Advanced Technology, Better Results
At The Delta Dentist, we’re proud to offer advanced 3D printing technology. With the help of this new and revolutionary technology, our dental team will be able to more accurately create custom restoration solutions in a short amount of time. 3D printed materials are completely safe, and help streamline the treatment process, giving you a restored smile in less time than traditional methods.
Read on to learn more about this technology and its host of benefits.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that involves fusing together thin layers of materials such as plastic or composite resin to turn a digital design into a physical object. This process can immediately print appliances or restorations, eliminating the need to wait weeks for a lab to produce the restoration.
The appliances and restorations created from 3D printers are detailed and cost-effective. They assist our Delta Junction dental team in delivering a quicker and more accurate treatment to patients.
How is 3D Printing Used in Dentistry?
3D printing is a fairly new technological development that’s helped many industries make advancements in their fields. The medical field especially has greatly benefitted from this new method of creating models and restorations.
The dental field is undergoing a digital transformation— bringing increased efficiency and quality to patients’ treatments while keeping costs low for both parties. Some uses of 3D printing in the dental field include the creation of:
- Orthodontic models
- Surgical tools
- Dentures
- Dental caps
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
Benefits of 3D Printing
3D printing has revolutionized how patients receive their treatments and has allowed by allowing dental teams to provide more effective care. A few benefits of 3D printed restorations include:
- Lower Costs, Quicker Process: Effective treatments require restorations with high amounts of detail. Manually producing these models takes much time and effort, but 3D printing will streamline the process by cutting the expenses and waiting time.
- Improved Patient Experience: 3D printing allows patients to visualize their treatments, allowing them to better understand the treatment and feel more at ease.
- More Accurate Restorations: Manually creating customized restorations takes time, and mistakes can easily be made. 3D printing creates a physical object out of the exact digital design, reducing the possibility of an error.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to print a 3D dental model?
The exact time it takes to print a model or restoration depends on what’s being printed. The larger and more complex the model, the longer it will take to print. On average, 3D models can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few days to complete.
However, this is still less time than a lab would take to manually create the restoration. Dr. Oliver will give you an accurate time frame during your initial consultation.
Are 3D-printed dental restorations safe?
Made with a safe, non-toxic resin, 3D printed restorations are safe and reliable alternatives to manually made models. 3D printing processes and materials are first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before use to ensure patients aren’t at risk for harm or illness.
This strong and durable resin can also keep its shape for six months or more in your mouth—specially designed to be comparable to natural teeth to withstand your daily habits.
Will insurance cover the cost of 3D-printed implants?
We suggest contacting your dental insurance provider ahead of time to learn what coverage your plan provides. You can also visit our financing page to learn more about our payment plans perfect for any budget. We also recommend applying for CareCredit®, a third-party financing company that assists patients in paying for treatments regardless of their insurance status.
See the Stunning Results for Yourself
At The Delta Dentist, we’re excited to offer this quick and cost-effective alternative to manually-made restorative treatments. To learn more about our 3D-printed models and restorations or to schedule an appointment, contact our Delta Junction office at (907) 895-2200.