We are now living in a world where everything is being upgraded through modern technology. This is the reason why it does not surprise us to know that some dental procedures are also upping their game to ride the wind of change. While some dental specialists improve their procedures and facilities so they can cater to the ever-changing innovations and upgrades of most dental treatments, just look at Beyond Infinity Dental’s clinic in Castle Hill. While these positive changes are happening, some dental manufacturers would also come up with equipment and machines that will help these dental professionals perform their work better and more accurately. Here comes dental 3D printing. Let us learn all about this technological innovation and how it helps dental practitioners in performing their procedures and treatments.
What is dental 3D printing?
Three-dimensional printing or 3D printing is part of the digital dentistry revolution that makes dental services faster, more accurate, and debatably high-quality. It basically is a relatively new manufacturing technique that uses 3D printers managed and controlled using a computer program or software in order to fabricate a dental object that dentists need for their dental assessment and treatment planning. Because everything is going digital, manufacturing and fabrication of dental materials are also done to help dental professionals customize their services based on each patient’s needs and preferences. Pieces of thin layers of powdered plastic or pulverized stainless steel are printed and stacked until an object has been built up.
Dental materials that benefit in using dental 3D printing:
- Orthodontic impressions
- Crowns and dental bridge models
- Surgical guide
- Clear dental aligner molds
- Orthodontic retainers
- Dentures
- Dental splints (night splint or mouthguard)
How dental 3D printing benefit both patient and dental professionals
Most dental innovations only cater to the needs of the dental professionals practicing the services that the upgrades affect. However, most dental professionals who use dental 3D printing claim that dental patients would largely gain an advantage if they choose a dental practice that uses this innovative technology.
It makes the work faster. Mass manufacturing of clear aligners, for instance, would be expected for a company and dental practice that patronize dental innovations like digital printing.
It is more accurate. Because no patient has the exact same problem and necessary solutions, customizing a procedure can now be easier, thanks to the built-in variables and functions that a dental 3D printer has.
It makes the procedure safer. Not only is 3D dental printing used to manufacture several dental materials, but they also aid in visualizing a treatment plan and procedure. Using 3D imaging to perform different dental procedures like root canal treatment, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and other oral surgeries would be convenient and easier for the dentist, making the chances of encountering complications and other foreseeable risks low.
It makes training students more in-depth and closer to real-life. Using mannequins and other dental models would not be as realistic as using 3D imaging and models. It can duplicate and mimic the hardness, texture, and flexibility of the human tissue, so practicing in performing different dental surgery and treatment procedures would be a breeze.
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