3D Printing in Dentistry: How It’s Changing Crowns and Aligners

3D Printing in Dentistry: How It’s Changing Crowns and Aligners

by | Jul 29, 2025 | Blog, Dental Care, Dental Procedures

If you’ve been to a dentist lately to get your crowns or aligners done, then you might have noticed that the entire process and the technology being used have changed quite a bit. The waiting periods are shorter, and you don’t have to deal with imperfect fits or goopy molds for aligners. Well, if you have noticed any of these, then you can thank 3D printing for making your visits easier and efficient. 3D printers’ integration in the dental field has made treatments faster, cheaper, and way more comfortable for the patients. Since the change, it has brought in the making of crowns and clear aligners has been substantial.

So let’s dive a bit deeper into the nooks and cranny of 3D printers’ impact on the dental world.

3D Printed Crowns: A Faster, Cheaper Solution? 

Before 3D printers, getting a crown was often a multi-day process. You’d get a messy impression taken, wait for a few days while it gets made in some lab and then shipped, then schedule another visit, only to find out pretty often that there are still some size issues with it. Thankfully, due to the development in technology, dentists can now take a perfect scan of your dentals with an intraoral scanner, design the crown digitally, and let a 3D printer make it right in the lab. The best part being that the time taken for all this has been reduced to just a few hours, even as short as 15 mins too in some cases.

Because systems like SprintRay Pro S, can print up to 6 crowns in under 15 minutes using durable, ceramic-filled resins that perfectly imitate your real teeth. Meaning that you can get checked, scanned, and have your crowns fit in just one visit. And due to how accurate digital scans are, the printed crowns fit you like a glove, reducing the annoying adjustment processes.

The greatest benefit of this technology is the reduction in cost! Traditionally, crowns would involve labs, shipping, adjustments, multiple visits, and loss of manual labor. But 3D printers cut out the rest of the middlemen between you and your dentist, so the cost reduction can be as big as almost 80% in some cases. Additionally, since 2023, many insurance plans now cover 3D printed crowns as permanent restorations too. Meaning, your savings can get additional savings of their own!

Regardless of all the benefits and cost-effectiveness of 3D printed crowns, they are still far from perfect. Apart from being unable to fully print super-durable materials like zirconia, they also require a final polish to bring about that natural, glossy look. But for most people, the speed, affordability, and perfect fitting is more than a satisfaction for them.

Clear Aligners & Their Impacts

Aligners have greatly replaced metal braces as a more comfortable option for aligning jagged teeth. Clear aligners like Invisalign are probably something you’ve heard of if you’ve looked into or thought of getting aligners ever. Turns out, Invisalign produces around 8 million orthodontics annually thanks to 3D printers.

The process for 3D printing aligners starts with a scan of your teeth where a computer maps out the pattern and adjustments your teeth need to have. The machine then designs an accurate aligner mold for each step, which is then 3D printed. Your aligners are then created on top of these printed molds. This whole process has made aligners so efficient that oftentimes the work is in just a matter of hours, allowing you to receive your aligners sooner. Some practitioners even make them in-house, which reduces the cost and time even further.

How much cost effective are 3D printed aligners you might ask. 3D printers have become quite trendy with time, and after seeing their effectiveness at cutting cost and other middlemen, more and more dentists are opting for it. The clear aligner market already surpassed $4 billion in 2022, meaning that 3D printing is allowing the creation of personalized aligners on a large scale. And thus, reducing the reliance on large labs and manufacturers, which will drive down the cost even further.

However, the R&D on clear aligners isn’t over yet. Researchers are now looking to create aligners using eco-friendly materials, since you need 10-20 per treatment, the waste produced is quite major.

Why Does This Involve You?

So, why should you care about 3D printing in dentistry? Mainly, because they are cost effective, easy to get, and reduce the treatment time. And since about 27% of Americans do not have dental insurance, being able to get treatments of crowns and aligners in a cost effective manner is a huge deal.

This also opens up the door to bigger trends in the industry. During the pandemic, some also handed out at-home impression kits for aligners, which made dental care more accessible and extremely convenient for most people. Integrate AI in that even further, using which you can spot early issues more easily and we’ve got a much smarter, convenient, accessible dental experience than ever before.

What’s Next?

While the advancements in dentistry have been huge in just the past few years, they are far more being over. With new technologies constantly emerging and their versatility towards multiple industries, there may come a time where oral treatments might be on par with some of the most advanced medical treatments available today, with even fewer hassles and reduced costs.

Different Types of Dental Filling Materials

Different Types of Dental Filling Materials

by | May 7, 2024 | Dental Procedures

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to ensure healthy teeth and gums. However, despite our best efforts, cavities may still develop. It is important to promptly address any cavities as they can further damage the tooth. Dental fillings are one of the many tools dentists use to repair the surface of a tooth that has been damaged by decay.

Currently, there are multiple types of dental fillings available for individuals. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this regard, let’s explore some of the most commonly used options for dental fillings.

