For decades, dentures have been made using the same basic method: take an impression of the patient’s teeth, use that impression to create a mold, and then use the mold to make the denture. However, this process is becoming increasingly outdated, thanks to medical technology advancements like 3D printing. Here are five reasons why 3D printed dentures are the future of dental prosthetics:
More Affordable
In the past, dentures were made using a labor-intensive process that required molding clay onto a patient’s teeth to create a cast. Then, dental technicians would use the cast to hand- carve the denture out of wax before finally making it out of porcelain. This process was both time-consuming and expensive. Traditional dentures can cost upwards of $1,000, whereas 3D printed dentures cost a fraction of this to produce. Since 3D printing technology is constantly improving, the price of 3D printed dentures will likely continue to drop in the years to come.
Greater Accuracy
With traditional dentures, there is always a risk of imperfections and errors. However, with 3D printed dentures, the margin for error is much smaller. This is because the dentures are created using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). As a result, the Dentures fit more snugly and comfortably in the mouth and look more natural.
In addition, 3D printed dentures can be customized to meet each patient’s specific needs. For example, they can be made to match the exact shade of a patient’s natural teeth. As a result, 3D printed dentures offer a level of comfort and function that is impossible with traditional dentures.
Strong And Durable
Unlike traditional dentures, made from porcelain or plastic, 3D printed dentures are made from a tough, lightweight plastic designed to withstand the rigors of everyday life. In addition, this material is also resistant to staining and discoloration, meaning that your dentures will always look their best.
3D printed dentures are also far less likely to break or crack than traditional ones, making them a much safer and more reliable option for those needing dental prosthetics.
Natural Look
3D printed dentures offer a more comfortable and realistic alternative. Dentists can use advanced imaging technology to create a precise model of the patient’s mouth. This model is then used to generate a custom set of dentures that fit perfectly.
3D printed dentures are also made from lifelike materials that match the patient’s natural tooth color. As a result, they are virtually indistinguishable from real teeth. 3D printed dental implants are rapidly becoming the gold standard in dental prosthetics, offering patients a more esthetic and comfortable solution.
Faster Production
One of the key advantages of 3D printing is its speed. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, which can take weeks or even months to produce a final product, 3D printing can typically produce a completed denture in just a few hours. This accelerated production time saves dental labs time and money and allows dentists to provide their patients with faster turnaround times.
In addition, the ability to quickly produce multiple prototypes can be a valuable asset during the design process, allowing dental labs to experiment with different designs before settling on a final model.
Eco Friendly
In the past, dentures were typically made from a mold of the patient’s mouth. This required using materials that were not always biodegradable and generated a lot of waste. Today, 3D printed dentures are made using environmentally friendly materials that you can easily recycle.
In addition, 3D printing is a much more efficient process that doesn’t produce nearly as much waste. As a result, 3D printed dentures are better for the environment than traditional dentures.
Dentures have been around for centuries and have come a long way from the uncomfortable, ill-fitting models of the past. Today’s dentures are made with precision and care to ensure a comfortable, natural fit. Thanks to advances in 3D printing technology, dentures can now be created using a patient’s dental scans. This means that not only are they more comfortable and accurate, but they also look more natural than ever before. If you or someone you know needs dentures, consider 3D printed dentures as your best option.