1. Overview of Ortho Penthin GmbH
Ortho Penthin GmbH is a Germany-based company specializing in the distribution of advanced orthodontic treatment systems and digital orthodontic solutions. The company leverages Raise3D's 3D printing technology to simplify and accelerate the entire process of creating orthodontic devices for patients
In addition to distributing Raise3D 3D printers, Ortho Penthin also provides training services for other dental organizations on how to use the printers, helping to bring advanced technology to more areas of modern medicine.
With the ability to print orthodontic devices directly at the clinic, Ortho Penthin maintains full control over the treatment process and provides fast service to patients. 3D printing eliminates the need for traditional plaster mold-making steps, saving time and labor while ensuring high precision and treatment effectiveness.
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2. Innovation process at Ortho Penthin GmbH
Ortho Penthin GmbH has revolutionized the dental industry by integrating 3D printing technology into the production of orthodontic appliances. This approach has led to significant advancements over traditional methods, enhancing efficiency, quality, and the overall experience for both patients and dentists.
2.1. Traditional Plaster Model Workflow
Previously, dentists needed to take impressions of the patient's teeth using impression materials, followed by pouring plaster into the mold to create a physical model of the dental structure. Dental technicians would then use this plaster model to fabricate orthodontic devices such as aligners or braces. This process was time-consuming and required highly skilled technicians.
Limitations of Traditional Workflow
Time-consuming: The entire process, from impression-taking to the completion of the orthodontic device, often takes a considerable amount of time approximately one week.
Low accuracy: Manual processing of plaster models can result in errors that affect the precision of the orthodontic appliances.
Difficult adjustments: If adjustments are needed, technicians must repeat the impression-taking and model-making process, leading to additional time and effort.
Environmental impact: The use of plaster generates significant waste, which negatively impacts the environment.
2.2. New Workflow with FDM 3D Printing Technology
At Ortho Penthin GmbH, the new workflow leverages 3D printing technology to eliminate the need for plaster models. By integrating intraoral scanning, orthodontic software (OnyxCeph), and Raise3D FDM 3D printers, they have created a more efficient and eco-friendly process, allowing dental technicians to focus on other tasks. The details of the new workflow are as follows:
Intraoral Scanning
3D Scanner: Instead of traditional impression materials, dentists use a 3D scanner to produce a detailed digital scan of the patient’s teeth.
High Precision: The scan provides an accurate 3D image with intricate details of the dental arch, ensuring precise design and production.
Software Design
Specialized Software: The 3D scan is imported into dedicated dental design software for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) modeling.
3D Model Creation: Dentists or technicians use the software to design orthodontic devices such as aligners, brackets, and dentures based on the 3D scan.
High Customization: The software enables dental professionals to customize designs flexibly, addressing each patient’s specific needs.
3D Printing
3D Printer: The 3D model is sent to a 3D printer, which uses specialized biocompatible materials to produce the final product.
High Speed: The 3D printing process is rapid, significantly reducing production time.
High Precision: 3D printing delivers highly accurate products, ensuring optimal fit and comfort for patients.
Finishing and Installation
Finishing: Once printed, the orthodontic device may undergo minor post-processing steps, such as removing support structures or surface polishing, before being delivered to the patient.
Installation: The dentist installs the orthodontic device in the patient’s mouth, ensuring proper fit and functionality.
The process of creating Dental Models with 3D Printing (Source)
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3. Raise3D Ecosystem - A Comprehensive Solution
The Raise3D ecosystem offers a comprehensive solution that extends beyond just 3D printers. Through the Open Filament Program, Ortho Penthin maximizes the potential of its printers by utilizing special heat-resistant, recyclable, and highly biocompatible PLA materials in combination with the ideaMaker slicing software.
PLA and ideaMaker form the perfect duo for 3D dental printing. This combination enables dentists to produce high-quality, precise, and customizable dental products, enhancing treatment efficiency and ensuring patient satisfaction
3.1. Superior PLA Material
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a bioplastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch and sugarcane. Compared to ABS, PLA is not only highly recyclable and biocompatible but also easier to process, reducing costs while offering economic efficiency comparable to traditional plaster usage.
