At Dentistry by Dr. David & Associates, we have been using 3D printing for several years. As the technology advances it now provides capabilities for printing aligners, and they can offer a lower cost alternative to dental veneers.
What used to mean a mailed impression and a two week wait can now, in the right cases, happen on a table in our own office. Below is a plain look at what we print, how it works, and what it changes for you as a patient.
How 3D Printing Is Changing Your Next Visit
Given we always look to provide the best technology that dentistry has to offer to our patients, we were early adopters of 3D printing. We moved to digital impressions a long time ago, making 3D printing a logical next step in our office.
In certain cases, we can very effectively use 3D printing to create custom dental work right on site versus sending out to the lab. This technology allows us to grow crowns, nightguards, and aligners layer by layer with incredible accuracy.
How It Works in Our Office
We Are Digital First
We use a tiny handheld camera to take a 3D picture of your mouth. No more biting down on cold, goopy trays.
Perfect Fit, Every Time
Because the printer uses a digital map of your teeth, the final product fits more naturally and comfortably than traditional methods.
Faster Turnaround
In some cases, we can design and print what you need in a single visit, saving you a second trip to the office.
The Big Benefits for Patients
Using 3D printing isn’t just about cool technology, it is about making your dental experience better, faster, and more comfortable. Here is what you can expect:
What 3D printing changes for you:
- Total comfort: Digital scans replace those uncomfortable, goopy impression trays. It is quick, clean, and completely gag free.
- Custom accuracy: Your dental work is printed to within a hair’s width of your natural tooth shape, meaning it feels natural from the moment it is placed.
- Less waiting: Forget waiting weeks for a lab to mail your order. Many repairs, nightguards, or crowns can be ready in hours or even during a single visit.
- High durability: We use modern, medical grade materials designed to be strong enough for daily chewing while remaining safe for your body.
- Better value: By reducing material waste and cutting out the middleman lab, we can often provide high quality custom work at a more affordable price.
See It in Action
Here is our printer at work in the office, and the result: a set of printed shells you can hold in your hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3D printing safe for my mouth?
Absolutely. All materials used are medical grade, FDA approved, and biocompatible. This means they are specifically designed to be worn in the mouth safely without causing irritation or allergic reactions.
How long do 3D printed teeth or crowns last?
Thanks to recent breakthroughs, 3D printed materials are tougher than ever. While some printed items are used for temporary fixes, the latest permanent resins are engineered to withstand the daily pressure of chewing for years. See how we handle same visit crowns.
Is it more expensive than traditional methods?
Usually not. Because 3D printing creates less waste and allows the dental office to do more work in house rather than paying for an outside lab, it is often a more cost effective option for you.
Does it really save time?
Yes. Traditional crowns or nightguards can take two weeks to arrive from a lab. With 3D printing, we can often design and print your dental work in a single visit or within 24 hours.
How accurate is a 3D printed device?
It is incredibly precise. The printers we use today are accurate to within the width of a human hair. This level of detail ensures your crown or aligner feels natural and doesn’t require constant adjusting once it is in your mouth.
Can 3D printing help with my braces?
Yes. If you are using clear aligners, 3D printing is the engine behind your treatment. We print high precision models of your teeth to create the trays that gradually move them into the perfect position.
Curious what we could print for you?
Ask us at your next visit, or book an appointment at our Bolton office and we will show you the technology in person.