Time is money. This is a concept that most people will agree with and it is just as true in dentistry as any other industry. However, time is only money in the dental practice if it is coupled with high-quality and ethical care. As such, dental professionals must find a way to optimise efficiency in their daily workflows while maintaining excellent clinical standards.
Technology is often utilised as a way of simplifying the dental workload while also improving accuracy, predictability and efficiency of treatment outcomes. In particular, the advent and development of 3D printing is transforming the way that restorative and prosthodontic dentistry is delivered around the world. As the solutions evolve and the number of professionals using them grows, the technology is also becoming ever-more accessible.
Accelerating the workflow
Traditionally, the fabrication of prosthetics was a time-consuming process that relied upon a number of technique-sensitive steps to deliver a good outcome. It would often require the transportation of an impression – whether analogue or digital – to the dental technician, who would then need to create a model and then the prescribed restoration.
With in-house 3D printing, this entire workflow is revolutionised. The days or weeks historically needed to await delivery of the prosthetic are completely eliminated. Clinicians can now go from impression to restorative production in just hours – or even minutes with the latest technologies on the market. Modern 3D printers and ceramic materials make it possible to create and fit restorations in the mouth within 45 minutes or less!
Not only does this significantly enhance the patient experience with shorter time to teeth, but it also promotes time management for the professional team. More concise treatment provision means that patients can be seen faster and more appointments can be scheduled in a week.
A cost-effective solution
The result of this time optimisation is happier professionals and enhanced profitability for associates and the practice. This is further built upon with a growing number of highly satisfied patients, who can fast become advocates for the practice, building the business’s reputation and attracting new patients for long-term growth and sustainability.
Keeping an eye on the bank balance, there is an argument for 3D printing requiring a lower on-going investment than other production technologies. For example, research has found that production costs associated with 3D printing are several times less expensive than those of milled composite restorations, especially if multiple restorations are required.[i] As the field has evolved, as is common in all areas of technology, the upfront cost of 3D printers has reduced significantly, making them a viable chairside option for many more dental practices. The latest 3D printing ceramic materials are also highly cost-effective for the many advantages that they afford.
Clinical and patient benefits
As discussed at the outset, these benefits are irrelevant if the quality of the prosthetics produced diminishes. Thankfully this has not been the case, with leading solutions designed specifically to have the opposite effect. The literature has shown leading 3D printer and materials brands to deliver highly accurate and consistent results.[ii]
What’s more, 3D printing is a versatile option today, with a vast range of applications in dentistry, from prosthodontics to implantology, oral and maxillofacial care, orthodontics, endodontics and periodontics. [iii] This makes the 3D printing workflow even more beneficial for more practices, who can utilise the new chairside process for a huge number of patients.
Solutions you can trust
Solutions you can trustAs will have become clear, the benefits of 3D printing are plentiful, but they are only truly maximised when the right technology and materials are introduced to the practice. This means finding a supplier you can trust to consistently deliver high-quality products and on-going services. The only provider to offer a comprehensive digital 3D printing ecosystem designed specifically for dentists, SprintRay recently launched a brand-new ceramic solution that is one-of-a-kind. The SprintRay Ceramic Crown features high strength, excellent margin fit and radiopacity. Combine this and the SprintRay Pro 3D Printer for maximum workflow efficiency – crowns can be printed in just 10 minutes, for a total treatment time of 45 minutes or under.
Don’t be late to innovate
Time is a precious commodity in the modern dental practice. Not only does an efficient treatment workflow enhance the patient experience, but it also has a positive impact on the business. The latest 3D printing technologies on the market can unlock new levels of efficiency and clinical quality. Don’t wait any longer to invest in innovation for your practice.
For more information, please visit https://sprintray.com/en-uk/
[i] Daher R, Ardu S, di Bella E, Krejci I, Duc O. Efficiency of 3D printed composite resin restorations compared with subtractive materials: Evaluation of fatigue behavior, cost, and time of production. J Prosthet Dent. 2024 May;131(5):943-950. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2022.08.001. Epub 2022 Nov 1. PMID: 36333176.
[ii] Salem D, Afutu R, Hines C, Tran D, Dunn K, Finkelman M, Kugel G. Accuracy of Manufacturer and Compatible 3D Resins vs. Cast Models. IADR/AADR/CADR General Session. 2020 IADR/AADR/CADR General Session (Washington, D.C., USA) 2020 https://iadr.abstractarchives.com/abstract/20iags-3324514/accuracy-of-manufacturer-and-compatible-3d-resins-vs-cast-models [Accessed December 2024]
[iii] Jeong M, Radomski K, Lopez D, Liu JT, Lee JD, Lee SJ. Materials and Applications of 3D Printing Technology in Dentistry: An Overview. Dent J (Basel). 2023 Dec 19;12(1):1. doi: 10.3390/dj12010001. PMID: 38275676; PMCID: PMC10814684.
