Applications Of 3D Printing In The Dental Field

If trips to the dentist aren’t your favorite thing, you’ll be glad to hear that a new system is being used to decrease the amount of time spent here! 3D printing at the dental office can now scan and create a tooth in an hour; a process that normally takes around two weeks!

Instead of making an impression of your teeth and sending it to the lab to create your restoration (crown, dentures, bridge, etc.), a small camera is used to scan the teeth. This digital scan is then sent to the 3D printer, which creates the restoration by using successive layers of material. Instead of receiving a temporary filling and waiting two weeks for your crown to be created, you’ll have it placed at the same visit.

 Uses For 3D Printing In The Dental Field

It’s not just dentistry – 3D printing is also being used in the fields of construction, engineering, military, fashion, automotive, and jewelry. Below are just a few of the many ways 3D printing is used in the dental field:

• Tooth Modeling – As we mentioned above, 3D printing is used to create tooth models. An impression of your teeth may be required for a number of different procedures and luckily 3D printing is accurate enough to print an exact model of your mouth.
• Dental Implants – Dental implant surgery is a very delicate procedure, requiring mastery and skill. The help of a 3D printer will make it much easier to scan the area of your mouth requiring implants. It’s important to be precise during this surgery, as the implants are placed so closely to the jawbone.
• Tooth Replacement – With the help of 3D printing technology, your dentist can view the area in which a replacement tooth will be placed. Added visibility and the ability to digitally design the tooth will make the process much more accurate and comfortable.

To learn more about this amazing technology, or to set up an appointment at our Castle Rock, CO dental office, please contact Meadows Family Dental today!