Używamy plików cookies, aby zapewnić najlepsze doświadczenia na naszej stronie. · Polityka prywatności
3D printing in a prosthetic laboratory is not a gadget – it's a production tool. What exactly do we print and why?
3D printing is not a single process. It's a set of technologies, each with a different purpose and level of accuracy. The laboratory doesn't print everything – it prints what makes specific technical and economic sense.
Diagnostic and Working Models (SLA, DLP). Accuracy 25–50 µm – sufficient for any prosthetic work. Faster than gypsum casting, cheaper than milling PMMA models for large volumes.
Occlusal and Protective Splints (SLA). Occlusal splints, bleaching trays, bruxism guards – precisely printed on a patient's model. No manual forming, repeatable thickness and contour.
Surgical Guides and Implantological Templates (SLA, DLP). Templates for implant placement printed on a model with positioning consistent with the CAD plan – accuracy ±0.1 mm, sufficient for guided implant surgery.
Temporary Prostheses and Provisionals (DLP). Made from biocompatible dental-grade resins – as provisionals during intermediate reconstruction stages.
Crowns and bridges as final permanent restorations. Printed resins – even dental-grade (Formlabs, Carbon) – do not meet ISO standards for permanent restorations in terms of chewing surface hardness and long-term durability. Final permanent restorations: milled from zirconia, e.max, or cast.
Veneers and ceramic restorations. The translucency and aesthetics of ceramics are unattainable with 3D printing.
Complete dentures as final restorations. Printed resins have insufficient chewing surface hardness and too rapid wear for long-term complete dentures.
| Parameter | SLA/DLP Printer | CNC Mill (models) |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | 40–150 thousand PLN | 100–300 thousand PLN |
| Time per model | 2–4 h (with post-processing) | 30–60 min |
| Batch Production | Several models simultaneously | One model at a time |
| ROI | 12–24 months | 6–12 months |
The return on investment for a 3D printer is realistic with a volume of approx. 300–500 models per year. Below this threshold – outsourcing printing may be more cost-effective.
Diagnostic and working models, occlusal and protective splints, surgical guides, implantological templates, and temporary prostheses. Final permanent restorations (crowns, bridges) are not printed – resins do not meet ISO standards for permanent prostheses.
Not entirely. Both technologies have their applications: 3D printing is excellent for models and splints, while milling is superb for final zirconia and e.max restorations. A hybrid laboratory utilizes both.
SLA accuracy is 25–50 µm, DLP is 50–100 µm. Both technologies are sufficient for working models and splints.
Dental-grade SLA/DLP printers cost 40–150 thousand PLN. The return on investment for a volume of 300+ models/year is 12–24 months.
LABORATORY PERSPECTIVE
At deltalabs. we print daily. 3D printing is not an experiment – it's a standard production step, integrated into our digital pipeline from scan to finished work.
Intraoral scanner or impression material? A comparison of precision, comfort, and impact on the final prosthetic outcome.
A scanner is a precise tool – but precision depends on the operator. What are the most common errors we see?
Accurate mapping of implant position is the foundation of good implant prosthetics. How to correctly scan a scanbody?
Get in touch — we'll discuss your case and find the optimal solution.
3SHAPE · ITERO · MEDIT · DENTSPLY SIRONA