From Scan to Cementation with Vitality in 2 Hours — Dr. Weber Ricci Clinical Case

📋 The Clinical Case

Initial situation: posterior molar with extensive caries and severe structural compromise — periapical radiograph confirming significant coronary structure loss with involvement of multiple surfaces. A situation that would classically require laboratory referral and multiple sessions.

Solution adopted: complete chairside workflow with intraoral scanner + CAD + 3D printing with Smart Print Bio Vitality + adhesive cementation with UNIKK Veneer LV — all in a single 2-hour session.

⚙️ Step-by-Step Protocol

STEP 1 — Initial Scan (3 min)

• Scan of upper arch, lower arch, and occlusion
• Colorimetric occlusal map for contact verification
• STL digital model generated for reuse

STEP 2 — Preparation (30 min)

• Bien Air electric motor — 70,000 RPM for initial preparation
• Margin definition and dental separation with Helse One Ultrasound
• Finalization of geometric shape with Helse One ultrasonic tip
• Immediate Dentin Sealing (IDS):
  1. Phosphoric acid — 10 seconds (dentin)
  2. Active form primer — 30 seconds (satin gloss as reference)
  3. Adhesive applied passively — wait 40 seconds
  4. Light cure 20 seconds with 1200 mW/cm²
  5. Glycerin gel + new polymerization to finalize IDS

STEP 3 — Preparation Scan (1 min)

• Reuse of initial scan — only the prepared area is rescanned
• Automatic cropping and overlay on the initial model
• Verification of preparation completion by colorimetry

STEP 4 — CAD (5 min/element)

• Creation of the preparation margin line
• Evaluation of the insertion axis
• Adjustment of adaptation and occlusal morphology
• Export of STL for slicing

STEP 5 — Slicing and Printing (30 min for 1–50 elements)

Pre and Post Processing — Smart Print Bio Vitality

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.

Note: resin outside 25–35 °C alters viscosity, filler dispersion, and dimensional repeatability.

POST-PROCESSING

Washing and cleaning — NanoClean Pod

• 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, remove the parts with tweezers, and use absorbent paper to remove excess NanoClean.

Drying with compressed air

• Apply compressed air (80 in equipment –100 psi) to the entire part until no excess NanoClean remains, especially in internal and adaptation areas.
• In these areas, a microbrush or Nanoclean Pen can be used.
• Position absorbent paper behind the part during air jet to retain excess liquid.

The part must be completely dry before post-curing; residues impair conversion and marginal adaptation.

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, at the risk of premature failure of the prosthetic part.

Desktop equipment — Elegoo Mercury – 36 W

• Veneers: 16 min.
• Crowns: 20 min.
• Bridges: 20 min.
• Protocols: 30 min.

Desktop equipment — Anycubic Wash & Cure – 25 W

• Veneers: 20 min.
• Crowns: 25 min.
• Bridges: 25 min.
• Protocols: 35 min.

General recommendations: internal temperature 25–35 °C; continuous rotation improves cure uniformity.

Industrial equipment — ShapeCure D – 150 W

• Select - Partners (Smart Dent)
• Select the appropriate preset:
• Vitality Veneers
• Vitality Crown
• Vitality Bridges
• Vitality Protocols

Complementary thermal treatment

• Choose one of the options:
• Option A – heated glycerin: 30 s at 130–140 °C.
• Option B – electric oven (dry): 60 s at 140 °C.
• Option C – heat gun: 30 s per side at 110–140 °C.
• Option D – Air Fryer: 60 s at 110–140 °C.