Conquering the traditional labor-intensive practices that were prone to inconsistencies is the development of the 3D printing technology which awards the medical practitioner a wealth of capabilities to break the bonds of manually run dental laboratories. The last decade offered a splendid array of benefits by incorporating technological advances in dentistry. 3D printing technology has become an affordable and attainable development in the field of dentistry. Dental surgical guidesLinks to an external site., teeth aligners, restorations, and many such unbelievable treatments are provided today with utmost care and perfection. It elevates the patient experience and ensures timely and accurate results.
The crux of 3D printing technology is the utilization of the data from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and intraoral optical scanners (IOS). The data is utilized by converting it into standard tessellation language (STL). The 3D modeling software then utilizes the data and alters it to get the desired results the clinician needs. This forms the base for the printing choice, the clinicians use these modifications and upload them to their choice of printer. The most commonly used 3D printing technologies in today’s dentistry are stereolithography (SLA), and digital light processing (DLP).
How do these printing devices work? And what are the major differences?
The printing machines get the product by using additive manufacturing techniques. The machines can offer crisp and accurate models from different types of materials like ceramic, metal, or thermoplastic resin. It is because of these material capabilities that printers are widely preferred in dental treatments. The pre- and post-manufacturing ensures accurate results and a product that is free of any imperfections. Many factors contribute to the success of product output like the technology, 3D printer quality, software settings, the materials used, and the post-manufacturing refinement process.
SLA:
SLA is widely appreciated in the field of dentistry. The printing technique uses an ultraviolet (UV) laser that ensures curing a liquid photopolymer resin into layers. The laser ensures the polymerization of each layer of resin that gets in contact and then the build platform descends which is followed by subsequent layering of cured resins. Once the fabrication process is complete the excess resin is removed and the product is hardened by UV oven or solvent bath. The major advantages of SLA are great speed, high resolution, high performance in constructing minute and intricate designs, and comparatively affordable than other 3D printer types. These are dentist-recommended and preferred all over the world as they produce accurate surgical guides, orthodontic aligners, temporary and permanent crowns, occlusal guards, complete dentures, and splints. This variation and accuracy make them a preferred choice in dentistry.
DLP:
DLP technology is similar to SLA and comes with the same curing, polymerization, and build-up techniques. The only variation is the light source in DLP printers: a digital projector is used, not UV light. It is known for its speed as it completes instant fabrication on a large scale by polymerization of a material layer completely in the x-y axis. With the creation of voxel lines on the products, it becomes a great feature for printing jobs where micrometers can be obtained therefore they are best suitable for intricate designs in dentistry. The voxel lines are refined during post-manufacturing modification or during fusing and combining agents. Additionally sandblasting helps to fuse specific liquids to voxels resulting in a more desired surface finish. The accuracy is well known as it helps to get lasting thermoform models, complete and partial dentures, single and multi-unit wax-ups, and surgical guides. With its high performance in inaccuracy, volume, and speed it is slightly costlier when compared to SLA.
The primary benefits of utilizing these technologies are getting unbeatable accurate results, cost-effectiveness, and timely treatment. 3D printing is a great way to fabricate models, surgical guides, prosthodontic restorations, orthodontic appliances, and maxillofacial prostheses.
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