Best 3D Printers to Use for 3D Printing Teeth
In recent years, the field of dentistry has witnessed a significant transformation, with patient-specific solutions taking center stage. Dental professionals have increasingly turned to cutting-edge technology to provide tailored treatments, and 3D printing has emerged as a game-changer in this regard. 3D printers have allowed dentists to create surgical guides, crowns, implants, and trays swiftly and cost-effectively. This revolutionary technology has eliminated the need for traditional alginate impressions, replacing them with intraoral scanners that generate digital impression files for immediate printing. Let's explore some of the best 3D printers for printing teeth and dental appliances.
1. SolFlex 170 by Voco Dental
The SolFlex 170 by Voco Dental is a compact and efficient solution for orthodontic practices. It incorporates advanced DLP technology, utilizing a 385 nm chip to create dental appliances with remarkable precision. Notably, it employs a sensor monitor production laser to optimize building speed, reducing print time by a substantial 40%.
This printer utilizes the company's Flex-Vat build tray, made from flexible silicone, which minimizes peeling force during production and reduces the need for support structures. With an open print standard, the SolFlex 170 is compatible with a wide range of printing materials and includes the Pyramis software for seamless application.
Key Features:
- Base area: 296 × 318 mm.
- Build area: 56 × 89 mm (1 exposure area)
- Max. build height: 120 mm.
- Layer thickness: 25 - 300 μm.
- Building capacity: up to 6 splints.
Link to buy: Voco.
2. Connex3 Objet260 by Stratasys
The Connex3 Objet260 by Stratasys is engineered to streamline workflow with its PolyJet technology. This technology allows the printer to print three different materials simultaneously, using three distinct acrylic resins. With the material jetting process, the Objet260 sprays photopolymer droplets, which are then solidified by UV light, layer by layer, to create the final product.
The printer's ability to print with multiple print heads along the x-axis enables it to dispense gel material for support, reducing peeling during the curing process. Its versatility extends to offering hundreds of colors and materials with varying translucency, and it comes with its dedicated operating software for a user-friendly experience.
Key Features:
- Build area of 255 x 252 x 200 mm
- Layer Thickness: Horizontal build layers as fine as 16 microns [0.0006 in]
- Build Resolution X-axis: 600 dpi
- Power Requirements
- 110-240 VAC 50/60Hz
Link to buy: Stratasys.
3. Pro95 Printer by SprintRay
SprintRay's Pro95 Printer is a major step forward for dental 3D printing. It expands upon the achievements of its forerunner, the MoonRay S DLP printer, by providing twice as much output. The incorporation of cloud-connection software is a notable aspect, as it improves efficiency and reduces the learning curve for both dentists and laboratory staff.
The robust DLP projector in this printer allows for a sizable print volume of 190 x 100 x 200 mm. This capability permits the printing of many dental appliances at once, which increases productivity and decreases manufacturing time.
The Pro95 utilizes the novel Selectively Textured Elastomeric Membrane (STEM) tank. A major problem with 3D printing is adhesion; however, this special tank design separates the resin from the tank floor with an air gap. Magnetic sensors built into the printer act as a failsafe lock, making the device more trustworthy.
The Pro95 Printer has an extremely small minimum feature size of just 95 microns, allowing for the fabrication of intricate and precise designs. This accuracy allows for use with numerous dental resins, expanding its potential uses.
Key Features:
- Printing Technology:(SLA) (DLP)
- Resin Filling Easily Removable Supports
- Print Volume: 7.1″ x 4″ x 8″ 18.2cm x 10.2cm x 20cm
- Layer Thickness Options: 50 Microns, 100 Microns
- Minimum Feature Size: 95 Microns
Link to buy: SprintRay.
4. Carbon M2
The Carbon M2 is another professional dental 3D printer using Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology. It offers a sizable build volume of 189 x 118 x 326 mm and supports a variety of dental materials, including dental PS, PA11, and other resins. This printer simplifies printing with an automated print setup, ensuring faster print speed. However, it's important to note that the Carbon M2 has a relatively smaller build volume compared to some other dental 3D printers and is priced higher than many alternatives.
Key Features:
- Build Volume: 189 x 118 x 326 mm³ (7.4 x 4.6 x 12.8 in³)
- Resolution: 75 μm
- Connectivity: USB, Ethernet
- Print Preparation: Carbon’s proprietary software
- Printer Size: 540 x 654 x 1734 mm³ (21.2 x 25.7 x 68.2 in³)
Link to buy: Carbon3d.
5. 3D Systems NextDent 5100
The 3D Systems NextDent 5100 is an industrial dental 3D printer using material jetting (inkjet) technology for producing dental appliances and sacrificial castings. It operates on Figure 4® technology and boasts a build volume of 124.8 x 70.2 x 196 mm. Notably, the printer uses biocompatible and CE-certified materials, complying with various medical device regulations and standards.
It offers a fast print speed and features an enclosed system, maintaining a dust-free environment for precise part printing. However, it may not be suitable for larger projects due to its limited build volume, and it accommodates only NextDent 3D printing materials.
Key Features:
- Print speed: 140 mm/h mm/sec.
- Precision XY: XY : 65 µm µm.
- Max. volume: 125 × 70 × 196 mm.
- Connectivity: Ethernet.
- Compatible OS: n.a.
- Power: 110 V 100-240 V c.a., 50-60 Hz, 4,0 A.
Link to buy: 3dsystems.
