3D Printing in
Orthodontics
Metal 3D Printing for Orthodontic Applications
Manufacturing Orthodontic Components in Stainless Steel and CoCr
In modern orthodontics, custom-fit components are essential for successful treatment. The 2Create metal 3D printers enable the efficient production of highly precise orthodontic components from stainless steel or cobalt-chromium (CoCr) in a cost-effective digital workflow.
Orthodontic Bands
Precision Bands for Fixed Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic bands form the foundation of many fixed orthodontic appliances. Metal 3D printing enables the efficient production of customized bands with precise fit, repeatable quality, and greater design freedom.
Benefits of Metal 3D Printing in Orthodontics
Metal additive manufacturing enables the efficient production of customized orthodontic components with high precision, repeatable quality, and greater design freedom.
Advantages
- High precision and repeatable quality
- Customized orthodontic components
- Greater design freedom
- Reduced material waste
- Digital, scalable workflow
- Complex appliance production
RPE & Welded Expander
RPE & Welded Expander
Orthobands (CoCr)
Orthobands (Stainless Steel)
CoCr or Stainless Steel?
The Right Choice for Orthodontic Components
Stainless steel and CoCr are the preferred materials in orthodontics due to their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility.
Advantages of Stainless Steel
- No mandatory thermal post-processing required
- Minimal distortion, easy correction if necessary
- Easy to polish for a smooth surface
- More affordable than CoCr
- Can be optimally welded to stainless steel expanders
Advantages of CoCr
- Higher material stiffness for thin-walled structures
- Increased hardness and strength for particularly durable components
- Excellent corrosion resistance for long-term use
Applications:
Orthodontic Components in Detail
With the 2Create 3D printers, a wide range of orthodontic components can be manufactured in CoCr or stainless steel, including:
1. Bands and Fixed Components
- Orthodontic Bands: Precision-fit metal bands for fixed orthodontic appliances.
- Four-Bar Appliance: Fixed appliances for controlled tooth movement.
- Multiband Appliance: Systems using multiple bands for complex orthodontic treatments.
2. Expansion Appliances
- Rapid Palatal Expanders (RPEs): Fixed appliances for maxillary expansion.
3. Retention and Anchorage
- Nance Appliances: Fixed appliances for anchorage and stabilization.
- Transpalatal Arches (TPAs): Metal arches for molar stabilization.
- Lingual Arches: Fixed wire appliances for arch stabilization.
4. Auxiliary Components
- Bondable Extensions: Metal bonding elements for fixed appliances.
- Occlusal Rests: Support elements for bite elevation and stabilization.
Success Story
Success Story With NEOLab
Rapid Palatal Expanders (RPEs)
RPEs are a prime example of how metal 3D printing streamlines orthodontic manufacturing. Learn how NEOLab produces high-precision RPEs using the 2Create and 2Create Plus metal 3D printers in a fully digital workflow.
Digital Workflow for Orthodontic Manufacturing
The 2Create Workflow for RPE and Other Orthodontic Components
The process of manufacturing orthodontic components with 2Create metal 3D printers is straightforward and efficient:
1. Data Preparation
Import STL data into the 2onelab CAM software and optimally position the components on the build platform.
2. Print Preparation
Define the print parameters for stainless steel or CoCr, including scan strategy and layer thickness. The choice of powder is flexible, and the correct parameters can be easily accessed from 2Connect.
3. Post-Processing
Remove support structures and polish the components – manually, with a tumbler, or via an electropolishing process.
4. Expander Welding
Using a laser welding system, the expander can be directly attached to the component.
5. Quality Assurance
Verify the accuracy, surface quality, and material properties of the components.
Dental Workflow
Our Entire Additive Manufacturing Workflow by the Example of Dental Applications
Ready to Optimize
Your Orthodontic Workflow?
Drive Your Dental 3D Printing Projects Forward With Us.
We Are Among the Leaders in Dental Metal 3D Printing
Developed and Built in Germany
Tailored metal dental 3D printing solutions with optimized workflows and expert support for faster, precise, and efficient production.
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