July 19, 2024
Imagine having to wait weeks before your custom orthodontics were ready. During that time, your alignment issues could get worse. Thanks to 3D printing, there’s less of a wait!
The global dental 3D printing market reached $3.1 billion in 2023. It could grow by 26.4% before 2030. More practices are using orthodontic technology to produce clear aligners, 3D-printed braces, and more.
How exactly is 3D printing revolutionizing the industry? Read on to find out!
The Evolution of Dental Innovations
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry. It focuses on correcting teeth and jaw misalignments. Treatment can improve the function and aesthetics of your smile.
Treatment can involve a variety of appliances, including:
- Retainers
- Clear aligners
- Braces
The primary goal of treatment is to gently apply pressure to move teeth into the desired position. With traditional treatments, you may experience discomfort as your teeth adjust. However, the pain typically subsides.
Orthodontic innovations have advanced significantly over the years. When most people imagine orthodontics, they picture traditional metal braces. These appliances use metal brackets and wires to move teeth into alignment.
Though many patients are adolescents, about 20% of people with braces today are adults. However, many adults prefer discreet treatment options. This includes clear plastic aligners (like Invisalign).
Clear aligners offer a more aesthetically pleasing treatment option. Practices can digitally plan and visualize the treatment process using the latest orthodontic technology. This offers more precision and better results.
Advanced dental treatments are making orthodontics more accessible and convenient. Practices use digital scanning technology to create models of a patient’s teeth. Using those scans, orthodontists can fabricate custom-made, clear aligners.
This level of customization and precision has elevated the standard of care in orthodontics.
3D Printing Orthodontic Technology
3D printing technology has transformed how orthodontic appliances are designed and produced. Along with digital scanners, orthodontists can use this technology to create 3D models of your jaw and teeth.
Commonly used 3D printers for orthodontics include:
- PolyJet technology
- Laser sintering
- Stereolithography
- Fused deposition modeling
PolyJet technology offers multi-material printing options. It’s ideal for complex orthodontic cases.
Laser sintering can produce more durable orthodontic models. Fused deposition modeling is ideal for cost-effective, rapid prototyping. Stereolithography is for detailed orthodontic appliances.
Orthodontic 3D printing requires using specialized materials. These materials are durable and biocompatible, making them ideal for intraoral use.
All materials must meet strict safety and quality standards. This ensures better treatment outcomes.
These materials are flexible and transparent without sacrificing strength. Using inferior materials can compromise safety and effectiveness.
Advanced Dental Treatments
At our local orthodontist’s office, we leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance your treatment experience. Our advanced tools enable us to create custom brackets, aligners, and bonding trays tailored to your unique dental structure, ensuring efficient, effective, and comfortable treatments.
Custom Brackets and Aligners
Using advanced technology, we design custom brackets and aligners that fit your dental structure precisely. This personalized approach improves treatment efficiency, enhances comfort by reducing irritation, and ensures a better fit.
Indirect Bonding Trays
Our custom-made indirect bonding trays allow for quick and accurate bracket placement. This technology saves time during the bonding process and improves the precision of bracket placement, leading to better treatment outcomes.
The Process
High-Resolution Intraoral Scanner: Our orthodontists use a high-resolution intraoral scanner to capture detailed images of your teeth and arches. This eliminates the need for traditional molds and creates digital impressions of your teeth.
- 3D Modeling: The captured images are processed by advanced software to create a 3D model of your mouth, serving as the foundation for your orthodontic appliances.
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD): A specialized lab uses CAD software to design your custom appliances with precision.
- 3D Printing: Using digital files, a 3D printer constructs your appliances layer by layer, ensuring exact customization. Once printed, your treatment can begin immediately.
Customization
Our advanced technology streamlines the treatment process, allowing for faster, more accurate, and personalized orthodontic care. Experience the future of orthodontics with our state-of-the-art technology, designed to provide you with the best possible treatment outcomes.
Now, with 3D X-rays and digital scanners, orthodontists can better analyze a patient’s unique anatomy, leading to more personalized treatment plans
Customization increases treatment effectiveness and efficiency. If devices fit better, they’ll work better to align a patient’s smile.
Cost
3D printing technology produces orthodontic appliances faster. They also reduce material waste. The long-term savings benefit both practices and patients. 3D printers are producing new-generation appliances faster while cutting costs and improving workflow. Patients can receive their appliances sooner than ever before.
There’s no longer a need for physical impressions or manual fabrication. Instead, practices can streamline their workflow. Using digital scans and 3D printing will minimize lost time and labor.
Practices can dedicate more time to patient care and treatment planning. You’ll have a better, more individualized experience as a patient.
Benefit From Dental 3D Printing Today
Find exceptional service in a relaxing environment at SouthShore Orthodontics. Our board-certified orthodontists are committed to providing personalized treatment plans for every patient. We use state-of-the art technologies to provide only the highest level of care. Contact us now to achieve your smile goals!