If you’ve been to the dentist or had braces, you’re likely all too familiar with gooey mouth impressions that most patients ultimately dread. Not only is the process unpleasant, but the final product could take up to a few weeks to come in. The good news is, the days of impressions are beginning to coming to an end.
Now, a trip to your dentist for any type of appliance that regularly requires a mold could be completed using scanning and 3D print technology. If you have a dental appointment for a retainer or night guard, for example, your dentist may now wave a digital wand in your mouth that scans your teeth. Once the scan is completed, it can be converted into a digital file and e-mailed to a 3D printer. The printer is typically located in the office or a dental lab, and it prints with FDA-approved materials. The scan gives perfect measurements of your mouth and teeth so the dental 3D printer can create an appliance that fits properly.
3D print technology is an extremely popular and sought after solution in the dental industry; from general dentistry and orthodontics to dental implants and prosthesis. This new technology is not only much more efficient for the dentist and patient, but it is also more affordable and better customized for the individual patient’s needs. Some of the many products that are produced via 3D printing are:
- Dental implants
- Dentures
- Crowns
- Nightguards
- Braces
- Aligners
- Surgical guides
These products traditionally require multiple molds and a significant period of time before they’re ready to be taken by the patient. There is substantial proof that the 3D dental industry will quickly expand and change how patients meet their dental needs. While many offices still use traditional practices, the efficiency, patient experience, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of 3D printing make a good argument for some technological upgrades.
Industry leaders, such as Carbon 3D, are making their mark on the 3D dental industry, and the technology behind their processes, is innovative and revolutionizing. Breaking the mold of “traditional” 3D printing, Carbon 3D uses Digital Light Synthesis technology to create more accurate and dependable parts using numerous materials. Specifically for dentistry, Carbon 3D offers dental 3D print solutions that utilize strong materials to create strong, accurate products in a cost-effective and quick manner.
Aside from 3D printing, the dental industry is adopting new and innovative technologies constantly. Dental technology companies such as SurfCT.com, specialize in tailored solutions for various dental technologies and offers extensive knowledge, and unbiased information customized to your dental practice; assisting you and your staff with current technologies and helping you become well versed in what’s new and developing within dentistry.
SurfCT.com is a dental information technology company, founded by Paul Vigario. With many different services and solutions offered to clients, SurfCT.com specializes in areas such as dental technologies, digital workflow, marketing, dental cloud solutions, and HIPAA compliance. SurfCT.com’s technology solutions are revolutionizing general, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry, along with oral surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, and other specialized dental practices. At SurfCT.com Everything Is Connected™