What are 3D prints used for in dentistry?

In the field of dentistry, 3D printing has revolutionized the way care is provided. For patients, dentists and dental technicians, digital dentistry with 3D printing enables faster and more comfortable treatment, as dental splints and dentures can be produced directly on site in the practice - in just one session.

The 3D printer precisely and delicately layers only as much material as is necessary to create the desired shape. This saves material, time and money.

Examples of 3D printing in dentistry:

- Bite splint
- Occlusal splint
- Corrective splint
- Thermoforming model
- Impression tray
- Temporary restoration
- Drill template
- Crown model
- Bridge model

How does the process work?

After creating a digital dental impression and a computer design, it is converted into a print file and 3D printed. The printed objects are then automatically washed, dried and light-cured in the post-processing unit. Nitrogen is used here, which enables extremely effective post-curing as a protective gas. The nitrogen displaces the atmospheric oxygen in the polymerization chamber / light curing chamber during the curing process. This ensures curing on the surface without a sticky inhibition layer. This has the following advantages:

- Reduced cleaning work
- harder, scratch-resistant surfaces
- smoother and more precise surfaces
- reduction of residual monomers and therefore greater biocompatibility