Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has become an integral part of the dental industry due to its success in easing the process of manufacturing dental models and implants. This technology has been a staple with dental laboratories in recent years, but dental offices are now also adopting the process since the introduction of 3D printer technology compatible with an office setting.
Would investing in 3D printing technology for your dental office be a step in the right direction? The answer is yes. Here are the reasons why:
Dental 3D printers can produce high-quality custom products and appliances with a superior fit and repeatable results. Investing in a 3D printer can significantly enhance the accuracy and precision of dental procedures in a practice. These printers can produce highly detailed and customized dental appliances, such as crowns, bridges, and dental models, with incredible precision.
This accuracy ensures that the final products fit perfectly and function effectively in patients’ mouths. It minimizes the need for manual adjustments and reduces the risk of errors, ultimately improving patient satisfaction and treatment outcomes. Additionally, 3D printers can create intricate structures that were previously challenging or impossible to achieve manually, enabling dentists to offer more advanced and aesthetically pleasing solutions.
Most modern desktop 3D printers are designed intuitively for dental offices to have an easy process to familiarize themselves with the technology. 3D printers have become increasingly user-friendly and accessible, making them a valuable addition to dental practices. Many 3D printing systems come with intuitive software interfaces that are easy to learn, allowing dental professionals to quickly adapt to the technology.
Dentists and dental technicians can take advantage of pre-designed templates and automated processes, reducing the learning curve. This ease of use enables dental teams to efficiently integrate 3D printing into their workflows without the need for extensive training. As a result, dental practices can start benefiting from the technology relatively quickly, streamlining their operations and providing better patient care.
3D Printers are the least expensive part of a dental office’s digital workflow. Dental offices can get started with a 3D machine for just under $6,000, inclusive of printing materials, a dental service plan, and post-processing machines. 3D printers have become increasingly affordable in recent years, making them a cost-effective investment for dental practices. Unlike traditional dental lab outsourcing, which can be expensive and time-consuming, 3D printing allows dental professionals to produce a wide range of dental appliances in-house at a lower cost.
The savings from reduced outsourcing expenses and streamlined production can be significant over time, positively impacting a practice’s bottom line. Furthermore, as the technology continues to advance, the initial investment in a 3D printer is often recouped relatively quickly through increased efficiency and reduced material wastage, making it a financially prudent choice for dental practices of various sizes.
Dental models are the standard product manufactured by 3D printers but more advanced systems can accurately manufacture crown and bridge models, surgical guides, castable retainers, splints, and digital dentures. 3D printers offer dental practices a versatile tool with a wide range of applications. Beyond creating dental models and crowns, 3D printers can be used to produce a variety of dental devices, including dentures, clear aligners, surgical guides, and even orthodontic appliances.
This versatility allows dental professionals to expand the services they offer to patients and address diverse dental needs in-house. Moreover, the ability to quickly iterate and modify designs using 3D printing facilitates the development of customized treatment plans, resulting in better patient outcomes. The wide array of applications ensures that a 3D printer remains a valuable asset in a dental practice, serving various aspects of dental care and contributing to patient satisfaction.
3D printing technology has consistently proven that it is a piece of must-have equipment. Dental facilities looking to take their practice to the next level are encouraged to invest in this continuously evolving technology for dental healthcare.
For more information and options on 3D printers, Benco Dental is available to address your inquiry.