As a dentist managing a general practice, efficiency is paramount since shorter chair times translate to lower operational costs and enhanced patient satisfaction. Dr. Christopher Baer, DMD, from Baer Dental—a comprehensive dental clinic in Lone Tree, Colorado—employs 3D printing technology to craft models for retainers, custom whitening trays, wax-ups, temporary and permanent restorations, surgical guides, and occlusal splints.
Being an early adopter of 3D printing, Dr. Baer utilizes printers from various manufacturers, but he was immediately impressed by Formlabs’ new Form 4B. “It’s incredibly fast. We can print eight models in the same time it took to print one before, and the quality remains excellent,†he noted. This speed has made same-day dental appliance fabrication a reality, allowing patients to leave the office with their appliances already prepared.
Dr. Baer recalls, “My first printer was a Formlabs printer—the Form 2.†His familiarity with the technology has been integral to integrating it into his practice for years. “I saw the advantages early on, so we fully embraced this technology, and I wanted to push it further. I believe it has enhanced both our treatment processes and outcomes.â€
“Same-visit printing is now possible, where we can go from scanning to printing a model and fabricating an appliance within 10 minutes, ensuring it’s ready before the patient departs,†Dr. Baer explained. This capability significantly improves patient experiences and streamlines operations.
To achieve this efficiency, not only does the printing need to be quick, but post-processing must also be streamlined. Dr. Baer mentioned that with other printers, “You spend a lot of time polishing.†However, with Form 4B, “The outer surface is pristine, so you can print an appliance, lightly polish it, and it’s ready for use.â€
One memorable instance involved a patient with a broken retainer. While the patient grabbed a coffee, Dr. Baer printed a new model, fabricated a replacement, and had it ready for the patient’s return. “He was thrilled, especially since he was traveling soon and needed a reliable solution,†Dr. Baer recalled.
The Form 4B offers versatility, enabling Dr. Baer to switch resin cartridges and tanks to accommodate different materials. Occlusal splints are among the most commonly printed items. “Patients really appreciate having a secondary appliance at minimal cost,†Dr. Baer shared. “Many travelers have a primary appliance at home and a backup for travel, ensuring peace of mind.â€
In addition to occlusal splints, Dr. Baer frequently prints models for retainers and whitening trays. “Using the fast settings for Fast Arches, we can print a model in about 10 minutes, and within 15 to 20 minutes, we’re ready with whitening trays for the patient.â€
Dr. Baer also uses the Form 4B for surgical guides and temporary and permanent restorations. For full-arch cases, he has successfully employed Premium Teeth Resin, a nano-ceramic-filled, Class II biocompatible material with enhanced aesthetics. “When printing full-arch temporaries directly to the prepped margins, you print and deliver it, typically without adjustments. With injectable techniques, significant time is spent on adjustments and trimming, requiring multiple trips to the lab. But with printed temporaries, you simply remove the supports and it’s ready for cementation.â€
The Form 4B produces appliances with smooth finishes and high precision. “The quality is impressive. Despite its speed, there’s no compromise in detail,†Dr. Baer remarked. The surface finish and accuracy of models printed on Form 4B are visually appealing, enhancing patient satisfaction.
Dr. Baer emphasizes the importance of reliability and cost-effectiveness when choosing a 3D printer. Form 4B’s resin tank is designed to print over 75,000 layers with any Formlabs material, keeping consumable costs low. Predictability and durability are critical, ensuring long-term value. “The Form 4B feels solid from the moment you take it out of the box,†Dr. Baer noted. Maintenance is straightforward, with intuitive instructions on the touchscreen guiding users through cleaning and upkeep.
In conclusion, the Form 4B offers a transformative solution for dental practices, saving time and money while delivering high-quality results. To learn more or discuss how Form 4B can benefit your practice, reach out to a dental 3D printing expert today.
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