How 3D Printing is Set to Transform Dentistry in the Near Future

According to Envision TEC -A leading 3D printer manufacturer- the sale of 3D printers for the dental industry went up by 75% in 2016.

Even though 3D printing has yet to replace many aspects of traditional manufacturing, it’s increasingly proving to be a disruptive technology that cannot be ignored. This cutting-edge innovation has the unique ability to create prototypes without the associated risks, resulting in the construction of equipment parts at a faster pace and at a lower cost.

This technology has proven useful in aerospace, design, and defense. But the concept is proving to be even more useful in dentistry. According to Envision TEC -A leading 3D printer manufacturer- the sale of 3D printers for the dental industry went up by 75% in 2016. Here’s why 3D printing is predicted to transform dentistry.

Modeling and Customization

One of the advantages of 3D printing is that it doesn’t have a steep learning curve in order to operate it. You therefore don’t have to ship the design model to an expert for manufacturing. For a dentists or their dental office, this makes customization easier.

To design dental prosthetics, your dentist only has to take a scan of your mouth cavity. The data is transferred to an application and with the click of a button, the customized design is printed out. If there is a mistake on the device, changes can be made without altering it completely.

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SUMMARY

Dr. Jeffrey Suffoletta, D.M.D. was born and raised in the Las Vegas area. His Las Vegas dental practice focuses on preventive, restorative, and aesthetic dentistry. After earning his dental degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Suffoletta made a commitment to himself and his future patients to keep up to date on the latest technology available in the dental field. He continues to integrate it into his practice to be the #1 dentist in Las Vegas with a focused goal on the latest dental technologies. If you're looking for a dentist with your health priorities in mind, call us today at 702-671-0001 for a consultation.

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Convenient for the Patient

Traditionally, the dentist has to create an impression of your mouth before you can get a dental prosthetic such as a crown, or dentures. This is done using a form of paste or impression compound. The impression is then sent to the manufacturer.

3D Printing is not only more comfortable and convenient for the patient, but it also takes a shorter period of time. Plasters and impression compounds can be susceptible to distortion. Scanning the mouth and printing with a 3D printer can therefore yield better results.

The 3D Printing process can be used for the following applications:

  • Dental Crowns
  • Bridges
  • Dental Implants
  • Dentures
  • E-Gum (Flexible Gingiva Mask)
  • Bite Splints and Night Guards

Cost Effective

Part of the reason dental procedures are expensive is because dentists have to make significant investments to set up a dental laboratory and maintain it. The initial costs are compounded by the need to hire skilled staff to maintain the lab.

With 3D printing, the cost for the dentist and the patient are significantly lower. Even though dentists require a top model printer for dental work, this is only a one-time cost which is often a fraction of the expense of setting up a dental lab. A 24-year-old college student from New Jersey Institute of Technology made headlines after making his own braces using a 3D printer.

Of course, we recommend you see a professional dentist to take care of your dental work. Let the Doctor asses the quality and installation of your new braces or implants. Whether they come from 3D printers or not.

Bringing Back Manufacturing Jobs

Dental laboratories have been losing their business to Asian manufacturers who can make dental parts by hand at a fraction of the cost. Statistics show the number of Certified Dental Lab technicians has declined by 8% between 2010 and 2014. With 3D printing, this is likely to change in the next few years. The number of dentists adopting this new technology is on the rise as the sales of 3D printers for dentistry continues to increase.

Ask your local dentals office if 3D printers provides a viable solution for your dental needs. Reach Dr. Suffoletta at 702-671-0001

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