The digital workflow is fast becoming the foundation of quality and efficiency in the dental practice. When implemented effectively, a myriad of benefits is afforded for professionals and patients alike. Not only are quality standards elevated and outcomes improved, but digital technologies also optimise the predictability and reproducibility of care as well as enhancing patient comfort and making life simpler for the dental team.
Consequently, a growing number of dental practices are looking to capitalise on the advantages by introducing a 3D printer. How this is executed and the equipment chosen will have a significant impact on the success achieved.
Identify demand and opportunity
Before researching the market or making any changes, it is important to appreciate the opportunities available to utilise 3D printing within existing workflows. Though the practice may primarily consider the technology for crown and bridge work, or dentures, additional value can be obtained by also using it for the fabrication of orthodontic aligners or stents, for example.
By recognising the full potential of the technology, the team can ensure that its benefits are harnessed across the board. The result is happier patients in all treatment areas and a greater return on investment for the 3D printer.
Equipment selection
Not all 3D printers were made equal, so it’s essential to select the right one for your practice. The accuracy of products manufactured is a critical consideration, as this will significantly affect the quality of restorations or devices that can be provided in-house. Equipment ease of use, speed, reliability and durability are also important features to look for, in addition to the range of compatible 3D printing resins available. What’s more, the technical support delivered by the supplier should be reviewed in order to ensure that ongoing assistance will be offered to help the team maximise its advantages.
To assess the options and aid the decision-making process, it can be helpful to seek recommendations from peers and consider online reviews for specific brands. Leading suppliers will also provide free demonstrations and will often be happy to visit the practice with more information.
Integration and compatibility
While selecting the right equipment, it is necessary to determine the potential ease of integration within existing workflows. Not only does the hardware need to be appropriate for the desired outcomes, but the software must also be compatible with other technologies that will need to communicate. This is often why an open-source 3D printer is preferred, as it can receive data from various other technologies without creating extra work for the practice team. Therefore, compatibility with existing intraoral scanners, CAD/CAM software and prosthetic design programmes should be evaluated.
Installation and beyond
Leading suppliers will deliver team training as part of the installation and set-up process, ensuring that relevant members of the team can effectively operate the technology from the outset. This training should also cover standard maintenance advice so that professionals can look after the technology and keep it operating efficiently for longer.
Beyond this, the equipment should be regularly cleaned to optimise its performance. Technical support should be consulted with any troubleshooting questions or calibration needs.
It is equally as important that the practice team understand exactly how and when to use the 3D printer. They must receive the support needed to develop the relevant skills and given any guidance on how to integrate the equipment from a practical point of view. This might mean creating simple protocols that can be shared with personnel, giving them steps to follow in order to optimise the efficiency of 3D printing.
The future
3D printing is just one of the technologies revolutionising dentistry, but it is an important one. By introducing solutions such as the industry-leading 3D printers and restorative resins from SprintRay, dental practices can significantly enhance their workflows and their patient care. As the only provider of a complete digital ecosystem for 3D printing workflows, SprintRay offers equipment designed to optimise accuracy, speed and efficiency. Comprehensive technical services and support are also readily available to ensure practices maximise on their equipment features.
Effectively integrating 3D printing can significantly improve professional efficiency and patient care. By selecting the right printer, materials and workflow, dental professionals can stay ahead in modern dentistry. 3D printing is the future. Don’t risk getting stuck in the past – find out more today!
For more information, please visit https://sprintray.com/en-uk/
