Evolving technologies and
integration of digital solutions in healthcare and medical has transformed
diagnosis and treatment planning from conventional 2D to advanced 3D technique.
In recent years, the application of 3D technology in orthodontics has
increased. Personalized orthodontic appliances are being created using 3D
techniques such as CAD/CAM fabricated brackets, and customized wires.
Replicating human form more
accurately than traditional techniques, 3D printing is finding wide application
in dental implants and orthopedics. Moreover, with the growing demand for
implants in countries with the aging population, 3D printing is used for
producing complex shapes and lightweight parts that can be used in creating
implants.
How 3D Technology is Transforming
Orthodontics?
Enhancing treatment procedures, fast and smooth patient treatment, greater precision, and dependably superior appliances are some of the advantages of 3D printing in orthodontics. Using 3D modeling technology dentists are cutting out the need and cost to work with lab. Moreover, dentists can also use 3D technology to develop models and bridges for more complicated surgeries.
Emerging as the cost-effective
and time saving method, 3D printing has led to the customization in
orthodontics by providing custom 3D printed teeth, dentures, crowns, and
variety of other tools for practitioners and patients. 3D printing can also
accelerate manufacturing process with the help of computer aided design and
manufacturing technology where a dentist can measure patient’s mouth and
quickly design and print set of teeth. In addition, portion of teeth or crowns
can also be custom printed using 3D technology.
Cone Beam 3D Imaging in Orthodontics
Significantly changing the
diagnostic approach practiced in orthodontics, cone beam 3D imaging is highly
preferred imaging procedure for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Increasing
prevalence of dental disorder is also boosting the demand for advanced imaging
system such as cone beam 3D imaging. Cone beam 3D imaging has enhanced the
ability to observe undistorted detail the positioning of teeth, jaw bone and
important structures such as large nerve bundles and sinuses. It also offers a cross
section view of teeth which is not possible using 2D technology.
In-depth information provided
by cone beam 3D imaging allows more precise treatment planning. In addition, it
is non-invasive, accurate and painless and the ability to see soft tissue and
bone at the same time is leading to the increasing use of cone bone 3D imaging
in orthodontics.
Currently, 3D imagery is not
used at the primary level exam, however, in cases where further clarification
is required, 3D imaging is used. Moreover, delivering more radiation as
compared to conventional dental X-ray is also leading to hesitation among dentists
to use 3D imagery. Meanwhile, concerns radiation exposure is greater among
young patients as they are highly sensitive to radiation. Moreover, the FDA and
the American Dental Association also recommend the use of cone beam 3D imaging
only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment. However, numerous benefits
provided by cone bone 3D imaging outweighs the risk.
Drastic Cost Reduction with 3D Technology in
Orthodontics
Promising advances in dental
field, 3D printing has taken world by storm. From a very long time dentistry
has relied hugely on laboratories to produce bridges, dental implants, crowns,
and other structures, moreover, adding a dental lab combined with skilled staff
to produce dental implants results in significant investment. Compare to this,
one-time cost for 3D printer is far less than running a dental lab. Depending
on the type of 3D printer it can cost as low as $500 to as high as $100,000.
Moreover, the high cost of
running a dental lab is also reflected in patient’s bill, however, 3D printers
can lower overhead cost, while providing huge cost savings for patients.
With the increasing popularity
of orthodontic treatment using clear aligners, especially among adult patients,
the aim to reduce the cost of clear aligners is gaining traction. Moreover,
outsourcing production of clear aligners is resulting in significant cost and
time. In order to save money and offer high quality product, 3D printers are
being widely adopted by orthodontists and emerging as the most cost-effective
solution for clear aligners.
Apart from orthodontists using
3D printers in-house to produce a set of aligners for patients, majority of the
companies including well-established and startups have started using 3D
printing to manufacture customized aligners for patients at low cost.
3D Technology: Future of Orthodontics?
Digital technology continues to
revolutionize the orthodontics landscape through the advent of 3D technology.
Orthodontists are rapidly adopting 3D printing technology to produce
orthodontic and other dental parts. Providing affordability, convenience, and
customization for patients is increasing the popularity of 3D printing
technology in orthodontics.
According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), oral diseases are the 4th most expensive
diseases to treat in developed and developing countries. Moreover, an analysis
by the Organization for Economic Corporation and Development (OECD), oral
disease treatment including dental caries is responsible for around 5% of the
total health expenditure in developed countries. This is driving the demand for
advanced techniques to reduce the cost and accelerate the diagnosis and
treatment, thereby, fueling the growth of 3D technology including 3D printing
and 3D imaging in orthodontics.
With 3D printing custom
products in orthodontics in large volumes, companies are constantly focusing on
introducing materials for 3D printing dental implants and orthodontic aligners.
Stability, biocompatibility, flexibility, and strength are key features that
companies are looking for in materials to produce dental structures in
orthodontics using 3D printing.
Biocompatible dentistry is also
gaining popularity with increasing application of biocompatible materials for
3D printing orthodontic models. Companies are offering biocompatible materials
for dental 3D printing. Moreover, effect of dental materials on health has been
significant with rise in sensitivity and allergies to the dental materials.
Hydroxyapatite and bioceramics owing to their biocompatibility are widely used
in dental implants. High purity zirconia, alumina and glass bioceramic are becoming
highly preferred over metal in dental implants. Companies are focusing on
research and development of advanced biomaterials for 3D printing orthodontic
models along with the assessment of biological performance of the advanced
biomaterials.
In the past couple of years, a handful of resins have been certified by the FDA as class Ia and IIa biocompatible and ideal for dental application. Moreover, with the rise in functional resins in 3D printing for orthodontics along with the rate of improvement shows no sign of slowing down of 3D technology in orthodontics.
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