Traditionally, 3D printing has been the domain of dental laboratories with advanced CAD/CAM software and technical expertise. Midas changes that model. Its closed and guided workflow allows any clinician with an intra-oral scanner to produce definitive restorations in minutes without needing comprehensive digital design knowledge (Fig. 2).

SprintRay’s goal with Midas is to enable dental professionals to perform same-day restorative dentistry without the need for digital training, through its intuitive, automated and validated system. All the clinician needs to do is scan and send—then artificial intelligence (AI) takes over and proposes the appropriate restoration design.

Midas employs a proprietary technology called Digital Press Stereolithography (DPS). This advanced form of stereolithography applies positive pressure during polymerisation, significantly enhancing marginal definition and adaptation. The pressurised environment eliminates air bubbles, improves resin homogeneity and allows for ultrathin restorations as fine as 200 μ—ideal for aesthetic veneers. The plunger on one side descends under automated pressure to drive the resin upwards, while the opposing plunger prints layer by layer without the continuous upward and downward movements of conventional printers, enabling accurate and precise printing. The printing progresses as the first plunger gradually releases pressure, while the printing plunger positions and supports the restoration design. The entire printing cycle takes 5–7 minutes, depending on the height of the supports (Fig. 3 and 4).

Midas has introduced an all-in-one resin cartridge (called a resin capsule) for single use. This capsule replaces the traditional resin tank, resin canister and build platform, containing all the elements needed to make a dental restoration. Inside the capsule are both the biocompatible resin (pre-filled and vacuum-sealed to avoid air bubbles) and a small disposable build platform on which the restoration is formed (Fig. 5 and 6).

The Midas 3D-printing system offers important clinical advantages in the chairside environment, allowing definitive crowns to be manufactured in just 5 minutes, perfectly adjusted to the prepared tooth. Thanks to this speed and precision, treatment can be completed in a single visit, eliminating the need for temporary crowns or second appointments. Not only does this save the practitioner time, but it also significantly improves the patient’s experience. The speed, convenience and quality of the final result translate into greater satisfaction, which in turn supports patient loyalty and promotes recommendation.

Stage 1: Intra-oral scanning
A digital impression is acquired using an intra-oral scanner (e.g. Medit i700 or Medit i900). The system accepts open STL or OBJ files, ensuring compatibility with any scanner.

Stage 2: AI automatic design
The restoration design is generated using SprintRay Cloud Design or integrated chairside software (e.g. Medit ClinicCAD). The validated design is created automatically by AI design (e.g. 3Shape’s AI, boasting more than 50 million designs, or SprintRay’s proprietary AI), eliminating the need for manual modelling. The file is then sent directly to the online printer.

Stage 3: Printing
The crown, veneer or inlay is fabricated with the Midas printer in less than 7 minutes. The precalibrated build platform and automatic resin recognition system prevent operator error.

Stage 4: Post-processing and placement
The restoration is washed with isopropyl alcohol by hand and polymerised using the validated cycle to achieve the required mechanical properties for definitive restorations. Placement is carried out with adhesive cementation according to protocol (Fig. 7).

SprintRay OnX Tough 2 and Ceramic Crown have been validated for use with Midas. OnX Tough 2 is a resin reinforced with ceramic nanoparticles and has a flexural strength of > 150 MPa. It is suitable for posterior teeth. It is easy to characterise and has high colour stability. Ceramic Crown is SprintRay’s latest-generation resin and is reinforced with zirconia nanoparticles. It has a flexural strength of > 250 MPa and offers improved translucency and light diffusion, enhanced wear resistance and reliable marginal adaptation, even in areas subject to high occlusal load or bruxism (Fig. 8).

Internal studies and clinical reports have demonstrated satisfactory clinical performance of both resins for periods of up to 18–24 months, particularly in single-unit cases. Semi-annual follow-up, occlusal verification and monitoring of functional wear are recommended. In the case of veneers, aesthetic outcomes have been shown to remain stable even at thicknesses of 0.3 mm (Fig. 9).

Midas offers clear advantages for the analogue dentist, including:

1. a simplified flow that does not require knowledge of CAD;
2. a guided step-by-step interface accessible via a mobile app;
3. low cost per unit (< €5);
4. restoration production in less than 10 minutes;
5. amortisation in under six months for high-volume clinics;
6. compatibility with urgent cases, immediate restorations and teledentistry; and
7. high economic return on investment.

Disadvantages of using Midas and considerations for the dentist include:

1. the current limitation to producing a single restoration per capsule;
2. the lack of integrated CAD software for complex or non-standard custom designs, such as Maryland bridges;
3. the AI design system’s present inability to generate bridge designs;
4. the reliance on correct post-processing for marginal accuracy; and
5. the need for familiarisation with the washing and post-polymerisation protocols.

The Midas printer and the OnX Tough 2 and Ceramic Crown materials are registered under Regulation (EU) 2017/745 as Class IIa medical devices. They comply with ISO 10993 (biocompatibility) standards, ISO 4049 (resistance of restorative materials) standards and clinical traceability standards. This compliance supports their safe use for definitive restorations in accordance with patient safety requirements.

Midas is positioned as a revolutionary clinical tool that brings 3D printing closer to the everyday reality of any practice. Its ease of use, record manufacturing times, and scientifically validated and compliant materials make this platform an ideal solution for modern restorative dentistry. Although printing with Midas is currently limited to single-unit restorations, its advantages for productivity and clinical autonomy are significant. Direct fabrication of restorations in the clinic is no longer a promise for the future but a tangible reality for today’s dentist.