3D Systems Launches Multi-Material Jet 3D-Printed Dentures
As a leading segment in additive manufacturing (AM), the dental industry continues to showcase the transformative potential of 3D printing in revolutionizing traditional products and workflows.
The latest breakthrough comes from 3D Systems, which unveiled its first multi-material jet 3D-printed integrated dentures at the LMT Lab Day in Chicago, held from February 22nd to 24th, 2024.
The NextDent Jet denture and denture base materials are designed to produce integral dental restorations for teeth and gums that are not only durable and aesthetically pleasing but also suitable for long-term wear. The NextDent Jet denture material mimics the hardness and appearance of natural teeth, while the base material is formulated to absorb impact, enhancing fracture resistance.
Traditionally, 3D-printed dentures comprised separately produced bases and teeth mechanically connected using screw-based fixtures. However, advancements in jetting technology now allow for the entire prosthesis to be 3D printed in one go, significantly reducing overall production time and labor, thereby saving costs and expediting delivery to patients.
Specifically, the NextDent Jet aims to:
- Replicate the hardness and appearance of natural teeth.
- Utilize a base formula that absorbs impacts, enhancing fracture resistance.
- Reduce overall production time and labor by 3D printing the entire denture in one go, thus saving costs and speeding up delivery.
Chuck Stapleton, Vice President and General Manager of Dental at 3D Systems, expressed pride in announcing the jet denture solution, stating, "With every innovation in our digital dental product lineup, 3D Systems is helping to transform the way devices are provided and patient care is delivered by clinicians.
Our jet denture solution integrates innovations in materials and 3D printing with software, post-processing, and application expertise into a comprehensive solution designed for high-volume production, offering high precision, repeatability, and lower total operational costs. We are excited to see how this solution will change the direction of denture production."
The product was previewed to select customers, including Glidewell, one of the largest restorative dental device manufacturers and a significant user of 3D printing. Glidewell plans to implement the solution in the second half of 2024, following FDA 510(k) approval.
Stephenie Goddard, CEO of Glidewell, praised the new jet denture solution for its unmatched capabilities in the industry, highlighting the combination of 3D Systems' high-speed printing technology with unique materials to create dentures that are exceptionally durable and aesthetically pleasing. She looks forward to applying the solution this year, benefiting both their business and their customers' patients.
The integration of dentures signifies that the direct 3D printing of functional multi-material parts in other domains is within reach. In 2024, additive manufacturing strategies by Inkbit and Makelab, including the 3D printing of dual-material wireless phone chargers, further demonstrate this capability.
While electronic components are manually integrated into the final devices, Inkbit's machine vision technology could automate this process. In summary, 3D printing technology is bringing about a revolutionary change in the dental industry, and we can anticipate more innovations and advancements in the future.
