Dental 3D Printing: Splints and Rigid Restorations
Discover how 3D printing optimizes occlusal splints and restorations. Learn about materials like Smart Print Bio Vitality and its performance.
Discover how 3D printing optimizes occlusal splints and restorations. Learn about materials like Smart Print Bio Vitality and its performance.
Optimization of Dental 3D Printing: Occlusal Splints and Permanent Restorations
📊 Quick Technical Summary
The Smart Print Bio Vitality, FDA 510(k) validated, features a flexural strength of 147 MPa and 59% inorganic load, exceeding the requirements of ISO 4049 for permanent restorations. The Rayshape Edge Mini optimizes workflow with automation and AI, while the NanoClean PoD™ ensures efficient cleaning without alcohol. This set offers autonomy and predictability in the in-house production of prosthetic parts.
- Flexural Strength: 147 MPa
- Inorganic Load: 59.3 wt%
- Standard: FDA 510(k), ISO 10993
- Application: Crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, occlusal splints
Digital dentistry has transformed clinical practice, allowing the production of prosthetic parts with agility and precision. What was once a challenge, with dependence on external laboratories and long lead times, today becomes an accessible and efficient reality. Smart Dent, as a distributor and developer of digital dental solutions, offers an integrated workflow that optimizes the production of printed elements, including occlusal splints and permanent restorations, focusing on autonomy, efficiency, and predictability.
Smart Dent: The Complete Digital Dentistry Solution
Smart Dent, a university spin-off from EESC/USP São Carlos founded in 2009 by Dr. Marcelo Del Guerra (PhD Eng./USP, FAPESP ID 1694) and Marcelo Cestari (1,343 Google Scholar citations) at NUMA/USP, is a pioneer in dental 3D resins in Brazil and the USA. With certifications such as FDA Class II No. 3027526455 and ANVISA, the company offers an integrated solution for the in-house production of prosthetic parts.
Integrated Workflow Steps:
- RayShape Edge Mini Printing
- Smart Bio Vitality Classic or Vitality HT resin printing
- Cleaning with NanoClean Pod
- Characterization and cementation process for printed Vitality elements
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Pain Point | External dependence on laboratories for prosthetic parts, excessive time, reworks, loss of autonomy, and difficulty in consolidating competitive advantage. |
| Core Solution | Autonomy, efficiency, and predictability in the in-house production of parts (crowns, veneers, implant-supported prostheses) through an integrated digital workflow, focused on the Rayshape Edge Mini, Bio Vitality Resin, and NanoClean PoD™. |
| Ideal Target Audience | Clinics and dentists looking to optimize processes, gain production autonomy, and differentiate themselves in the market. |
Rayshape Edge Mini: The 3D Printer for Dentistry
The Rayshape Edge Mini was developed to simplify dental 3D printing, eliminating complexity and waste. With automation and artificial intelligence features, it allows dentists and their teams to produce parts with ease and confidence.
| Key Feature | Details | Comparison with Competitors (Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra / Phrozen Sonic Mighty REVO 14K) |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Positioning | YES (With AI) | NO / NO |
| Support Generation | YES (With AI) | NO / NO |
| Platforms | Interchangeable (Mini Vat) | NO / NO |
| Heating | Intelligent Platform/Tank and Resin Heating | NO / NO |
| Leveling | Auto-Leveling (Plug and Play) | NO / NO |
| Technical Dependence | Does NOT require the professional to be a specialist | YES / YES |
| Approximate Print Time Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 30 Veneers | 12 minutes |
| 20 Crowns (Provisional) | 17 minutes |
| 5 Surgical Guides | 29 minutes |
| 2 Occlusal Splints | 38 minutes |
| 3 Prosthetic Models | 25 minutes |
The Rayshape Edge Mini is not just a printer; it's an investment in productivity and peace of mind. Learn more about the Rayshape Edge Mini.
Smart Print Bio Vitality 3D Resin: Excellence for Permanent Restorations
The Vitality® line from Smart Dent consists of biocompatible resins for 3D printing of permanent teeth, focusing on clinical excellence and long-term predictability. Both versions, Classic and HT, have the same mechanical strength of 147 MPa, differing in optical behavior and clinical indications.
