What is 3D Printing?
3D printing is essentially the opposite of sculpting. 3D printers create a 3-dimensional object in layers from a digital model of the object.
How is 3D Printing Used in Orthodontics?
Digital models of your teeth taken from a TRIOS® digital scanner or modified digital models of your teeth can be printed to make orthodontic appliances like clear aligners, retainers, palatal expanders, indirect bonding jigs and occlusal splints (night guards). Some appliances, like retainers and night guards, can even be 3D printed directly.
How does this benefit me?
Because we are able to 3D print in our offices, we are able to scan, print, and then make appliances, usually in the same day, instead of having to wait for weeks to have them made and shipped from an outside lab. This reduces treatment delays and enables us to replace lost retainers very quickly so that teeth do not shift waiting for a new retainer to arrive. Unlike stone models, 3D printed models are not often damaged in the process of making retainers, so we can usually provide you with the models when you get retainers so that you have them as a backup in case you ever lose your retainers. New retainers can be made on these models.
