3d Printers in Fixed Prosthodontics: Dr. Sarah Mualla

3d printers in fixed
prosthodontics
Dr. Sarah Mualla
Dentistry has evolved significantly
Introduction
over the years, from manual crafting
of dental prosthetics to utilizing
advanced technologies like 3D
printing. This presentation will delve
into this transformative technology
and how it's revolutionizing dental
laboratories
What is 3D Printing?**
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing,
involves creating a physical object from a digital model
by layering material in succession. This technology
has been embraced by various industries, including
dentistry, for its precision, efficiency, and cost-
effectiveness
Types of 3D Printing Used in Dentistry**
In dentistry, four primary types of 3D
printing are employed:
1. Stereolithography (SLA)
2. Digital Light Processing (DLP),
3. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
4. Fused Deposition Modeling
(FDM). Each has its unique
advantages and applicati
1. **Stereolithography (SLA)**: This is
one of the most common types of 3D
printing, and it works by using an
ultraviolet laser that selectively cures a vat
of photopolymer resin, hardening it layer
by layer to create the final object. SLA is
known for its high precision and
excellent surface quality, making it ideal
for creating intricate dental models and
surgical guides.
2. **Digital Light Processing (DLP)**:
DLP is similar to SLA in that it also uses
photopolymer resins. However, instead of a
laser, DLP uses a digital light projector to
cure the entire layer of resin at once. This
makes DLP a faster option than SLA,
although the precision and surface quality
are similar. DLP is frequently used for
creating clear aligners, surgical guides, and
other dental appliances.
3. **Selective Laser Sintering
(SLS)**:
SLS uses a high-power laser to fuse
small particles of plastic, ceramic, or
glass into the desired shape. While
SLS is less frequently used in
dentistry compared to SLA and DLP
due to its higher costs and less
smooth finish, it offers the advantage
of not requiring support structures
during the printing process.
4. **Fused Deposition Modeling
(FDM)**: FDM is a common type of 3D
printing where a filament of
thermoplastic material is heated and
extruded layer by layer to create the 3D
object. FDM is less commonly used in
dental labs because it lacks the precision
and surface finish of SLA and DLP.
However, it can be used for creating
larger and more cost-effective models for
patient education or large surgical guides
Each of these 3D printing technologies has
its own specific advantages and uses in
dentistry, and the choice of technology will
depend on the specific requirements of the
dental product being created.
Why Use 3D Printers in Dental
Laboratories?**
3D printing has several benefits. It offers high
precision, customization, and speed, as well
as cost efficiency. When compared to
traditional methods, it significantly reduces
the turnaround time and allows for greater
accuracy.
Practical Application of Dental Lab 3D
Printers**
Dental lab 3D printers can be used to
create dental models, surgical guides,
orthodontic appliances, and even
complex structures such as crowns,
bridges, and dentures.
Detailed Workflow of Dental 3D Printing**
The workflow of 3D printing in dentistry involves several

steps, from data capture using an intraoral scanner or
CBCT, data processing and model designing using CAD
software, to the printing process and post-processing.
Step by step procedue
Scan Data Capture**
The first step is capturing the data. This

is done using an intraoral scanner,
which is used to take a digital
impression of the patient's mouth. This
scanner captures the shape and
arrangement of the patient's teeth and
gums in detail, creating a digital model
that is accurate to within a fraction of
a millimeter
Step by step procedue Data Processing and Model
Designing**
Next, we move on to data processing.

The digital impression data is imported
into a CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
software. The CAD software is used to
design the dental cast based on the
digital impression. The software allows
for adjustments to be made and the
model can be inspected from all
angles to ensure accuracy
3D Printing Process**
● Now, we're ready to print. The design file is
sent to the 3D printer, most commonly an SLA
or DLP printer in dental labs due to their high
precision. The printer uses a light source to
solidify a liquid resin, building up the material
layer by layer until the dental cast is formed.
The process can take a few hours, depending
on the size and complexity of the cast
Post-processing**
After the printing is complete, the dental cast needs to be post-

processed. This involves removing the cast from the printer and
washing it in a solvent to remove any uncured resin. The cast is
then cured under UV light to ensure it's fully hardened and
ready for use. Finally, the cast is inspected for any
discrepancies or errors. If everything checks out, it's ready to be
used in the creation of the dental prosthetic
● The Future of 3D Printing in Dentistry**
● As technology progresses, 3D printing
will continue to revolutionize dentistry.
Ongoing research promises even
greater advancements that will further
enhance the precision, efficiency, and
capabilities of this technology
However, like any technology, they can encounter certain problems. Here are some common issues that can
arise with dental 3D printers in relation to crown and bridge construction:
1. Insufficient resolution: Dental restorations require high precision

and fine details. If a 3D printer has low resolution capabilities, it may
result in poor surface finish, inaccurate fitting, or compromised
aesthetics of the final restoration.
2. Warping and distortion: During the printing process, certain

materials used in dental 3D printers, such as resin or thermoplastics,
can be prone to warping or distortion. This can lead to poorly fitting
crowns or bridges that do not accurately match the patient's dentition.
Problems
4. Layer adhesion issues: 3D printing involves building the

object layer by layer. If there are problems with layer
adhesion, such as incomplete bonding between layers or
delamination, it can weaken the structure of the crown or
bridge, making it more prone to fractures or failures
5. Post-processing requirements: After printing,

dental restorations often require post-processing
steps like cleaning, polishing, or additional curing. If
these steps are not performed correctly, it can affect
the fit, surface quality, or strength of the final crown
or bridge.
problems
6. Software and file compatibility: Dental 3D printers rely on specific

software and file formats to produce the desired restorations. Compatibility
issues between the printer, software, and file formats can result in errors or
failed prints.
To mitigate these problems, it is crucial to ensure that the dental 3D printer
is properly calibrated and maintained, and that high-quality materials and
appropriate printing parameters are used. Regularly updating software,
following manufacturer guidelines, and implementing quality control
measures can also help minimize these issues and improve the overall
success rate of crown and bridge construction with dental 3D printers.
Thank you

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3d printers in fixed

The workflow of 3D printing in dentistry involves several

Scan Data Capture**

The first step is capturing the data. This

Next, we move on to data processing.

After the printing is complete, the dental cast needs to be post-

1. Insufficient resolution: Dental restorations require high precision

2. Warping and distortion: During the printing process, certain

4. Layer adhesion issues: 3D printing involves building the

5. Post-processing requirements: After printing,

6. Software and file compatibility: Dental 3D printers rely on specific

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