How to Choose the Best Dental 3D Printer for Your Practice
June 20 03:28:41, 2025
# How to Select the Perfect 3D Printer for Your Dental Practice
Since their debut in the 1990s, 3D printers have grown increasingly vital in the world of dentistry. This article will guide you through the advantages of integrating a 3D printer into your practice and how to find the ideal model for your needs.
## What Are 3D Printers Used for in Dentistry?
3D printers play a crucial role in contemporary dental offices. They are primarily utilized to simplify and expedite the creation of three-dimensional models and dental equipment. With advancements in technology, these printers now cater to various fields, including general dentistry, oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and orthodontics.
Coupled with the use of a digital intraoral scanner, 3D printers can produce the following:
- Partial dentures
- Full dentures
- Nightguards
- Retainers
- Surgical guides
- Diagnostic models
## Benefits of 3D Printing in Dentistry
Although purchasing a 3D printer involves a significant upfront investment, it offers numerous advantages for both practitioners and patients.
Some key benefits include:
- Exceptional accuracy
- Streamlined and faster production
- Reduced material waste
- High-quality final products
- Versatility to create diverse items from a single machine
- Enhanced personalization options
- On-site printing capabilities
## Types of 3D Printers in Dentistry
As 3D printing technology progresses, various printer types have emerged to enhance functionality and application. The three most commonly used 3D printers in dentistry are Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP), and Material Jetting or PolyJet Technology.
### Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA printers utilize a precise laser beam to solidify specific points in a vat of liquid resin, forming the final product.
### Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Similar to SLA, DLP uses a digital projector instead of a laser beam to solidify the resin.
### Material Jetting or PolyJet Technology
PolyJet 3D printers operate similarly to traditional inkjet printers, printing liquid polymers onto a build tray, which are then cured using UV light.
## Factors to Consider When Choosing a 3D Printer
When selecting a 3D printer for your dental office, several factors should be considered to ensure you pick the right model for your team.
### Printer Type and Technology
Think about the type of dental devices you plan to fabricate. Different printers have varying technical specifications and printing capabilities. If you only intend to produce diagnostic models, you don't need a specialized printer optimized for patient-specific appliances. However, if your 3D printer will replace external labs, ensure it supports a broad range of precise printing. Additionally, different software platforms offer unique printing features, such as one-click setup, light-touch supports, or automated post-processing, which can save time and resources.
### Build Volume
The build volume refers to the available space for 3D printing. If you anticipate printing multiple large items like full dentures or nightguards, a printer with a larger build volume would be beneficial. Conversely, if your practice focuses on smaller dental appliances, a smaller build volume might suffice.
### Accuracy and Resolution
Precision and accuracy are critical in 3D printing. Key factors influencing these include:
- Printer quality
- Technological advancements
- Material quality
- Software settings
- Post-processing
- System calibration
### Print Speed
Traditional impression-taking and model-making processes can be lengthy due to manual efforts. Working with external labs can also cause delays. A 3D printer, however, can quickly convert digital impressions into printed products, reducing wait times and enhancing patient satisfaction.
### Ease of Use and Maintenance
An intuitive user interface ensures smooth operations. A confusing or complicated system can disrupt workflow and lower productivity. Consider the ease of use and maintenance when choosing your printer.
### Cost and ROI
While cost is a critical consideration, remember that the initial expense includes the potential savings from eliminating outsourced lab services. On-site printing can significantly reduce production costs, saving between 75% to 95%.
## 3D Printers for Dentistry from Safco Dental Supply
Safco Dental Supply proudly offers a comprehensive selection of 3D dental printers. Explore our dental 3D printer comparison to discover the best options available.
### Asiga® 3D Printers
Asiga 3D printers come in a variety of models tailored to meet the evolving needs of the dental industry. Despite being budget-friendly, each model delivers exceptional benefits and applications.
#### Asiga Max UV
- 62µm resolution
- Suitable for all dental appliance printing
- Compact design
- Open material system
- Material change in under 30 seconds
- Single-pint calibration in under 60 seconds
#### VeriBuild LCD 3D Printer
- 47µm resolution
- Open material system
- Advanced and intelligent software
- WiFi connectivity
- Auto-calibration
- Smooth surface printing
- Slice thicknesses from 25 to 100 microns
#### Asiga Pro 4K
- 65µm or 80µm resolution options
- Ideal for all dental appliance printing
- Latest DLP imaging technology
- Large print envelope
- Open material system
- SPSTM Smart-Positioning-System Technology
- User-friendly touchscreen interface
### 3Demax Complete 3D Printing Solution
The 3Demax Complete 3D Printing Solution is a DLP printer known for its compact size, speed, and precision. RFID technology ensures easy calibration and automatic material recognition, essential in dentistry.
Features include:
- Multi-device production with a large build plate
- Ability to create a wide range of dental applications
- Accepts all standard STL files
- Cloud-based DentaMile connect software
- High-quality Luxaprint 3D printing material
- Fully integrated 360º resin curing
- Compliance with Medical Device Regulation (MDR)
## Discover Safco Dental Supply for Your 3D Printing Needs
Armed with this knowledge, you're now equipped to select the perfect 3D dental printer for your practice. Trust Safco Dental Supply for high-quality products and free shipping on orders over $250. Orders placed before 4:30 pm CST (3:30 pm on Fridays) are shipped out the same day.
Contact us at 800.621.2178 to speak with our experts about the best 3D printer options available.