Dr. Wally Renne, founder of the MOD Institute and expert in digital dentistry, dives into the transformative impact of 3D printing on dental practices. He discusses advancements in 3D printed materials and the challenges of achieving optimal aesthetics. The conversation covers innovative techniques for improving denture creation, leveraging digital workflows for enhanced fitting and comfort. Renne also addresses the significance of jaw motion tracking in personalizing treatments, showcasing how technology reshapes the future of dentistry.
Recent advancements in 3D printing technology are enhancing aesthetic and functional outcomes in restorative dentistry through improved materials and curing methods.
The evolution of digitally driven workflows is revolutionizing denture fabrication by allowing for accurate scans and modifications for better patient experiences.
Deep dives
Advancements in 3D Printing Technology
Recent developments in 3D printing technology are significantly enhancing the capabilities of dentistry. The introduction of materials with improved optical properties and reduced polymerization shrinkage stress are noteworthy advancements. Unlike direct resin applications that rely on incremental curing within the mouth, 3D printed restorations allow for curing outside the oral environment, which lessens the stress on the bond with the tooth. As a result, these printed materials are showing promise in terms of aesthetics and function in restorative dentistry.
Challenges in Direct Resin Innovation
Despite the progress in 3D printing, there's a perceived stagnation in the innovation of direct resins used for restorative materials. Many current products seem to be repackaged versions of older formulations with similar base chemistry, indicating a lack of genuine advancement. Concerns surrounding the flexural strength of both 3D printed materials and traditional direct composite resins have been raised, with current printed options being comparable to older composite strengths. This calls for an urgent need for manufacturers to pursue innovative changes in the formulation and performance of direct resins to keep pace with evolving technologies.
Post-Processing Techniques for Aesthetic Outcomes
Achieving aesthetic outcomes with 3D printed restorations requires effective post-processing techniques that are not widely known among practitioners. The post-processing typically involves treating the printed material with specific glazes and stains to enhance appearance, which differs from traditional polishing methods used on other materials. The speaker describes a 'candy coating technique' that combines native resin with stain pigments to achieve a more natural and visually pleasing finish. This emphasizes the importance of education and training for dental professionals to master the aesthetic potential of these advanced materials.
Digitally Driven Denture Workflow Innovations
The evolution of digitally driven workflows is transforming denture fabrication and improving patient experiences significantly. Existing dentures can be scanned and modified to create new, well-fitting prosthetics, allowing for a quicker and more efficient process. For patients without existing dentures, a clever use of a specialized tray system enables effective capturing of bite records and arch impressions digitally. By utilizing advanced scanning technology for mucostatic impressions, practitioners can achieve greater accuracy and patient comfort, thus redefining the standards for denture fabrication.
Dr. Walter Renne is the founder of the MOD Institute and leads all learning, innovation and research initiatives at the organization. He is a recognized global key opinion leader for renowned dental technology companies including Planmeca and Ivoclar Vivadent. He also previously served as a Professor and Assistant Dean of Innovation and Digital Dentistry at the Medical University of South Carolina. As the assistant director for the digital dentistry residency program, he has won several national and regional awards for his efforts both pre-clinically and clinically. He is also an active dental researcher and has published over 30 studies on scan and milling accuracy using various systems. Dr. Renne also has several patents including a patent for a platform of long-term antimicrobial dental materials.
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