Three-dimensional printing or additive manufacturing (AM) is a process of manufacturing any desired object, layer-by-layer, using a digital design file or 3D digital data set. The objects made using this technology are designed in a computer-aided design software (CAD). The device that converts the digital file layer by layer into a physical object is known as a 3D printer.
Interestingly, even though 3D printers sound super modernistic, they have been for decades. In 1983, Charles Hull – also known as the “Father of 3D Printing” – developed the very first 3D printer to turn computer designs into working prototypes. Today, these printers are commonly used by many industries, including aerospace, automobile, medical, jewelry, food, education, defense, consumer goods, architecture, construction, and many more.
Did you know that when the COVID-19 pandemic took off, caught the world unaware, and froze supply chains, 3D printers helped create products like mask holders, head gears, ventilator knobs, and nasal swabs in different parts of the world until the supply chain was back to normal? These amazing printers have many applications.
Today we are only focusing on how 3D printing is transforming digital technologies for dentists. Dental professionals are using these nifty printers to create full dentures, retainers, splints/occlusal guards, clear aligner trays, crowns/bridges, and much more.
There are a lot of different ways you can use 3D printing. For example, say you want to create teeth for a patient. You will scan the patient’s mouth, take a 3D picture, then use that picture to generate a design for an artificial tooth before placing it in the patient’s mouth. You can also use a 3D printer to scan the teeth before designing Invisalign/braces. From caps and dentures to crowns and bridges, you can basically create anything with a 3D printer.
Here’s how it works: you first collect a digital impression using an intraoral Scanner and send the scans to your design station or laboratory. The digital scans are imported into CAD and the design process begins. Once that’s complete, the file is imported to print preparation software and printed. Finally, the printed parts are washed, dried, and post-cured.
The whole process is cost-effective, repeatable, and precise – which is why so many manufacturing industries use it worldwide.
