3D printing technology has already played an important role in the field of dentistry in recent years. 3D printing in dentistry has made great progress in recent years and offers many advantages to dentists and patients.
Resin 3D printers are an important technology in this field because they offer high precision, smooth surface quality and the possibility of customization. They make it possible to produce spare parts, implants and training models faster and more precisely, which improves patient treatment, and reduces healing time.
One of the most important applications of 3D printing in dentistry is the production of dental replacement parts such as crowns, bridges, inlays and occlusal splints. Resin 3D printers are commonly used to produce these replacement parts because they offer high precision and smooth surface quality.
Advantages
One of the most important advantages of 3D printing in dentistry is the ability to make individual adjustments. Using a 3D scanner, the dentist can accurately measure the patient's tooth and create a digital model. This model can then be used to print a custom crown, bridge or inlay that fits the patient's tooth perfectly.
Occlusal splints
One important application of 3D printing in dentistry is the production of occlusal splints. Also known as jaw splints or night bite splints, these are used to correct the position of the teeth and jaw and treat conditions such as jaw pain, head and neck pain, sleep disorders and bruxism (teeth grinding).
Using 3D scanners, the dentist can create a digital model of the patient's dentition. This model can then be used to print a custom occlusal splint that fits the patient's teeth and jaw perfectly. 3D printing makes it possible to produce splints with greater precision and accuracy of fit compared to traditional methods.
Overall, 3D printing of occlusal splints enables faster and more precise production of splints that are perfectly tailored to the patient's needs. This helps to improve the treatment of jaw pain and other complaints and shorten healing time.
How does the fabrication of occlusal splints with digital workflow work?
1. Creation of the digital model of the dentition
First, a digital model of the patient's dentition must be created. A 3D scanner or intraoral scanner is used to create a digital image of the patient's dentition. This image serves as the basis for designing the occlusal splint.
2. Adjustment and design of the occlusal splint in special software.
Once the digital model of the dentition has been created, it can be loaded into special software that is used to produce occlusal splints. In this software, the dentist can adjust and construct the splints.
3. 3D printing of the denture model as a mold
Once the splint has been designed, it can be loaded into a 3D printer. The 3D printer then works according to the instructions of the software and prints out a model of the denture. The Solidator 3+ is ideal for this purpose.
4. Thermoforming process with thermoplastic material
The printed tooth model serves as a mold for the thermoforming process. The model is removed from the printer and placed in a thermoforming unit. In this process, a thermoplastic resin is drawn over the model and takes on its shape.
5. Removing, cleaning and polishing the rail
After the thermoforming process, the thermoformed splint is removed from the 3D model and cleaned. The splint can then be polished to obtain a smooth surface.
6. Checking the accuracy of fit and functionality
Finally, the splint is checked for fit and functionality before it is handed over to the patient.