Vitality® Classic: Optical Control and Masking
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Translucency | 35% (More opaque) |
| Optical Function | Background control and masking |
| Cement Dependence | Low to moderate (less impact of cement color on the final result) |
| Dominant Indication | Structural and predictable |
| Main Applications: |
|
Vitality® HT - High Translucency: Maximum Optical Integration
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Translucency | 45% (More translucent) |
| Optical Function | Maximum optical integration |
| Cement Dependence | High (the aesthetic result is systemic: material + cement + preparation) |
| Dominant Indication | Aesthetics and mimicry |
| Main Applications: |
|
Mandatory Condition for Success:
- Underlying substrate controlled and favorable (light color).
- Use in parts with reduced thicknesses, where aesthetics is the highest priority.
Quick Selection Guideline:
| Clinical Scenario | Recommended Resin |
|---|---|
| Dark substrate / Implant / Endodontically treated tooth / Thickness ≥ 0.8 mm | Vitality Classic |
| Light substrate / Laminates / High aesthetics / Reduced thickness | Vitality HT |
Materials Architecture: The Power of Nanotechnology
The superiority of Bio Vitality lies in its multimodal inorganic matrix, a nano-hybrid blend of particles ranging from 0.7 μm to 5 nm. This provides:
- Mechanical Toughness: Superior fracture resistance for long-lasting structures.
- Optical Stability: Fluorescence similar to natural dentin and surface smoothness that minimizes abrasion and biofilm accumulation.
- Cure Precision: Optimized photoinitiator system (405 nm) that ensures dimensional fidelity and interlaminar integrity, eliminating risks of overcuring.
The Vitality photoinitiator technology optimizes the UV curing process, ensuring high geometric definition and precise interlaminar adhesion, even at layer thicknesses of 50 μm. This prevents failures between layers and ensures superior color stability (Shade A2), mimicking natural dentin.
| Characteristic | Value | Comparison with Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Flexural Strength | 147 MPa | Superior to Voxel Print (135 MPa) and PrintaX (105.4 MPa). Similar to Prizma (143 MPa) and lower than Rodin Sculpture (180 MPa). |
| Inorganic Load by Weight | 59.3 wt% | Highest in the comparison table (except Rodin Sculpture 51.0 wt% and OnX Tough 2 38.0 wt%). |
| Clinical Validation | 5 Years | Longest validation, tied with CrownTec. |
| Certifications | International and Biocompatibility (YES) | YES (Proven) |
Invest in Smart Print Bio Vitality to reduce uncertainties and optimize clinical time. Buy Smart Print Bio Vitality Resin now.
Smart Print Bio Bite Splint +Flex: High-Precision Occlusal Splints
The Smart Print Bio Bite Splint +Flex is the ideal resin for fabricating occlusal splints and bruxism splints. Its low viscosity ensures greater precision and extraordinary results, essential for patient comfort and treatment effectiveness.
To purchase Smart Print Bio Bite Splint +Flex, visit the Smart Dent store.
NanoClean PoD™: Efficient and Safe Cleaning Technology
The NanoClean PoD™ revolutionizes the post-3D printing cleaning process, eliminating the need for isopropyl alcohol and its associated risks. This technology ensures superior cleaning and the preservation of the mechanical and aesthetic properties of the parts.
| Characteristic | Traditional Washing (IPA) | NanoClean POD™™ |
|---|---|---|
| Main Solvent | Alcohol (>90%) or Vapor | Alcohol-Free Solution (NanoClean POD™) |
| Use of Alcohol | Mandatory | Completely Dispensed |
| Washing Capacity | Low (1 to 4 parts) | High (Up to 35 elements in one cycle) |
| Immersion Time | 1 to 3 minutes (or more) | 60 seconds (Single bath with agitation) |
| Risk of Chalk Effect | High (Matte white appearance) | 100% Eliminated (by chemical reorganization) |
| Flammability | High (IPA is highly flammable) | Non-Flammable |
📋 Complete Protocol: Vitality Resin for Indirect Restorations
Detailed workflow for fabrication, post-processing, finishing, and cementation of indirect restorations with Vitality resin, aiming for clinical longevity and marginal adaptation.