Amalgam Fillings:

It is, also known as silver fillings It is used in dentistry for over a century. They are made up of a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury, and are a preferred option due to their durability and affordability. However, some patients may feel uneasy about the presence of mercury in the fillings. Notably, the amount of mercury in amalgam fillings is minimal and considered safe.

Composite Fillings:

Composite materials are a combination of plastic resin and ground white glass particles. They are used for dental fillings and are either white or lightly stained, giving them a natural appearance. They are ideal for visible areas of the mouth because their colour can be matched to the patient’s teeth. Unlike conventional fillings, composite fillings are directly bonded to the tooth structure, requiring less tooth preparation. This results in more healthy tooth structure being preserved. However, they are only suitable for small to medium-sized cavities and are not as durable as amalgam fillings. This means that they may need to be replaced sooner than amalgam fillings.

Ceramic Fillings:

Tooth-colored ceramic fillings that are made from a high-quality material, often referred to as porcelain, are the inlay/onlay alternative. Furthermore, they are designed to resemble one’s natural tooth enamel. These amalgams are all crafted in a professional dental laboratory. They are often used to fill in most of the cavities and for patients who prefer a more appealing aesthetic. Ceramic fillings, which are characterized by high resistance to abrasion and do not change their colour, are a perfect restoration method for patients with cavities. They are pretty expensive when compared to the other types of fillings.

Glass Ionomer Fillings:

Glass ionomer fillings are composed of a blend of glass and acrylic. They discharge fluoride, which helps in safeguarding the tooth from further decay. These fillings are frequently utilized in areas of the mouth that do not endure heavy chewing pressure, such as on the surface of a tooth close to the gum line. They are not as long-lasting as other types of fillings and may require replacement more often.

A patient should consider many variables while deciding on a suitable filling for a cavity. These criteria include the size and location of the cavity, budget and aesthetic desires, and the dentist’s recommendation. An essential step is to discuss the feasible options and the most preferable material for your filling with your dentist.

The purpose of dental fillings is to restore the health and function of decayed teeth. Today, patients have more options to improve their smiles thanks to advances in dental materials and techniques. There are different types of fillings available, including traditional amalgam, tooth-colored composite, ceramic, and glass ionomer. Although it can be expensive, restoring your oral health is definitely worth the cost.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction: A Simple Guide

Wisdom Teeth Extraction: A Simple Guide

by | Mar 15, 2024 | Dental Procedures

If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions, including curiosity and concern. To help you prepare, here’s a guide to what you can expect before, during, and after the extraction process.

Before the Procedure: Preparing for the Extraction Journey

First of all, before the day you have your wisdom teeth extracted by a dentist or oral surgeon. There will most likely be an estimated consultation. They will look inside your mouth and could even take an X-ray of your wisdom teeth to give a clearer picture of their location.

Talk about why you need the tooth extraction. It may be due to impaction or crowding or potential oral health issues warranting an extraction.

  • Preoperative Instructions:

Please adhere to the preoperative instructions provided by your dentist, including fasting before surgery and arranging for a driver if necessary.

When having a tooth extraction, discuss anesthesia options with your dentist. Based on the complexity of the procedure and your comfort level, you may choose from local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.

During the Procedure: Navigating the Extraction Process

The extraction process is typically smoother than anticipated. Here’s what to expect during the procedure:

  • Anesthesia Administration:

The dentist gives you the selected anesthesia before embarking on the extraction method, thus ensuring that while it carries out the procedure, no pain sensation will be felt.

  • Tooth Extraction:

At this stage, the dentist will carefully extract wisdom teeth, leaving a tie with his expertise whether he makes an incision to gain access or cuts the tooth into smaller parts for enhanced removal.

  • Closing the Site:

Once the extraction is done, a dentist will close up the surgery site, most likely using stitches that can dry and stay until they fall off or gauze to control bleeding.

  • Postoperative Care Instructions:

After your surgery, you will receive a set of instructions that will detail how to care for yourself during the recovery period. This will include information about managing pain, reducing swelling, and what foods to eat or avoid.

After the Procedure: Navigating the Road to Recovery

The first few days after wisdom teeth extraction are crucial for a smooth recovery. For a comfortable healing process, follow these guidelines:

  • Immediate Aftercare:

Take the rest of the day relaxing indoors and resting from heavy activities. Use ice packs and follow medication with the pain relief skills desired.

  • Dietary Considerations:

For the first three days, only eat from a soft diet and limit liquids. Gradually work on solid foods as your mouth heals itself.

  • Oral Hygiene Practices:

Improve oral hygiene practices, including rinsing with slightly warm salt water and minimal brushing around the extraction sites.

  • Follow-up Appointments:

Attend an appointment with the dentist scheduled as a follow-up in order to make sure that his or her healing is correct and, if there are such conditions, to address them.

  • Long-Term Oral Health:

Be inspired by renewed dedication to oral health and the benefits of wisdom teeth removal for overall wellness.

In summary, even though you may be apprehensive about having your wisdom teeth removed, following these guidelines will help to ensure a quick and successful recovery. Once the treatment is complete, you can return to your normal routine, including enjoying your favorite foods with confidence.