There are many benefits of 3D printing in Orthodontics. Primarily, 3D printing (additive manufacturing) can deliver almost up-to-the-minute accuracy for dental models. That level of detail helps with another big advantage: better outcomes for patients. Coupled with other benefits, like not needing manual impressions, and 3D printing offers benefits for dental professionals and patients alike.
3D Printing Applications in Orthodontics
Dental professionals can use 3D printing to accelerate turnaround times and lower costs for a number of applications.
Clear Aligners
Compared to traditional alignment methods, clear aligners are increasingly popular. They are more comfortable, removable and less complicated to create. Using additive manufacturing and CAD software, dental professionals can quickly and easily create a multi-step treatment plan.
3D scans of a patient’s teeth are taken for each stage of the plan. You can adjust and process each scan through CAD software before sending it to a 3D printer. After printing, the aligner goes through post-processing and trimming. It’s then ready to be put in place over the patient’s teeth. After that, you just repeat the process at every stage of treatment.
Appliance Models
If the treatment requires traditional appliances, additive manufacturing can still improve the process. Again, after using your CAD software to adjust and prepare your scan, you can quickly and easily 3D-print your appliance model – including models for crowns and fillings, bridges, and partial and full dentures. From there, it’s as simple as using the model to build your appliance.
Other Applications
You’ve probably already figured it out, but there are many other applications of 3D printing in orthodontics. They include the fast creation of highly accurate bonding trays and bite splints.
Dental Model 3D Printing Service
Of course, orthodontics isn’t the only area of dentistry that benefits from professional 3D printing. Proto3000’s Dental Model 3D Printing Service is ready to help dental professionals enjoy all the advantages right now.
To learn more about 3D printing in dentistry, check out our article “Metal Binder Jetting 3D Printing for the Dental Industry“.