3D Printing: The Future of Dentistry?

Posted by: Dr. Sirakian Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry

When you think of going to the dentist, the only printing you might think of is for patient forms. However, with the introduction of 3D Printing technology into dentistry, it may soon become possible for your doctor to “print” you a new tooth, dentures, or retainer while you wait!

3D Printing is a burgeoning technology that allows users to enter digital information into a special printer to produce 3D models based on exact specifications. The technology has already been found to be incredibly useful in various fields, including healthcare, but it is expected that over the next decade it will become widely adopted by dentists to treat patients with more efficiency than ever.

3D Printing is already used in dentistry, but due to the high cost and large size of 3D printers, it has been limited to larger labs that have the budget and volume to make them feasible. These printers are primarily used to create highly accurate models of a patient’s teeth and mouth to assist in treatment planning.

As the technology continues to advance, however, 3D printers will get smaller, faster, and cheaper, making it viable for dentists to start using them right in their offices. There are already several 3D printers created specifically for dentists. Those using them are finding they save time and expense by allowing them to “print” models and surgical guides onsite that they once had to send out to a lab.

While the actual printing of teeth seems far-fetched, it seems to be where the technology is headed. Resins and other materials are being developed for use in 3D Printing that allows for the creation of safe, long-lasting replacement teeth, crowns, veneers, inlays, etc. Not to mention other dental appliances like custom clear aligners and retainers!

Imagine a future where impressions of your teeth are no longer taken using a messy paste and you don’t have to wait for models to be sent out to labs to be created. Instead, you’re “impression” will be taken with a digital oral scanner (already available!) and fed into a desktop 3D printer in your dentist’s office that prints out an exact model of your mouth in minutes. After using that model to develop a treatment plan, that same printer could even print out your new partial denture, retainer, implant, etc.

Seem like science fiction? Believe it or not, this scenario is coming sooner than you think!

How a Virus Can Help Prevent Infections

Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Faculty of Medicine have found a virus, of all things, that may help solve some problems of root canals. Their research suggests that we can turn the tables on post-procedural bacterial infections by utilizing a type of virus called a bacteriophage. Bacteriophage viruses attack bacteria specifically, which offers […]

Bacteria-Causing Gum Disease May Lead to Oral Cancer Growth

As we get older, we need to pay more and more attention to our oral hygiene. If we keep it healthy, we will be at a less risk for common issues such as cavities, but more importantly, we will limit our risk for gum disease and oral cancer. A recent study from Case Western states […]

Redheads More Resistant to Novocaine

Although the connection seems unlikely, there is new evidence that suggests that if you have red hair, you are more resistant to local anesthetics like Novocaine. This fact leads to redheads being about 20% more likely to have anxiety about dental procedure, and are much more likely to skip a trip to their dentist! All […]

Different Types of Dental X-Rays

During a dental appointment, it’s not uncommon for your dentist to want to take a closer look at what’s going on inside your mouth using an X-ray. They’re useful tools for dental professionals, but for the rest of us, they can sometimes be a little intimidating. Here’s a quick guide on some of the most […]

Could 3D Printing Be the Future of Root Canals?

Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures in the United States. Annually, approximately 15 million are conducted. If you do the math, that’s around 41,000 a day! Despite their status as a mainstay in dentistry, as well as the best way to save a tooth, root canals can occasionally have adverse effects […]