3D printing dental technology is not just about making crowns, bridges, and dental appliances. Due to being unfamiliar with this technology, people who face dental problems use traditional ways to solve them. The result is ultimately ill-fitting dental models that cause patient discomfort and gum swelling.
By gaining the proper knowledge of this 3D printer, the dentist and patient reduce the pain and chair seating time. That’s not all. This article provides you with the details of the top 7 3D printing dental applications in dentistry. You will also learn about some challenges people face and how to overcome them. So, keep reading.
How Does 3D Printing In Dentistry Work?
A 3D printer in dentistry is a device that uses the latest technology to make different dental models and appliances. All 3D printers work on the principle of “additive manufacturing.” It involves building a 3D model by adding layers of material to each other. This is a very precise process and helps you make detailed shapes of objects.
Here are three steps that provide details on how the dentist made a model by using a 3D printer.
Step 1: Scan the Patient’s Mouth
First of all, the dentist scans the patient’s mouth or gum via scanner. This technology captures the detailed and precise image of the patient’s mouth and helps you to create dental appliances.
Step 2: Design the Dental Model
In the second step, the dentist uses this scan to design the custom dental model or appliance. Dentists use specialized software to shape and adjust the size of the design to avoid any ill-fitting issues.
Step 3: 3D Printing the Model
After the design is finalized, the dentist uses the printer to print the dental model. They use different materials like resin or plastic to make models layer by layer. Then, they adjust the model or polish it before inserting it into the patient’s mouth.
Top 7 3D Printing Applications in Dentistry: Where It Works Best
3D printers are used in the different healthcare sectors to provide quality health facilities to patients. Here are the details of the top seven applications of 3D printers in dentistry.
1. Custom Dental Implants
A dental implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. It requires a long time to make the implant and then adjust it according to the patient’s jaw size. With a 3D printer, dentists can create 3D printing dental implants that fit precisely into the patient’s mouth.
It speeds up the process of 3D printing dental implant creation and increases productivity. Furthermore, all the models are custom-made to fit accurately in the patient’s mouth. So the patient saves from adjustment hassle.
In just a few hours, you can make durable implants that last for a long run. You won’t be waiting for weeks or days like traditional implants.
2. 3D Printed Crowns and Bridges
3D printers eliminate the need for messy molds used to make crowns. Dentists take digital impressions of the patient’s mouth via scanner to make 3D printing dental crowns. Then, send this scan to the printer, where the 3D printing dental crowns or bridges are made.
You can customize the shape of these models to fit perfectly into the patient’s mouth. These crowns and bridges look natural and improve patients’ smile appearance. 3D printers use high-quality materials like resin or plastic.
So, the bridges or crowns are durable and last for some time with proper care and maintenance. This is a quick and accurate method to produce quality dental models in a short time.
3. Clear Aligners and Braces
Aligners and braces are used to straighten the teeth. Dentists use a DLP 3D Printer to create 3D printing dental prosthesis, like custom clear aligners, for each patient. Unlike the traditional method, the 3D printer scans the patient’s mouth and builds the aligner layer by layer. It ensures the braces or aligners do not need any adjustment.
This technology reduces the patient’s sitting time. Dentists speed up the production of high-quality and durable aligners in a short time. Furthermore, the materials used in aligners are excellent and eliminate the risk of patient discomfort and irritations.
4. Dentures and Partial Dentures
Doctors place dentures to replace broken or decayed teeth. So, it means dentures are artificial teeth that are designed to custom fit in the patient’s mouth. The 3D printers are also used to make highly accurate dentures. The printer uses durable material to create dentures layer by layer on a digital model.
3D printers reduce the adjustment or shaping of dentures. It increases the dentist’s capability to produce a large number of models in a short span. The digital printer takes an exact scan of the painted mouth. It leads to eliminating the ill-fitting issues.
That way, 3D printers provide a comfortable denture experience for the patient.
