Every year, millions of adults and children receive dental implants. While these implants may be used for a variety of reasons, people often receive dental implants after dental trauma, to correct a hereditary dental problem or for aesthetic reasons. Most modern dentists must create a physical mold in order to create dentures or an artificial tooth. However, 3D printing can be a fast, efficient and affordable way for people to receive dental implants. The following guide explores the future of 3D printing in dental offices.
Dentists often make special molds when casting dental implants and pieces. While this process can be effective, it is often very time-consuming. In many cases, a patient will have to wait up to a week to receive his or her dental implants.
3D printers can be an excellent way to reduce turnaround costs, ensure a proper dental piece fit and improve the patient experience. With 3D printers, a patient can receive his or her dental piece in less than an hour.
It can be challenging to make a mold of one’s teeth. In many cases, a mold will have to be removed in small sections after casting a dental piece. With a 3D printer, an entire dental piece be formed quickly and easily. It’s also possible to verify the quality of piece before printing it. With computer aided design (CAD) software, a technician can quickly and easily verify a dental piece to make sure it will be the right fit for a patient.
In addition, a 3D printer can be an excellent way to create invisible braces. With a set of invisible braces, a patient receives small plastic forms that fit to one’s teeth. These pieces have slight variations that allow them to change the position of teeth over time. With a 3D printer, it’s possible to automate the process of creating these pieces. This can be an excellent way to reduce turnaround times and improve a patient’s dental experience.