With the rapid development of modern technology, 3D printing technology is increasingly coming into people’s view. Its unique advantages of customization and efficient production capabilities not only change many aspects of the manufacturing industry but also shine brightly in the medical field, playing an increasingly crucial role in clinical oral medicine.Today, we will introduce the specific applications of 3D printing technology in oral medicine and how it brings greater benefits to our oral health!
First, we need to know what 3D printing technology is. Digital 3D printing technology, also known as rapid prototyping technology or additive manufacturing technology, can stack materials layer by layer to form three-dimensional objects with specific shapes and structures based on selected materials, specific computer-aided design, and precise computer-aided manufacturing processes.
Currently, the application of 3D printing in the field of oral restoration is particularly widespread. The traditional process of dental restoration is not only time-consuming but also cumbersome, requiring multiple steps including impression taking, model making, and collaboration with laboratory technicians. Now, through 3D printing technology, oral doctors can quickly print accurate dental models or restorations based on the three-dimensional data of the patient’s mouth. If a crown or bridge is damaged, the 3D printer can produce a high-precision restoration that fits the patient’s oral structure within a few hours, significantly reducing the waiting time for patients to receive dentures or restorations and greatly improving the comfort and aesthetics of the restoration.
Secondly, in the field of dental implants, the significance of 3D printing cannot be underestimated. In the traditional process of implanting dental bodies, patients often have to undergo lengthy and multiple surgical procedures, and achieving an ideal occlusal relationship between artificial implants and natural teeth can be challenging. However, 3D printing technology allows doctors to create personalized surgical guides based on the patient’s oral CT data, guiding the implants to be placed correctly and accurately in the best position. Additionally, the process can be simulated on a computer before printing a customized dental implant base and corresponding surgical tools tailored for the patient, making the surgery more precise, safe, and predictable, ensuring the quality of the surgery and greatly reducing postoperative discomfort and the risk of complications for patients.
Speaking of orthodontic treatment, 3D printing also plays a revolutionary role. The popularity of invisible aligners is based on the rapid manufacturing capabilities of 3D printing technology. Oral doctors can design orthodontic treatment plans based on the patient’s oral scan data and utilize 3D printers to print an entire set of personalized aligners in one go. This efficient and precise customized treatment provides patients with a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing orthodontic solution.
In addition, the application of 3D printing in oral and maxillofacial surgery is also increasing. For example, in complex jaw and facial tumor resection surgeries, 3D printing technology can be used preoperatively to create surgical models that match the patient’s jaw and facial anatomical structures, assisting oral surgeons in surgical planning and simulation. During the surgery, customized 3D-printed implants can be used to repair and reconstruct damaged bones, significantly improving surgical precision and safety.
VERY PERI
It is worth mentioning the important role of 3D printing in oral medical education and research. Through the production of physical models, students can understand complex oral structures more intuitively and enhance their practical skills. Researchers also utilize 3D printing to conduct experimental studies on new materials and technologies, continuously pushing the field of oral medicine forward.
Of course, these are just a part of the scenarios of 3D printing applications in clinical oral medicine. In the future, with further development and cost reduction of 3D printing technology, its application in the field of oral medicine will become more widespread, and the diagnostic and therapeutic effects will become more significant. We firmly believe that 3D printing technology will bring a profound transformation to clinical oral medicine, making “personalized” treatment a tangible enjoyment for every patient. With the continuous improvement and popularization of this technology, future oral medical services will be faster and more efficient, making “beautiful smiles” no longer a luxury but an achievable reality!
Currently, the Oral Department of Qiannan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital has widely applied 3D printing technologies such as digital oral scanning, dental implant guides, personalized aligners, and digital printing titanium plates. The public can come to our hospital for consultation and treatment!