The dental industry is growing even more prominent in the United States. Many dentists are profiting from this growth. One field that’s receiving a lot of investments is orthodontics.
It is no secret that technology has profoundly impacted the field of dentistry. 3D printers are one such technology that is changing the way orthodontists work. Orthodontics plays a vital role in dental care, and new technologies are making them more efficient.
What is Orthodontics?
If you’re an investor who doesn’t know what orthodontics is, it’s time to learn. Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with diagnosing and correcting malpositioned teeth and jaws. This includes braces, retainers, headgear, and other appliances.
The process of building these dental appliances can be time-consuming and costly. In addition, it can derive a lot of time away from the orthodontist’s other responsibilities, which can lead to a pile-up of tasks in the future. Thankfully, 3d printers are making a difference in this field.
What Are 3d Printers?
3D printers have been around since the 1980s but became more popular in the early 2010s. They are used to create three-dimensional objects by printing successive layers of material. This technology has many applications, including in the medical field.
How Do 3d Printers Work?
3D printers use various materials, including plastic, metal, and ceramic. The printer deposits these materials in thin layers to create a three-dimensional object. The object is built up layer by layer, and the printer can produce various shapes.
Moreover, 3d printers can print in multiple colors, which is a massive advantage over traditional methods. This technology is often used to create prototypes or models of products.
What Are The Benefits Of Using 3d Printers?
There are many benefits of using 3D printers, especially in the orthodontic field. One of the most significant advantages is that it saves time.
Time Saver
3d printers can be a huge time saver for orthodontists. This is because they can print dental appliances quickly and efficiently. Let’s look at how dental implants are made as an example. In the past, orthodontists would have to take impressions of patients’ teeth, which would then be used to create implant models. These models would be used to construct dental appliances.
The process was time-consuming and often required multiple visits. However, with 3d printers, orthodontists can create dental appliances in a fraction of the time. Patients can get their braces or retainers faster, and orthodontists can see more patients in a day. Moreover, when done alongside CAD-CAM, patients can get their implants in just a day!
Accuracy
Another benefit of using 3d printers is that they are accurate. This means that the appliance will fit the patient’s mouth perfectly. In the past, some appliances would be ill-fitting and cause discomfort. However, with 3d printers, this is no longer an issue.
Improved Quality
3d printers also allow for improved quality control. This means that orthodontists can create appliances that are durable and long-lasting. In the past, some appliances would break easily and must be replaced frequently. However, with 3d printers, orthodontists can create appliances that will last for years.
Cheaper Appliances
Dental appliances aren’t cheap. If you add the necessary procedures alongside them, the cost can be pretty high. However, 3D printers can potentially lower the cost of dental appliances. It’s because they can print them quickly and efficiently. Moreover, with 3d printers, orthodontists can create less likely break appliances.
Improved Aesthetics
3d printers also allow for improved aesthetics. This means that orthodontists can make appliances look more natural and blend in with the patient’s teeth. In the past, some appliances would stand out and be quite noticeable. However, with 3d printers, orthodontists can create less noticeable appliances that look more natural.
Less Stress
3d printers can also be less stressful for orthodontists. This is because they can print appliances quickly and efficiently. In the past, some orthodontists would have to spend hours creating dental appliances. It can be stressful and time-inducing labor. One that requires concentration and nimble hands.
But now, with the help of technology and 3d printers, dentists can take models from patients and print them all in just a few minutes.
What Does The Future Hold?
The future looks bright for 3D printing in orthodontics. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way orthodontists work. It can save time, improve accuracy, and lower costs. All of these can mean better and cheaper services provided by orthodontists, making dental appliances more accessible to people worldwide.
