Nowadays, digital models and 3D-printing are gaining momentum in the dental industry. As a part of the digital workflow that is being utilized by most dentists, 3D-printed models enable a more effective workflow even for dental technicians. In addition, the method often results in more accurate results that are greatly beneficial for the patients.

The Advantages of 3D-Printing in the Dental Industry

If you compare a 3D-model to a plaster model, you would find that the former is a more stable, precise and durable alternative. The edges and lines on a 3D-model stay sharp so dental technicians do not have to worry about wearing them down. If you compare a 3D-printed model to a milled one, the former has a more complex structure that comes with an equally higher level of detail. 3D models are definitely one of the best selling products in the dental industry.

Another important advantage with 3D-printing is that it saves dental technicians a great amount of time. After the dentist performs an intraoral scanning on a patient, the dentist then sends a digital copy of the scanning to a dental laboratory like us, Backer Dental. The digital copy will be received in just minutes since it will be sent electronically. Our dental technicians will then start working as soon as they receive a copy of the scan. 3D printing also provides a cleaner workplace for technicians, without having to inhale grinding dust or dealing with plaster.

Although 3D-printing has been around for quite some time, more than 20 years, it is still fairly new to the dental industry. Fortunately, the field of 3D printing in the dental industry is growing more and more. The production process of 3D-printing provides numerous opportunities and advantages when creating dental products.

How 3D-Printing Benefit Patients and Its End-Results

3D-printing, as mentioned earlier, is now a part of the digital workflow that is becoming more known in the dental industry. A digital workflow begins when the dentist takes an intra-oral scan of the patient’s mouth and then sends a scanned copy to a dental technician. Intra-oral scanning is more patient-friendly as compared to the conventional method of having the patient bite in the impression material. Most patients find that method unpleasant and at times, even nauseating. In addition to this, the conventional method can also affect the imprint negatively, depending on how long the impression material is left in the patient’s mouth.

Other than giving the patient a more comfortable experience, a digital workflow that ends with 3D-print results in a more accurate end-result as it leaves out possible inaccuracies and mistakes that usually come with conventional impressions.

Here at Backer Dental Laboratory, we can discuss 3D-printing and 3D-models if you have any questions or concerns. Call us today for more details!