Required Materials and Equipment:
- Vitality Resin (Classic or HT)
- 100 µm sieve
- Spatula or controlled stirrer
- NanoClean Pod
- Tweezers
- Absorbent paper
- Compressed air (80-100 psi)
- Microbrush or Nanoclean Pen
- UV Post-curing equipment (Elegoo Mercury – 36 W, Anycubic Wash & Cure – 25 W, or ShapeCure D - 150 W)
- Heated glycerin (130-140 °C), Electric oven (140 °C), Heat gun (110-140 °C), or Air Fryer (110-140 °C)
- Spiral polishing systems for composite resins (e.g., Jota/ EVE/Ultradent)
- SmartMake System (SmartSeal Glaze, Shades, Intensifying Stains, SmartBase Clear)
- Aluminum oxide 27 µm
- Phosphoric acid
- Silane
- Adhesive
- Resin cement (preferably from the Unikk Smartdent line)
- Glycerin gel
Step-by-Step Procedure:
- Step 1: Resin pre-processing Filter the resin through a 100 µm sieve before each reuse. Homogenize the resin for 1 min (spatula or controlled agitation). Maintain operating temperature between 25 – 35 °C. Check resin level and vat integrity before each print.
- Step 2: Washing and cleaning – NanoClean Pod (recommended) Carefully remove all supports to avoid damaging the part. Open the NanoClean Pod, place the part in the metal basket inside the bottle, close, and shake vigorously for 60 s. Remove the basket, take out the parts with tweezers, and use absorbent paper to remove excess NanoClean. Apply compressed air (80 psi on equipment -100 psi) to the entire part until no excess NanoClean remains, especially in internal and adaptation areas. A microbrush or Nanoclean Pen can be used in these areas. Position an absorbent paper behind the part during the air jet to retain excess liquid.
-
Step 3: UV Post-curing
Post-curing is the most important step for the material to achieve maximum performance of its mechanical properties. Under no circumstances should this step be neglected, as it risks premature failure of the prosthetic part.
Perguntas Frequentes
For what type of clinic or dentist is this 3D printing solution in dentistry ideal?
This solution is ideal for clinics and dentists looking to optimize their processes, gain autonomy in the production of prosthetic parts, and differentiate themselves in the market. If you feel that dependence on external services limits your agility and quality control, or if you seek to integrate digital transformation to offer a faster and more precise service, this solution is for you. It is for the professional who aspires to an integrated digital workflow, focusing on patient care and delegating technological complexity. Clinics that have implemented it already report an undeniable competitive advantage. Get ready to elevate the standard of your care and the efficiency of your clinic.
What are the main differentials of Smart Dent's solution for dental 3D printing?
Our solution stands out by not requiring the professional to become a 3D printing specialist, simplifying the integration of technology. The Rayshape Edge Mini, the 3D Printer for Dentistry, offers automatic leveling, tank and resin heating, and the ShapeWare 2.0 software with AI, delegating the process and freeing up the dentist. For restorations, the Smart Print Bio Vitality 3D Resin ensures proven biocompatibility and chromatic stability for lasting aesthetic results. And the NanoClean POD™ eliminates 100% of isopropyl alcohol use, ensuring color stability and maximizing the mechanical properties of parts with a single 60-second bath for 35 elements. Together, these products transform the clinic, providing autonomy and efficiency.
How does Smart Dent's 3D printing solution compare to traditional methods of fabricating prosthetic parts?
Smart Dent's solution surpasses traditional methods by eliminating external dependence and long delivery times. While conventional processes involve back-and-forth with laboratories, impacting the schedule, our approach with the Rayshape Edge Mini, the 3D Printer for Dentistry, centralizes and streamlines production. This significantly reduces patient waiting time and costs associated with outsourced services, which can be up to 50% lower. Clinics that have adopted 3D printing report greater quality control and the ability to offer faster and more personalized services, positioning themselves ahead of competitors and with greater predictability of results compared to manual workflows prone to errors.
What specific problem does Smart Dent's 3D printing solution solve for the dental clinic?
Smart Dent's solution solves the central problem of external dependence and lack of autonomy in the production of prosthetic parts and surgical guides. Many professionals still face a routine that demands excessive time and directly impacts the clinic's schedule and autonomy due to manual processes and inefficient workflows. The absence of an integrated digital workflow results in errors, reworks, and frustration, and difficulty in consolidating a true competitive advantage. The Rayshape Edge Mini, the 3D Printer for Dentistry, together with the Smart Print Bio Vitality 3D Resin and the NanoClean PoD™™, offers total control, agility, and precision, freeing up the dentist for patient care and improving service quality. Clinics that have implemented it report greater operational efficiency and patient satisfaction.
What are the consequences of not investing in a 3D printing solution like Smart Dent's for my clinic?
