The concept of 3D printing is taking the world by storm. The potential applications have become highly popular, especially in the fields of medicine and dentistry.
Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are terms that describe software that makes it possible for dentists to perform complex procedures faster, easier and more accurately. CAD/CAM technology creates restorations such as crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays and bridges from a single block of ceramic, making the final product more precise compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
So how exactly do dentists use 3D printing technology? Here are a few applications;
Replacing or repairing a damaged tooth: The dentist scans the patient’s mouth with a small digital stick. This creates a 3D image of the teeth and gums, which is saved as a computer file. Computer-aided design (CAD CAM) software enables the dentist to digitally design the tooth repair and print the finished product on a 3D printer.
Create an orthodontic model: 3D printer technology involves the patient biting into sticky, uncomfortable clay so that the mold hardens, which creates a model of the teeth to design braces or Invisalign treatment.
This is not the case with 3D printing. The dentist can use the same technology highlighted in the first example to scan the teeth, design an orthodontic appliance and print the final result within the clinic.
Produce crowns, bridges, dentures and more: The same process outlined above can be used to 3D print all types of dental implants. The only difference is the precise material used in the printing process.
Benefits of 3D Printing in Dentistry
Dentistry has relied on laboratories for many years to produce crowns, bridges and other implants. Why should they switch to 3D printing technology now?
Because everyone wins in this case.
Dentists save money: Budgeting for dental laboratories is a significant cost for any dental practice. If implemented within the clinic, employing skilled staff to produce dental implants means significant and ongoing investment. 3D printer production is much lower than running a dental laboratory.
Patients save money: The high costs of adding and running a dental lab are reflected in every patient’s bill. Using traditional technologies, treatments can be more costly to patients. When 3D printers reduce overheads by 80 per cent, dentists can pass the savings on to their patients.
Treatments are faster and more accurate: While manual tooth model construction takes time, 3D printing allows multiple devices to be printed simultaneously. Accuracy is also increased as 3D printers convert digital images into physical objects by printing 16 micron thick layers on top of each other. Highly automated digital dentistry systems provide significant throughput without loss of quality. Increased production capacity and more accurate results benefit both dentists and patients.
As crowns and other restorative options no longer need to be made in a laboratory, the entire process can be completed in a single visit and there is no need for temporary restorations.
How does it work?
.Impression taking; The interstitial spaces in the patient’s oral cavity are scanned with intraoral scanners or 3D X-ray equipment. The resulting digital 3D models go directly to the dental CAD/CAM software.
.CAD/CAM design; From splints and crowns to complete bridges or dentures, modern dental CAD/CAM software can create personalized designs that perfectly match the patient’s anatomy.
.Production; After the design phase, a CAD/CAM software can send the model to digital production devices, such as dental resin 3D printers that operate with microscopic precision.
