3D Printed Dental Models

“There was a learning curve as I never used a 3D printer before. But I can say now, that as of today, the results are accurate and reliable.

I’m really happy with my RAISE3D N1 and N2 because the size of the build volume is perfect for the dental prints I’m creating.

I also love the double extrusion possibility and the quality of the RAISE3D filament I’m using - easy to print and with a great finish.

I can say I’m glad with the purchase I made for my 2 RAISE3D printers.”

Frédéric Lapeyre
Founder of Laboratoire Ortho 34

Specializing in Orthodontics, Frédéric Lapeyre is the Founder of Laboratoire Ortho 34. Based in France, this lab is equipped with a 3D printer to aid with their wide range of care in the dental field.

Their 3D printer allows them offer dental prints in plastic materials as opposed to the traditionally plaster-casted dental impressions. This results in a more accurate piece with a high-quality vibrant and white finish.

Dental Models in Raise3D PLA

By applying 3D printing, the company is able to produce reliable parts with the Raise3D printer, materials, and software.  This results in:

1. Increased accuracy by using digitally scanned data.
2. Eliminating manufacturing time by creating an automated process with the printer’s 24/7 operation.

Company: Laboratoire Ortho 34
Industry: Orthodontics
Interviewee: Frédéric Lapeyre
Title: Founder

Process:

For Laboratoire Ortho 34, orthodontists send the Laboratore a 3D file obtained via an intrabuccal scan.  These .STL files are then sent to ideaMaker for setup with the Raise3D printers. These finished prints are then sent back to the orthodontist.

Dentals model being printed in PLA on an Raise3D printer.

Challenges:

The traditional dental process involves first creating a mold of the patient’s mouth. With the use of alginate, a rubber-like mold making material, a negative mold is made to capture the details of the teeth. After setting, this material hardens and can be removed from the mouth. Investment, a plaster-like material, is then poured into these molds to create the positive model of the teeth. 
This process is very involved for both the dentist and the patient. The materials used make this process both messy and expensive. Additionally,creating the negatives, allowing the materials to harden, and cleaning the plaster models makes this a lengthy process.

Solution:

By adopting 3D printing, the process is less involved for the patient and the orthodontist, overall creating a more pleasant experience and saving the manufacturing time required. While the traditional process involved a lot of hands-on time for the dentist, the 3D printer is able to run autonomously and can continue to produce overnight without supervision.
Additionally, errors due to imperfections in the molding process are eliminated with the accuracy and precision of the printer and the 3D scanned data.