PLA is highly regarded in the 3D dental printing industry for the following advantages:
High Biocompatibility: PLA is made from natural, eco-friendly materials and is safe for human health, especially during direct contact with the oral cavity.
Good Mechanical Properties: PLA has moderate stiffness, good durability, and is easy to process and finish.
Non-Toxic: When burned, PLA does not release harmful substances, ensuring user safety.
Ease of Printing: PLA has a low melting point, is easy to print, and minimizes warping during the printing process
Applications of PLA in Dentistry
Dental Models: PLA is used to create temporary dental models, allowing dentists to accurately assess and plan treatments.
Aligner Production: PLA is employed in the production of Invisalign-style aligners, enabling gentle and aesthetic teeth correction.
Surgical Models: PLA facilitates the creation of 3D surgical models, aiding doctors in precise planning and execution of surgeries.
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3.2. ideaMaker Software
ideaMaker is a specialized slicing software developed by Raise3D, optimized for its 3D printers. This software offers a range of powerful features to help users create high-quality and efficient prints. It not only provides precise control over the printing process but also includes intelligent features like automatic model arrangement and sequential printing.
Key Features
Automatic Model Arrangement: Optimizes the placement of models within the print space, saving both material and time.
Sequential Printing: Allows the printer to complete one print at a time, reducing wait times and ensuring product quality.
Intuitive Interface: A user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, even for beginners.
Automatic Slicing: Automatically generates optimized slicing paths to ensure high-quality prints.
Material Versatility: Supports a wide range of 3D printing materials, including PLA.
Advanced Customization: Enables users to fine-tune printing parameters for specific requirements.
Integrated Model Library: Provides an extensive library of templates, saving users time on design work.
Applications of ideaMaker in Dentistry
Printing Optimization: ideaMaker optimizes printing parameters, ensuring the highest print quality.
Support Structure Generation: Generates intelligent support structures to accurately print small details and prevent errors.
Customizable Printing Parameters: Users can easily adjust parameters such as print speed, layer thickness, and nozzle temperature to suit different materials and products.
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4. Comparison Between Traditional Methods and Digital Solutions
The use of 3D printing technology enables on-site model fabrication, providing greater control over treatment planning while significantly saving time for both dentists and patients. Additionally, the extra waiting time to receive aligner trays from a third-party company is completely eliminated
| Traditional Method | 3D Printing Technology Solution |
Process |
|
|
Time | It often takes several days or even a week to complete the product | Just a few hours or 1-2 days |
Material | Mainly plaster, acrylic plastic, ... | Bioplastics (PLA, PEKK), metals (titanium, cobalt-chrome) |
Advantage |
|
|
Disadvantage |
|
|
5. Conclusion
3D printing technology has already revolutionized the healthcare field, especially in orthodontics. With the ability to create precise, complex, and highly personalized products, 3D printing offers numerous advantages over traditional methods.
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Comprehensive Personalization
3D Printing Based on Patient Data: In the near future, 3D printers will be able to connect directly with patient data management systems, automatically creating orthodontic appliance designs based on each individual's personal information.
Biocompatible Materials: The development of highly compatible bioprinting materials will enable the creation of orthodontic devices that integrate seamlessly with the body, reducing the risk of allergies and enhancing treatment effectiveness.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence
Smart Design: AI will help optimize the design process of orthodontic appliances, creating more efficient and faster treatment solutions.
Predicting Treatment Outcomes: AI can predict treatment results before starting, allowing dentists to make more accurate decisions.
Distributed Manufacturing
In-Clinic 3D Printing: With the development of compact and easy-to-use 3D printers, dentists can produce orthodontic appliances directly in the clinic, reducing wait times and costs.
Expanding Services: Dental clinics can offer more services to meet the diverse needs of patients.
And when it comes to 3D printing in orthodontics, we cannot overlook the significant contributions of Raise3D printers. Raise3D provides an open ecosystem that allows users to customize and expand applications. This facilitates collaboration between software developers and material manufacturers to create innovative solutions.
Vinnotek is proud to be the authorized distributor of Raise3D FDM 3D printers in Vietnam. Contact us now for a free consultation on the optimal design software for your project!
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