5. Surgical Guides and Models
Surgical guides help the health care expert to improve the efficiency of results. 3D printers also create surgical guides that facilitate the dentist to perform procedures with great precision. These guides are based on each patient’s anatomy and ensure the placement of dental models is done accurately.
Moreover, this guide also improves the overall success rate of surgery. Doctors also create 3D models of the patient’s teeth and jaw before surgery. It provides a clear understanding of which area they work on. In this way, they get the effective and expected result of the surgery.
6. Diagnostic Models and Patient Education
One of the greatest applications of 3D dental printers is to make diagnostic models. These types of models help the dentist study the patient’s oral health before giving or deciding on any treatment. Dentists use 3D printers to make teeth or gum models layer by layer.
This model facilitates the dentist to assess the patient’s mouth condition thoroughly. Sometimes, the patient is afraid of oral surgery or 3D printing dental veneers. This model helps the doctor to educate the patient well. It builds the level of trust between the patient and the doctor.
So, a 3D printer model better visualizes the patient where changes will occur.
7. Biocompatible Materials for Dental Applications
3D printers use biocompatible materials that are designed to be safe for long-term use inside the human body. These materials are durable and resistant to wear and tear. It has the ability to handle stress and secure the dental product face during chewing and biting.
However, research in biocompatibility material is still in progress. Dentists use this material to improve the overall quality and efficiency of dental work or models. It also helps the dentist solve the material challenges in 3D printers.
So, they provide solutions for patients that are both effective and safe.
What are the Challenges Dentists Face When Using 3D Printers?
Despite the greatest application of 3D printers in dentistry, there are still a few challenges that come with adopting this technology. The details of these are:
1. High Initial Costs
3D printers, due to high demand, are quite high in price. It is difficult for beginner or newbie dentists to buy it. There are different types of 3D printers available in the market. Each has its own precise, specific features and specifications.
2. Technical Complexity
It’s important to get proper training on how to use the 3D printer before adopting it. Some healthcare institutions provide training with appropriate certifications. But training requires time and money.
3. Limited Material Options
3D printers use high-quality materials like resin and plastic to make 3D dental models. However, this printer still has some limitations on the material. You cannot use all types of material in this 3D printer.
How do you Overcome these Challenges to Enhance Patient Experience?
To cope with all these challenges, the dentist takes a few steps that provide patient comfort. First of all, they should look for affordable 3D dental printers in the market. Aidite DLP 3D printer is a cost-effective solution that gives dentists great devices to make dental models.
Furthermore, dentists got training before purchasing this 3D printer. There are a lot of training institutions that provide detailed guides on how to use it properly. They also offer proper certification for patient satisfaction.
Additionally, it is important to use a material that is compatible with the 3D printer. Dentists can use resin and plastic to make 3D models like crowns, bridges, and implants.
FAQS
What are the medical applications of 3D printing?
In the medical field, 3D printers are used in a wide range of tissue types. You can create patient-specific medical models to study and inspect before surgery. Additionally, you can make custom-made single or multiple drug tablets.
How is 3D printing used in hospitals?
Dentists use 3D printers to create custom surgical tools, anatomical models, and implants according to patient mouth size requirements. You can also use it to make research tools and demanding surgical parts.
How is 3D printing used in surgery?
This technology is also used in surgical applications. You can use it to print patient-specific anatomic models, implants, and 3d printing dental prosthesis. Furthermore, the dentist also used to make splints, surgical instruments, and surgical cutting guides.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, 3D printers in dentistry are used to make different dental models that are custom fit into the patient’s mouth. The 3D printing dental applications are beyond dentistry. Doctors use it to create high-quality crowns, bridges, and implants.
Furthermore, they are also used to make surgical guides that facilitate surgery. However, this technology is still in progress. This 3D printer is slightly costly due to the latest technology incorporation.
Dentists need proper training before adopting this technology. So, it’s important to keep these challenges in mind before adding this technology to labs.