Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
This session is designed to equip you and your team with the knowledge and skills to leverage 3D printing technology in your practice, making the production of dental splints and appliances more efficient and precise.
We will kick off the workshop by reviewing various 3D printing technologies, discussing their advantages and drawbacks. Using examples of commercially available printers, we'll help you understand the landscape of 3D printing options and guide you in choosing the technology that best suits your practice's needs.
Next, we'll delve into the world of splint design software. We'll cover a range of options, including both paid and free software, and discuss their features, usability, and the quality of the final products they can produce.
In addition to design software, we'll also discuss the role of slicer software in the 3D printing process. We'll explain how this software translates your 3D design into instructions for the 3D printer, and how to choose and use a slicer program effectively.
For the practical part of the workshop, we'll walk you through the process of designing a typical splint using free software. This hands-on demonstration will provide you with a clear, step-by-step guide to bringing your 3D designs to life. You will also have the opportunity to design, print, and post-process a splint yourself. You'll experience the entire process, from initial design to final product, and learn how to prepare your splint for delivery.
By the end of this workshop, you'll be well-equipped to introduce in-office 3D printing to your practice, streamlining the production of dental splints and appliances. Join us and step into the future of dental care!
Learning Objectives:
Describe the different 3d printing technologies and list examples of printers that use those technologies in dental offices.
Demonstrate the use of free design software to design a custom splint or nightguard for a patient.
Demonstrate the post processing required to bring an appliance from printer to delivery.