industry.

Applications

• Full or Partial Dentures: Custom denture fabrication can achieve quicker turnaround times. Using 3D printing to make dentures also results in a more comfortable fit.

• Aligners and Retainers: 3D printed aligners or retainers offer a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional braces. They can also be made using clear resin, which makes them more aesthetically pleasing.

• Implants: 3D-printed implants are biocompatible and have features similar to natural teeth. Since 3D printers and their materials can print with high accuracy, they can print highly complex parts like implants.

• Crowns and Bridges: Traditional methods for creating crowns and bridges can take days or even weeks. With 3D printing, dental professionals can produce high-quality restorations within hours, providing patients with same-day solutions.

• Surgical Guides: 3D-printed surgical guides improve accuracy in implant placement, reducing errors and enhancing patient safety.

• Dental Models: Dentists can print highly accurate models of a patient’s mouth, teeth and jaw, enabling them to have exact physical replicas to aid in treatment planning and better communication with patients.

Tools for digital dentistry

When incorporating 3D printing into your dental practice, consider integrating the complete workflow, which includes scanning, digitizing, and 3D printing. This will enable you to cut outsourcing costs and save time.

Shop3D.ca carries many models of biomedical tools for your dental practice. We are official resellers and partners of Formlabs, Mayku, and Shining3D in Canada, and recommend these for a complete workflow.

3D Scanning

Aoralscan 3: This sleek 3D scanner provides a clinical toolkit for evaluating and pre-designing scanned data directly in your clinic. It allows for undercut checks, bite checks, margin line extraction, tooth marking, coordinate adjustment, and ExoCAD exporting, improving the clinical experience. The digital model generated can be sent straight to the 3D printer.

3D Printing

3D printing for dental incorporates the use of 3D printers, materials (resins), pressure formers, and automation systems.

The Formlabs Biomed Ecosystem: 

• Biomed 3D Printers: The Form 3B, Form 3BL, Form 4B, and Form 4BL are ideal for dentistry. They offer precision and speed, and utilize biocompatible materials. Using Low-Force Stereolithography (LFS), they produce dental models, crowns, bridges, and aligners with micron-level detail. The Form 4B and 4BL are the latest models, offering faster print speeds and automated resin dispensing.

• Automation System: The Formlabs Form Auto boosts efficiency by automating print removal and queuing, reducing manual labor and downtime. It’s ideal for high-volume production and integrates seamlessly with digital workflows. It is only compatible with Form 3 models.

• Biomed Resins: These ISO-certified, biocompatible resins are perfect for dental applications such as surgical guides, splints, and dentures. Available in Clear, White, Black, and Amber, they ensure safe and durable dental tools and parts.

Pressure Forming

Pressure forming uses heat and high-pressure air or vacuum to shape thermoplastic sheets over molds. In dentistry, it's commonly used for creating custom trays, retainers, aligners, mouthguards, and nightguards.

Mayku Multiplier: The Multiplier enables the creation of custom molds for dental devices like mouthguards and trays. Its compact size, variable temperature control, and rapid heating improve efficiency. Compatible with materials like EVA, PETG, and acrylic, it has a user-friendly interface for fast pressure forming and high-quality, accurate results. See how it works for dental workflows here.

Benefits of Integrating 3D Printing in Dentistry

• Faster Iteration Time and Reduced Costs: 3D Printing can reduce the time needed to get a finished model. Cut outsourcing costs, minimize material waste and reduce downtime - with a proper workflow, you can go from digital file to ready-to-use finished print faster.

• High Precision and Accuracy: Micron-level accuracy ensures a perfect fit for dental models, prosthetics, and surgical guides, improving comfort and treatment outcomes.

• Allows for Customization: 3D printing allows for fully customized dental appliances tailored to each patient, enabling quick modifications for better fit and effectiveness.

• Improved Treatment Planning and Patient Experience: 3D-printed models provide precise physical replicas of a patient’s mouth, aiding treatment planning and improving communication.  

• Biocompatible and Safe Materials: FDA- and ISO-certified resins ensure safe, high-quality dental devices like surgical guides, dentures, splints, and implants that can last for years.

• Increased Efficiency and Automation: Digital workflows and automation reduce manual labor, streamline production, and enable high-volume printing with minimal intervention.

Embracing 3D printing technology in your dental practice offers a wide range of benefits, from improving efficiency and accuracy to providing quicker turnaround times for high-quality dental restorations. By integrating a complete 3D printing workflow—Scan, Digitize, Print—you can reduce outsourcing costs, streamline processes, and enhance patient satisfaction. 

Want to learn how the above technologies can complement your existing workflow? Book a consultation and our team will be ready to guide you.

Deal

Use code DENTAL10 to get 10% off the Aoralscan 3 when you purchase between now and March 31. Hurry, offer valid only while stock lasts!

 

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