6. Kulzer Cara Print 4.0
The Kulzer Cara Print 4.0 is a professional dental 3D printer utilizing Direct Light Processing (DLP) technology to create dental parts. It offers a build volume of 103 x 58 x 130 mm and supports a range of dental materials, such as zirconium dioxide and gypsum. This printer is relatively lightweight, weighing around 21 kg, and is user-friendly, ensuring ease of operation.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that the Kulzer Cara Print 4.0 is priced higher compared to some other dental 3D printers on the market and uses DLP printing technology, which may not be as advanced as mSLA 3D printing.
Key Features:
- Electrical Safety: Class II, Type B; Protective Class IP20
- Light source: Industrial LED, a peak wavelength of 385 nm Light
- Build Table Actuation: + and - Vertical
- 3D printing area (W x D x H): 124 x 70 x 130 mm / 4.88 x 2.75 x 5.12 inch
Link to buy: Kulzer.
7. XiP Pro
Nexa3D XiP Pro is an industrial resin 3D printer that redefines production throughput and operational cost-efficiency. It boasts an industry-leading 19.5L build volume, setting new standards for large-scale 3D printing. With its remarkable speed, it enables the creation of functional prototypes and final-use parts at unprecedented production economics.
Glen Mason, Manager of Advanced Innovation/Industrialization at DeMarini, attests to the printer's remarkable performance, stating that it offers about 10 times the throughput of their previous technology while reducing costs. XiP Pro's key advantages include its impressive industrial capacity, compact footprint, intuitive NexaX Software, and Smart Resin Delivery System.
It features an Environmental Monitoring System, a 10-inch High-Resolution LCD Touchscreen, and an LCD-based VAT photopolymerization process utilizing Lubricant Sublayer Photocuring (LSPc) technology. The self-lubricating membrane facilitates lightning-fast print speeds without compromising quality.
Moreover, the printer boasts a high-resolution 7K LCD screen with a 46 µm pixel size and 23 µm sub-pixel resolution, offering versatility with an open material platform for third-party resins. However, it's not designed for hobbyist use.
Key Features:
- Build Volume. 11.4 x 6.4 x 16.1 in (19.5L)
- Vertical Speed (full build plate)* 24 cm/hour.
- Print Time for Full Build Volume* 1 hour 41 minutes.
- Z Resolution (Layer Height) 25 μm - 200 μm.
- XY Resolution. 46 μm.
Link to buy: Nexa3D.
8. Form 3B+
The Formlabs Form 3B+ uses Low Force Stereolithography (LFS)TM technology and is a professional 3D printer developed specifically for the dental sector. It supports biocompatible materials well suited for dental 3D printing and has a build volume of 145 mm x 145 mm x 185 mm. It weighs 17.5 kg and has dimensions of 405 x 375 x 530 mm.
The Form 3B+ shines by providing reasonable print quality and an improved workflow at a reasonable price. There are, however, certain drawbacks, including a relatively low build volume of 3.8 liters, a lengthier build time compared to market leaders, and a requirement for Formlabs-branded resin.
Key Features:
- Low-Force Stereolithography (LFS) 3D Printer
- 145 × 145 × 185 mm
- Resin / SLA
- Low-force stereolithography technology with available biocompatible materials
Link to buy: Formlabs.
9. Stratasys J700 Dental
Using material jetting (UV-cured) technology, the Stratasys J700 Dental dental 3D printer creates thermoset parts from resin feedstock. It has a large build volume of 490 mm x 390 mm x 200 mm, allowing for a wide range of customization when printing dental parts. With its automated workflow, this 430-kilogram printer streamlines the entire additive manufacturing procedure. In addition, it comes with the helpful GrabCAD administration program.
The Stratasys J700 Dental is well-known for its versatility in dental part creation due to its support for a wide range of dual materials, including stiff and soft materials. It's more expensive than most other 3D printers; therefore, it might not be practical for light-duty use. Its construction time may also be longer than that of competing products.
Key Features:
- Build Tray Size: Build Tray Size 490 x 390 x 200 mm (19.3 x 15.4 x 7.9 in.)
- Build Resolution: X-axis: 600 dpi Y-axis: 600 dpi Z-axis: 1600 dpi
- Build Accuracy: 20-85 µm for features below 50 mm; up to 200 µm for full model size
Link to buy: Stratasys.
Having looked at the best 3D printers for 3D printing teeth, it also important to have a look at the best CAD software for 3D printing dentistry. There are several available, but we recommend using SelfCAD. SelfCAD is easy to use and powerful at the same time. You can use it to create files from scratch, import 3D scans and clean them up in the software and even prepare them for 3D printing. The video below shows how to clean up 3D scans in SelfCAD.
You can check out our playlists on 3D scanning for 3D printing to learn how to use SelfCAD to modify your 3D scans. The software also comes with an in-built online slicer that you can use to slice your files and generate the G-Code to send to your 3D printer. The video below shows how to slice files
SelfCAD also comes with many learning resources, including interactive tutorials, SelfCAD academy, and YouTube videos, such as 3D modeling tutorials for beginners and the 3D modeling 101 series.
3D Print Accurate and Customized Dental Appliances
The introduction of 3D printing technology has had a profound effect on the dental profession. Each of the highlighted 3D printers offers its own set of advantages and technical features, making it suitable for use in a variety of dental settings. These printers have changed the game when it comes to making dental restorations by allowing for more accuracy, lower costs, and individualized care.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
Need to learn 3D modeling? Get started with interactive tutorials.