3D Printing in Dentistry

Does the term “3D Printing” bring to mind action figures? Or mass manufacturing for large corporations?

Whatever 3D printing means to you, you can add one more application to your list: dentistry.

3D printing, or “Additive Manufacturing,” has opened a world of innovations in dentistry. Using a process that can print a three-dimensional object on an in-office printer cuts costs for both dentist and patient, but is also more carefully customizable than alternatives.

Cutting Costs

Many aspects of dentistry benefit from 3D printing:

• Crowns

• Bridges

• Models of teeth

• Implants

• Aligners and retainers

• Surgical guides

The objects listed can be 3D printed. Most of these dental materials required sending molds to a lab and waiting to receive the material back. Due to 3D printing innovations, these materials are often created in the office. This process cuts costs of time and production materials, thereby cutting costs for patients.

Quicker Customization

With an in-office 3D printer, the dentist can acquire the information needed to create a material for the patient, then turn around and print it. If something is wrong, the process leaves more room for adjustments.

The printing process is less invasive for the patient than taking molds.

Printing Process

The printing process starts with the dentist using a small wand-like scanner called an “Intraoral Scanner” to create accurate images of the patient’s teeth.

These images get uploaded to the 3D printer. 

Multiple dental materials (most commonly different resins) can create what the patient needs. Sometimes, if all materials are viable options, the dentist will explain the options to the patient.

The material is then printed within hours and ready for use. To learn more about what 3D printing means for your dental needs, visit Ridge View Dental.