Application and utilisation of 3D printing in dentistry

Author: Ross Phillips SprintRay Area Manager UK & Nordics

It is no secret that 3D printing is transforming dentistry as we know it. The latest technologies on the market make faster, more efficient, more predictable and easier workflows a reality for a broad range of dental professionals. Just as importantly, the solutions are enhancing the patient experience, facilitating shorter treatment times and better fitting devices. For dental practices considering their next steps, it’s crucial to understand the comprehensive application of 3D printing technologies in order to maximise your investment.

Restorative and prosthodontic dentistry

With many clinicians already employing digital workflows for restorative and prosthetic dentistry, this is an excellent area in which to utilise 3D printing. The introduction of such technology allows a completely digital chairside process, from impressions to the fabrication of temporary and final 3D printed crowns, bridges and more. The various resins and 3D printing materials available today deliver a previously unmatched level of accuracy, strength and aesthetics. The in-house approach offers the added advantages of significantly lower production costs and impressively fast treatment times. The same can be said of removable denture production, where devices can now be created that ensure comfort, natural-looking aesthetics and durability for the patient.

Orthodontics

Another discipline in which 3D printing can be successfully applied for a number of practices is orthodontics. Much like the creation of prosthetics, the fabrication of clear aligners or splints is made faster, simpler and more cost-effective by bringing it on-site. The literature has also found no differences in accuracy of dental models for aligners when comparing 3D printed and milled solutions.[i] Given the substantial demand for clear aligner treatment in the UK right now and expected in the future, the ability to promise a predictable and efficient patient experience is huge for practices. Most of the major commercial manufacturers of such appliances already use 3D printing and thermoforming, which means practices can implement very similar workflows in-house for similar results. There is also merit in the opportunity to reprint lost or broken aligners without any hassle or significant extra cost to the patient. In addition, you will be able to print the retainer directly in the near future – saving a number of steps in the process.

 Implantology

For clinicians providing oral surgery, the 3D printer is the ideal chairside companion once again. As part of a digital workflow, the technology can be used to create patient-specific guides, which have been shown to increase the accuracy of implant placement compared to freehand in appropriate cases.[ii] Where required, the same technology makes it possible to create custom abutments and prosthetics to fit onto placed implants as well, further personalising treatment and increasing the chance of long-term surgical and restorative success.

No end of possibilities

The above is in no way an exhaustive list of applications for in-house 3D printing. For example, there are opportunities to utilise 3D printed endodontic guides. Chairside printed models can also be useful for oral health education and helping patients understand their current condition, proposed treatment and expected outcomes.

Success with support

One of the key barriers to implementation of 3D printing in dentistry is a lack of familiarity among the dental team.[iii] Despite the technology having existed for several decades, only in the last decade has it become more commonplace in the dental practice. Options available today have been refined and optimised to be simple to use, helping an increasing number of dental teams overcome this barrier. With thorough training and on-going support from a trusted supplier, all dental practices can now very successfully implement 3D printing within their workflow for enhanced patient care.

It is also important to consider the calibre of equipment and supplier you choose. For instance, only very few in the UK offer MDR-approved equipment and a certified workflow that can be easily audited for complete peace of mind.

This is a cornerstone of SprintRay’s approach to providing 3D printing solutions for dental practices across the UK. No matter the size, previous experience or ambitions of your business, SprintRay provides the MDR-approved technology and support you need to reap the many rewards of 3D printing. As the only supplier of a comprehensive 3D printing digital ecosystem, SprintRay is the obvious choice for any dental teams looking to upgrade their dentistry, whether focused on restorative, prosthodontic, orthodontic or implant treatment – or a combination of these and more.

An investment in your future

For any dental practices aspiring to develop their digital workflow and make the most of the very latest solutions on the market, chairside 3D printing will offer clear advantages. Introducing the technology and training the team to be confident in using it will be a fruitful investment in the future of your business.

For more information, please visit https://sprintray.com/en-uk/

[i] Elsaharty, Mohamed & Hafez, Ahmed & Abdelwarith, Atiia. (2023). Accuracy of 3D printing Versus Milling in Fabrication of Clear Aligners Dental Models. Al-Azhar Journal of Dental Science. 26. 263-276. 10.21608/ajdsm.2023.189711.1416.

[ii] Chandran K R S, Goyal M, Mittal N, George JS. Accuracy of freehand versus guided immediate implant placement: A randomized controlled trial. J Dent. 2023 Sep;136:104620. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104620. Epub 2023 Jul 15. PMID: 37454788.

[iii] Loges K, Tiberius V. Implementation Challenges of 3D Printing in Prosthodontics: A Ranking-Type Delphi. Materials (Basel). 2022 Jan 7;15(2):431. doi: 10.3390/ma15020431. PMID: 35057149; PMCID: PMC8778192.