Advancements in 3D printing technology continue to reshape the way we deliver dental care. The Primeprint 3D printer is a stellar example. This technology enables highly accurate scans and models of the mouth, allowing for the utmost precision when crafting custom bruxism night guards and dental implant surgical guides. Here’s how Primeprint 3D printing technology is revolutionizing modern dentistry.
How 3D Printing with Primeprint Works
In the past, the best way to get a model of your mouth was to place an uncomfortable tray of putty over your teeth. This process took several minutes—which felt like hours for the patient— and then it took even more time for the putty impression to harden into a usable model.
But Primeprint makes getting an impression of your mouth much quicker and more comfortable. We simply take a non-invasive scan of your mouth with an intraoral camera to create a 3-dimensional digital model.
This highly accurate digital impression of your mouth allows us to design dental appliances such as custom night guards and surgical guides that fit perfectly over your teeth. Then we print the dental appliance right here in the office with our Primeprint 3D printer. Although you’ll need to return for a brief follow-up appointment, the turnaround time is much quicker than conventional methods.
Uses for Primeprint 3D Printing in Dentistry
- Surgical Guides
Primeprint can be used to create custom surgical guides that allow us to plan the precise placement of dental implants and hybrid implant-supported dentures. The surgical guide ensures we then place the implants in exactly our intended positioning, allowing for optimal restoration of the teeth. This precise planning makes surgical dental implant procedures go more smoothly and take less time.
- Patient models
Creating a precise, 3-dimensional model of a patient’s mouth helps us diagnose dental problems early so we can determine an individualized treatment plan. We can also use the 3D model to enhance how we communicate with our patients about their diagnosis and treatment options.
- Custom Night Guards
If you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping (also known as bruxism) wearing a nightguard can help protect your teeth from the pressure. But over-the-counter products are one size fits all, which can be uncomfortable and prevent a good night’s sleep. Primeprint allows us to print custom night guards that fit comfortably and predictably, so you can sleep peacefully.
Four Benefits of 3D Printing with Primeprint Technology
1: Ultimate Precision
Primeprint can create intricate dental appliances and models with remarkable accuracy. From treating bruxism to replacing missing teeth with implants, the precision of Primeprint is crucial in ensuring optimal outcomes. With Primeprint digital models, these dental treatments are uniquely tailored to the patient, minimizing the need for adjustments and reducing time in the dentist’s chair.
2: Streamlined Dental Procedures
Having Primeprint in-house means we don’t have to wait around for a lab to send us your dental appliance. After taking a digital impression of your mouth, we can quickly design and print a night guard or surgical guide that’s perfectly tailored to the contours of your mouth. That means that taking the impression and getting your custom night guard or placing your dental implants can be completed in a single appointment.
3: Improved Patient Experience
Putty impressions can be uncomfortable, time-consuming, and even trigger your gag reflex. Luckily, 3D printing technology makes this method a thing of the past. Primeprint relies on digital scans when making a model, eliminating the discomfort and messiness of traditional impressions. The overall process is much more comfortable and stress-free.
4: Comprehensive Treatment Planning
Detailed digital 3D models of a patient’s mouth allow for early, accurate detection of dental issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. These digital models can also simulate different treatments and help us plan for potential challenges. 3D printing helps us provide successful procedures with more predictable outcomes.
Efficient Dental Treatments in South Jordan, Utah
If you’re having trouble with bruxism, looking to replace missing teeth, or facing another dental issue, we can help. At Copper Creek Dental, your comfort is our top priority. We house the latest tools in modern dentistry, including Primeprint 3D printing technology, that enable us to make accurate diagnoses and complete successful dental treatments as efficiently as possible. Give us a call at 801-280-1911 to make an appointment at our convenient Daybreak location.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/21/2023). Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels