3D Print Efficiently and Accurately
Inside Dental Technology delivers updates on digital workflows, materials, lab techniques, and innovation in dental technology through expert articles and videos.
April 1, 2020
Volume 11, Issue 4, April 2020
Page(s): p. 50
Wei-Shao Lin, DDS, FACP
3D printing is where the dental industry is headed right now. You can put your head in the sand or you can keep up with the development of the technology. An increasing number of clinicians are adopting digital technology such as intraoral scanners, so when we look for laboratory partners, we want someone with a similar philosophy and commitment to state-of-the-art technology, because the laboratory technician is a very important part of our treatment team. When digital technology is utilized in producing dental restorations, from models to crowns to surgical guides, the final result will be more accurate and predictable.
Ten years ago, many laboratories still did not have scanners and milling machines, but now most do. Today, many still choose to outsource 3D printing of models, surgical guides, and more, but I believe more laboratories will have 3D printers in the future. I recommend seriously considering purchasing one to maintain a competitive edge. Keeping that work in-house can save both time and money.
In my office, I use the Straumann® CARES® P30+, which has proven to be both efficient and predictable. Straumann also offers the Straumann® CARES® P10+, Straumann® CARES® P20+, and Straumann® CARES® P40. If you have sufficient case volume, I strongly recommend purchasing one of these printers because of the speed and accuracy. There may be more economically priced printers available, but those typically require more time spent waiting. Achieving a good outcome on an economy printer is possible, but you also might have a higher failure rate; you might remove a finished surgical guide from the printer and see that it is missing a piece because part of the print failed. That does not occur with my Straumann® CARES® P30+, and that predictability is extremely valuable.
The Straumann® CARES® P Series printers also integrate seamlessly with Straumann's entire digital portfolio—especially the Synergy™ workflow, which combines Straumann® CARES® Visual restorative planning software with coDiagnostix™ implant planning software for complete data visualization. This workflow allows me to easily communicate with the oral surgeon and the laboratory.
To me, Synergy is not just the name for the workflow; it describes the significant benefits of the system to the entire dental team.
Every member of that team plays a crucial role in ensuring that the best possible outcome is achieved for the patient. For that reason, I encourage laboratories to make the commitment to utilizing the highest level of technology on the market.
› Straumann® CARES® P30+ is fast, flexible, and semiautomated for medium-volume production
› High efficiency, reproducibility, precision, and quality
› Meets the needs of a broad range of indications and applications
› Automated post wash and curing devices available
Disclaimer: The statements and opinions contained in the preceding material are not of the editors, publisher, or the Editorial Board of Inside Dental Technology.
Wei-Shao Lin, DDS, FACP
Interim Chair, Department of Prosthodontics
Indiana University School of Dentistry
Company Information
Straumann
straumann.us/3dprinting
800-448-8168
