You may have given up on the ‘what will they be 3D printing next’ line. At this point, it seems few items or industries have been left untouched by the advanced technology. And while some devices may seem perfectly suited for being enhanced with 3D printing, most of us are still flabbergasted in considering the potential now offered—not to mention to that next level of convenience, speed, and affordability being given to consumers around the world.
Many are surprised to find out how entrenched 3D printing is in the dental field already. But this is an area where personalization is key in each case, and especially for the creation of dentures. Today, it is not so uncommon to hear about 3D printed clothing, shoes, or even cars. These are industries where added personal style is very attractive to consumers. With teeth, however, getting the right fit is a notorious challenge. Specializing in helping dental offices and labs move into the future of manufacturing for themselves, EnvisionTEC has now also added both new materials and 3D printing features to their lineup. This was announced recently, along with the news that EnvisionTEC has received FDA approval to sell its E-Denture material. With E-Denture, dental offices and labs actually have the freedom to fabricate pink denture bases.
The Vida 3D printer
The company states that as this material is added to their lineup with E-Dent 100 and 400, they now offer a ‘complete digital denture workflow solution.’ The 3D printed bases, accompanied by tooth restoration processes, will allow patients to look forward to progressive dental work that will stand the test of time.
“This new material expands EnvisionTEC’s already industry-leading dental materials library,” said CEO Al Siblani. “Even more importantly, E-Denture gives our 3D printer owners the ability to print even more materials.”
Considering that 3D printing was once considered the great unknown by many—and especially in an area such as medical or dental—EnvisionTEC has only continued to solidify their products and product lines, putting the technology in the hands of medical professionals. The 3D printing leader was founded in 2002 and now sells over 40 different printers meant not just for those in the medical field, but also other industrial and professional users.
The Vida desktop 3D printer and the Perfactory machine, both made by EnvisionTEC, can be used with E-Denture and E-Dent. The EnvisionTEC team notes that many users of these 3D printers are already creating items such as orthodontic models, crowns, bridges, night guards, and E-Gum gingiva masks. Users are also making their own 3D printed surgical guides, as well as bonding trays for orthodontic bracket placement.
This product will be made available in the third quarter of 2017 in limited distribution. Discuss in the EnvisionTEC forum at 3DPB.com.
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