3D Printing

3D Printing in Huntington Beach, CA

3D Printing is on the cutting edge of digital dentistry. This tool can be used to create fabricated enamel that can support a variety of dental cases.

What is 3D Printing?

3D Printing has made great strides in the world of digital dentistry. Similar to same day Cerec crowns, 3D printing is a “bottom-up” approach where each restoration is fabricated using a hybrid ceramic-resin material.

What can I accomplish with 3D Printing?

3D Printing in an office can accomplish :

• Composite Resin Fillings
• Ceramic/Resin Inlays, Onlays, Crowns
• Ceramic/Resin Veneers
• Dentures
• Nightguards
• Hybrid Dentures (for implant supported / retained)

How does 3D Printing work?

The workflow begins with a digital scan of the area. From there, this scan is uploaded into an online portal. With the application of AI and digital design, we are able to create a design in as little as 5-10 minutes, which will then be modified digitally by Dr. Vuong or a member of his team. The design is then sent to the printing unit to be fabricated.

After fabrication, some chair-side finishes to refine, color, polish, shape, and tune will allow for beautiful life-like results of the restorations. The restoration is cleaned, cured, and primed for delivery.

Just like any process of delivering a crown of filling, it is very simple and straight forward. Beginning with preparing both the surfaces of the tooth and the restoration and cementing and bonding it in place. Final touches and finishes can be made once inside the mouth as well.

The “Process”

1. Digital Scan
2. Digital Design / AI
3. 3D Print
4. Refinement
5. Delivery

Benefits of 3D Printing?

An additive manufacturing process that creates 3D restorations by layering materials together – provides a very accurate and seamless result when applied to dentistry. Unlike traditional milling units which is a “top-down” approach of fabricating a restoration, the “bottom-up” approach using 3D printing can provide finer, more accurate margins. Technology and dentistry work hand-in-hand to create seamless results.

These restorations are stronger than your typical composites and because the material is a hybrid ceramic resin (50/50) it has potentially great strength even for applications as crowns or veneers.

FAQs

• Are they are as strong as normal crowns?
  • No. Due to the material being a ceramic, resin hybrid it is not as strong as traditional all porcelain crowns. However the material has great tensile strength and occlusal strength – stronger than traditional fillings.
• Can 3D printing be done same day?
  • Yes! Restorations can be done same day and delivered all in a single appointment. Ask us how to take advantage of 3D printing today to take care of your dental needs.