Now it seems too early to say that 3D printed dentures are as good as our own teeth. It's not that there's no research to prove it. In any case, add-on manufacturing has had a significant impact on improving the dental industry. In particular, 3D printing has become a powerful technology in the field of orthodontics. Dentists and their patients have benefited from 3D manufacturing replacing manual, time-consuming processes. Finally, make the whole treatment process more efficient and cheap.

How can we use 3D printing technology in dentistry?

To install an implant is to drill a hole in the jaw and install the denture, which is a complex process. Sometimes this requires expert skill. 3D printing dental drill can make this less risky and less painful.

Often, 3D models are designed on the basis of cone beam CT scanning results. After the success of making the model, the characteristics of each person's jaw are also taken into account.

Then all tests are carried out on the test model, and then on the print model. 3D printed jaws can be used to test for correct compliance. In addition, it is made of materials certified for dental use.

Perfect smile from orthotics

The appliance is a solid plate made of polycarbonate that covers the teeth. It is basically similar to the tooth guard. Orthosis is one of the most outstanding achievements in 3D printing. They replace efficient but unsightly braces. In addition, braces often require more maintenance because you need a lot of time to clean every day. The appliance can be removed at any time.

Manufacturing method

Each appliance needs to be worn for two weeks. Therefore, the whole treatment course of orthotics needs nearly 210 days (nearly 15 weeks).

It should be said that the addition technology does not directly manufacture orthotics. Instead, a 3D printed jaw is copied. Each bite has a difference of about 1.75mm. So the first jaw is almost the same as the original, and the last is a complete occlusion. This means that each appliance is a little different - they "correct" your bite a little before they are fully corrected. So how does it do it? Let's take a brief look.

At first, an exquisite 3D model of jaw was made on the basis of cone beam CT imaging. Then technical experts manually complete the 3D model of corrected occlusion. The software calculates the final changes at all stages (different jaws). Then print each 3D jaw and make it into an orthotic device.

Orthotics vs. braces

At a glance, orthotics are better than ordinary braces. But in fact, in the case of special tooth deformity, the appliance is not applicable. More importantly, sometimes the patient's first orthosis needs to be replaced during treatment. For example, when the dentist sees that the correction is not going as planned, he will make a new appliance. Nevertheless, orthotics can be regarded as a revolution in orthodontics.

3D printing is a relatively new way to complete routine treatment faster, better and cheaper. Many dentists admit that it will cost a lot to buy 3D printers, special software and hire new experts, but in general, the long-term efficiency of new technologies for 3D printing exceeds the cost.