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With CA Digital in 5 steps to braces from the 3D printer
Medical technology has been one of the areas with the greatest potential for the use of 3D printing technology for several years. In addition to the 3D printing production of prostheses in a wide variety of areas, this also includes the use of additive manufacturing processes for the most precisely fitting production of braces.
The dental technology provider Clear Aligner, based in Mettmann (near Düsseldorf), is taking a very promising approach. At the heart of the 3D design of individualized braces is software called CA SMART 3D, the beta version of which the company presented for the first time in 2014 in Munich, at the 87th Annual Scientific Meeting of the German Society for Orthodontics (abbreviated DGKFO, on September 12th, 2014). presented to the interested professional public.
From the plaster model via 3D scanning to braces from the 3D printer
The way to the 3D-printed braces begins in a very classic way, namely by creating a plaster model of the patient’s jaw in the first step in the respective practice. In one step, this plaster model is now digitally measured by CA Digital, the Clear Aligner (CA) department responsible for digital applications, using a 3D scanner and thus visualized. Now, in step 3, the CA SMART 3D software described above is used. With their help, the employees at CA Digital create a digital set-up model that is individually tailored to the patient, and of course with the highest precision. This model must first be approved by the respective laboratory, after which it is produced (in step 4) on the 3D printer. Finally, the 5th and final step takes place again in a conventional manner, and this in the laboratory itself, where the finished splints are produced using the so-called deep-drawing process.
The 3D-printed braces from Clear Aligner are produced from a transparent plastic material, which is then deep-drawn by thermally deforming it.
The CA SMART 3D software can be easily connected to the practice’s own patient administration and digital imaging technology. In addition, this software also implements all other tasks related to archiving, diagnostics, treatment planning and patient advice, based on 2D and 3D image files.
Experience the presentation of the CA braces live at the AM Expo 2016 in Lucerne
At the AM (=Additive Manufacturing) Expo taking place on September 20th and 21st, 2016 in the Lucerne Exhibition Center (Switzerland), Clear Aligner will present its innovative concept of braces from the 3D printer in a so-called showcase.
We at 3D Activation also offer you the possibility to 3D print in clear plastic material, epoxy or resin, and of course not only for dental purposes. Visit our website for more information on these and many other materials.
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