3D-printed indirect bonding tray resin aims to halve orthodontic chair time

An appliance found in most orthodontic practices, the IBT allows dentists to place in one procedure multiple brackets that precisely fit a patient’s dentition and prescription. The process of individually placing the brackets can be time-consuming, and Formlabs says that orthodontists can drastically reduce patient chair time by using 3D printing and its new resin when working with IBTs.

Speaking to Dental Tribune International (DTI), Wainwright said: “With 3D printing and the new IBT resin, the time-consuming process of individually placing the brackets can now be done with a custom appliance that saves the orthodontist’s time by cutting patient chair time in half.”

He explained that the company had worked with leading orthodontists during the development of the IBT resin. Trays made using the resin are flexible and provide for easy insertion and removal, but are firm enough to hold the brackets in place, Wainwright said. “The superb fitment and ease of 3D printing these appliances on the Form 3B, Wash and Cure make efficient orthodontic bracket placement accessible to any orthodontic practice,” he added.

The IBT resin offers a completely digital workflow, and treatment planning is done using advanced orthodontic CAD software. Wainwright says that the workflow can result in a more efficient process, that it improves communication and that it can result in an easier exchange between dental practices and laboratories.

“Once the appliance has been designed, the file is ready to print, and the Form 3B’s industry-leading ease of use makes this process as simple as possible. And once the appliance is ready to use, the process of placing brackets becomes so much easier than traditional methods. The brackets can be inserted into the appliance before the patient arrives, the appliance is easily inserted over the teeth, and every bracket is then held precisely in position,” Wainwright said.

Launched on Feb. 16, the IBT resin is Class I compliant and biocompatible. DTI recently reported on a study that called into question the safety of 3D-printable resins used to manufacture oral retainers, including certain resins marketed by Formlabs as biocompatible. According to company information, Formlabs’ biocompatible resins are developed in accordance with a number of ISO standards, and pass the requirements of those standards.

 

Tags: