In dentistry, 3D printers are having a big impact for patients needing services that require creation of a model or mold. For crowns, bridges and orthodontal work, manual modeling has historically taken time in dental labs to build an appliance and ensure the detail needed for proper fit. The speed and accuracy of 3D technology means significant savings in time and investment for dentists and their patients.
What patients need
Beyond a basic cleaning or minor filling, patients rely on their dentists for orthodontal services, bridges to replace a tooth, and repair of cracked or chipped teeth. All of these are great applications for 3D technology, which uses computer software to create a digital image and allow a design that can ultimately be printed on a 3D printer.
- Orthodontics – To create a model to design an orthodontic treatment plan, a patient would need to bite down on soft clay to create an imprint. Once the clay hardened into a mold, it would be the guide to build an appliance for braces or Invisalign. With 3D technology, the patient’s teeth are scanned and saved as a computer file. The appliance can be designed and printed at the dentist’s office—no lab time needed.
- Damaged or lost tooth – Caps and crowns, like orthodontics, would need an impression that a lab would use to create a mold and design an appliance for the patient. Using a digital wand, a dentist can scan the tooth or teeth and gums and digitally create the appropriate tooth repair.
- Bridges, dentures, dental implants – Instead of impressions and molds, dentists can use 3D technology to scan part or all of a patient’s mouth and jaw to digitally build whatever the patient needs, including choosing the material used to print the finished product.
Benefits for all
Anyone who has needed significant dental work, from orthodontal work to crowns or bridges, knows the inconvenience of having to wait for the finished product. Days or weeks spent with a temporary crown or bridge, time spent returning to the dentist for fitting and adjusting of the permanent appliance, can be costly in terms of time and money. The ability to scan, design, and print dental appliances in-office means highly accurate finished products that are ready for patients in a fraction of the time.
Dentists also realize significant savings in that 3D technology can actually replace the need for a dental lab. An investment in a printer and materials provides the ability to print multiple dental appliances at the same time, dramatically reducing the need for lab time and the cost of having this service.
At Thomas & Associates, our team consistently works with the latest technology available in the dental industry. From routine preventative dental care to those unexpected emergencies, Thomas Dental is your resource for dental cleaning and care in North Canton, Canton, and the surrounding Ohio area.