3D printing sounds like science fiction, but its being adopted by many industries and companies including our in-house dental lab, Same Day Ceramics. It is a revolutionary technology that allows the rapid manufacture of custom objects. Since every mouth is unique and every restoration and appliance we make in our lab is one of a kind, 3D printing provides a precise, rapid and economical method of fabrication.
What Is 3D Printing?
3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing, whereby the printer uses a laser to harden a very thin layer of resin from a liquid pool. The platform rises and adds another layer and then another layer, and so on until a 3D object has been built. The technology of 3D printing allows a dentist to create customized dental components and devices when used in combination with digital intra-oral scanning and CAD/CAM design software.
3D printing is also used to fabricate dental implants guides and models . Here’s how we do it:
1- Take a digital scan of the teeth. This is faster, more accurate, less messy than traditional impressions which used a tray full of goop.
2- Upload digital file to lab where it is downloaded and model or appliance is designed.
3- File is sent to printer. These files are saved on the cloud for future use unlike models which are discarded.
4- Photo of our 3D printer.
5- Photo of appliance coming out of the printer.
6- Photo of customized dental components and devices fabricated by the printer.
Call 212.246.8700 to find out more information or click here to schedule an appointment with Gallery57Dental.
