3D PRINTING AND DENTISTRY
TIME-SAVING BENEFITS GALORE
In the last few years, 3D printers have become more mainstream. Originally invented in the 1980s, only certain industries utilized these printers because they were very expensive. Now, you can get a 3D printer for less than $10,000, which is amazing because it can make so many things, including furniture, jewelry, and toys. The dental industry has taken advantage of 3D printer technology, and many offices have started to use them to expedite treatments. Before 3D printing became available, if you needed a crown or a bridge at the dentist’s office, it was a time-consuming process. Typically, a patient scheduled a visit for an impression of their teeth, which would then be sent to a lab to be made. It could take weeks for the lab to create the crown or bridge. Once completed, the patient returned to the office so the product could be fitted to their mouth. At that point, if it didn’t fit, the dentist made small adjustments, but anything major would mean sending it back to the lab.
Now, because of 3D printing, some offices can even offer same- day treatment. By using an intraoral scanner, the dentist or dental assistant takes a scan of your mouth to create a digital impression of teeth. Then they transfer the impression from the scanner to the 3D printer. Very quickly, the 3D printer creates the crown from a porcelain or ceramic block and is ready for the dentist to seat. 3D printing isn’t used solely for treatments in the dental industry, though. Orthodontic work has also changed due to this technology. Many people have opted for clear aligners in place of braces, and 3D printers create many of the clear aligners people use today. Even better? Using the aligners can shave 6–12 months off the average orthodontic treatment time! There’s no telling how 3D printing will influence the dental industry in the future, but some companies have begun using them to print dentures. Only time will tell if they’ll become as popular as 3D-printed crowns. WELCOME TO THE HSDC FAMILY Bri joins our team as a front desk team member who greets our patients with a smiling face (under the mask) and is ready to provide stellar customer service.
NO CAVITY CLUB: LELIA MOHN AND LIAM CAMPBELL
REFERRAL WINNER: JEHNNY CARINO, WHO WAS RANDOMLY CHOSEN FOR REFERRING FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
PATIENT OF THE MONTH WINNER: GRACEN JAVAGE IS OUR WINNER FOR APRIL
Alexis and Rosie join our team as Certified Dental Assistants who provide compassionate care with a positive attitude and friendly disposition.
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