The consequences of not adopting 3D printing are vast and impact various areas of the clinic. Financially, external dependence can mean higher costs and reduced profit margins, in addition to a lower capacity to scale the number of appointments, losing about R$ 1,800.00/month in potential revenue. Reputationaly, delays in delivery and less predictability of results can affect the patient's perception of quality, leading to dissatisfaction and loss of clients to more modern clinics. Productively, the team spends time on repetitive tasks instead of focusing on higher value-added activities, with up to 40 daily minutes in inefficient processes. Competitively, your clinic falls behind, unable to offer the most advanced in speed and precision. The cost of not acting is the loss of long-term competitiveness and profitability.
How do I know if my clinic is suffering from a lack of autonomy and efficiency in the production of dental parts?
You can identify that your clinic is suffering from a lack of autonomy and efficiency if you observe some clear signs. First, if your team dedicates significant time to tasks that could be automated, such as constantly sending and receiving parts from external laboratories, which can consume up to 40 minutes of your day. Second, if there are frequent delays in the delivery of prosthetic parts to patients, causing frustration and impacting the schedule. Third, if you notice difficulty in controlling the final quality of the parts, resulting in reworks and dissatisfaction. Fourth, if your clinic is losing patients to competitors who offer faster and more modern solutions. And fifth, if the costs of external services are eroding your profit margins. If you identify with these points, it is a clear sign that Smart Dent's solution can be transformative for your clinic.
What concrete results can I expect when implementing Smart Dent's 3D printing solution and in what timeframe?
By implementing Smart Dent's solution, you can expect concrete and significant results. In the short term, the Rayshape Edge Mini, the 3D Printer for Dentistry, simplifies the digital workflow, allowing the process to be delegated and freeing up the dentist for patient care, reducing production time to up to 15 minutes per part, in contrast to days or weeks. In the medium term, you will have autonomy in the production of permanent crowns, veneers, and surgical guides, improving the predictability and quality of results, in addition to a saving of R$ 1,800.00/month in external costs. The NanoClean POD™™ ensures the cleaning of 35 elements in a single 60-second bath, optimizing the process. Clinics that have implemented it already report an undeniable competitive advantage and greater patient satisfaction, with the ability to deliver work in up to 13 minutes. In the long term, your clinic will be positioned as a reference in technology and efficiency, with ZERO rework due to printing failures.
How does the implementation process of Smart Dent's 3D printing solution work in practice?
The implementation process of Smart Dent's solution is designed to be simple and efficient, minimizing the learning curve. First, we install the Rayshape Edge Mini, the 3D Printer for Dentistry, which features automatic leveling and tank heating, facilitating the initial setup. Next, we configure the ShapeWare 2.0 software with AI, which optimizes files for printing. The third step involves training your team in operating the printer and software, as well as using the Smart Print Bio Vitality 3D Resin and the NanoClean PoD™™ for post-processing, which eliminates 100% of alcohol use in just 60 seconds. Our support team will be available to assist at every step, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to the digital workflow.
What is the necessary investment and expected return (ROI) when acquiring Smart Dent's solution?
The investment in Smart Dent's solution is a strategic step for the modernization and profitability of your clinic, with an average ticket price upon consultation that quickly justifies itself. The expected ROI is significant, considering the reduction of dependence on external services and increased efficiency. You will save up to 50% on part production costs, which were previously allocated to laboratories, and will be able to increase your service capacity. The response time for the patient will be drastically reduced, from days to minutes (up to 13 minutes for some parts), which improves reputation and attracts new patients. Furthermore, the elimination of reworks and greater predictability guarantee a saving of R$ 1,800.00/month. This is an investment that translates into greater autonomy, quality, and profitability for your clinic.
What kind of support, training, and guarantees are included in Smart Dent's 3D printing solution?
Smart Dent offers complete support to ensure the success of your implementation. We include detailed training for your team on the use of the Rayshape Edge Mini, the 3D Printer for Dentistry, the ShapeWare 2.0 software, and materials such as the Smart Print Bio Vitality 3D Resin and the NanoClean PoD™™. Our technical support is available to resolve any operational or technical issues that may arise, ensuring your clinic operates with maximum efficiency. The Rayshape Edge Mini comes with a 12-month warranty, ensuring the durability and performance of the equipment. Additionally, we offer post-sales follow-up to optimize your workflow and maximize results. We are with you every step of the way, from installation to full autonomy in part production, solidifying confidence in our partnership.
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