The future is here: How 3D printing can give you a strategic advantage

High-resolution 3D printing has become an attractive and cost-effective addition to the manufacturing process of orthodontic dental technology.

Recent advances in rapid prototyping technology has also meant accuracy is no longer compromised when it comes to treatment.

Sid Tass, Founder/Director of tdl Precision Orthodontics says, "We are fielding 3D printing enquiries from an ever-increasing number of dental laboratories and surgeries. In addition, existing customers are talking to us about the strategic advantage of 3d printing for their practice."

3D printing and digital orthodontics

Technology is changing many aspects of the dental manufacturing process.

Dental laboratories are now investing in digital scanners and 3D dental software. Combining this technology with 3D printing can now produce accurate high-resolution models that can be used to fabricate the full range of orthodontic appliances.

Are you intra-oral scanner ready?

With intra-oral scanning, the dental professional can now produce accurate, high-definition digital impressions.

The uptake of intra-oral scanners will result in labs requiring access to the appropriate 3D dental software and high-resolution 3D printing to produce the finished product. All 3 technologies combined represent the future of the dental industry according to tdl Precision Orthodontics.

Digital impressions can be sent instantaneously and securely through direct file transfer. Third party providers such as Hightail and Dropbox make it possible to share high volumes of data for a small cost.

It's more affordable than you think

The cost of high-resolution 3D printers has decreased in recent times. However, there is an alternative for laboratories that aren't ready to invest in a 3D printer.

Outsourcing 3D Printing gives dental laboratories low risk, low cost access to 3D printing services.

Cloud 3 digital orthodontics™, a service provided by tdl Precision Orthodontics, is ready to receive and scan models from impressions and print high-resolution models for sequential aligners. These models can also be used to create the full range of orthodontic appliances.

Conclusion

Orthodontic dental technology is progressing swiftly in the digital sphere. High-resolution 3D printing can now readily produce accurate, cost-effective results for the dental professional.

Digital orthodontic dental technology is more affordable than ever and the positive benefits are worth considering.