3D Printing Materials for Teeth: 12 Best Options
The dental industry, known for its sophistication, has embraced 3D printing technology as a revolutionary tool in various applications. Beyond the 3D printer itself, the choice of materials plays a pivotal role in determining the success of dental applications. This article delves into the realm of 3D printed teeth materials, highlighting 12 common choices that are making waves in the dental industry.
1. KeyOrtho IBT for EnvisionTEC
KeyOrtho IBT by EnvisionTEC is a game-changer in precision dental 3D printing. Tailored for creating brackets with unparalleled strength and accuracy, this material excels in non-stick solutions, ensuring easy release during manufacturing. Beyond its technical prowess, it stands out for being tasteless, biocompatible, and odorless—ideal for indirect bonding trays.
The translucency of KeyOrtho IBT simplifies positioning, revolutionizing traditional dental manufacturing methods. Dental professionals now have a reliable ally for crafting precise, durable dental components.
Buy Link: Imakr.
2. E-orthoshape
EnvisionTEC's E-ORTHOSHAPE sets a new standard for resin-based 3D printing. Mirroring the characteristics of grey ABS, it boasts a remarkable printing precision of 100 microns, accompanied by impressive tensile and flexural strength.
Perfect for producing clear aligners and various models, E-ORTHOSHAPE accelerates mass production, streamlining workflow efficiency. Its consistent performance and quality make it a preferred choice for those seeking precision in dental 3D printing.
Buy Link: iMaker
3. VisiJet® M3 Stoneplast
3D Systems presents VisiJet® M3 Stoneplast, a versatile material tailored for crafting translucent dental models. Boasting biocompatibility and direct printing capabilities, it excels in creating jaw models and drill guides. Its popularity stems from its adaptability to diverse dental applications, showcasing 3D Systems' commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for dental professionals.
Buy Link: 3DSystems.
4. NextDent Denture 3D+
NextDent Denture 3D+ by 3D Systems represents a breakthrough in removable denture bases. As a Class IIa biocompatible material, it competes with conventional denture base materials in terms of mechanical properties. The range of available colors enhances customization options for dental professionals, offering a unique blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal in removable denture applications.
Buy Link: Nextdent.
5. MED625FLX by Stratasys
Stratasys introduces the MED625FLX, a biocompatible material revered for its flexibility and transparency. This material excels in manufacturing indirect bonding trays, implant gingival masks, and temporary in-mouth placements. Stratasys' commitment to a comprehensive ecosystem shines through, providing both cutting-edge 3D printers and a diverse array of materials, cementing its position as an industry leader in dental 3D printing.
Buy Link: Stratasys.
6. Biocompatible VeroGlaze MED620 by Stratasys
Stratasys' Biocompatible VeroGlaze MED620 stands out as an opaque, rigid material designed for various biocompatible dental applications. From diagnostic wax-ups to denture try-ins and custom trays, its versatility in dental procedures is unmatched.
The material's certification for temporary placements of up to 24 hours further solidifies its position as a reliable choice for dental patients, combining functionality with safety in diverse applications.
Buy Link: Stratasys.
7. SmileGuard
Introducing SmileGuard, an FDA-cleared and Health Canada-cleared biocompatible resin designed for fabricating dental and orthodontic appliances. Boasting a flexural strength of 37.3 MPa and a Shore D Hardness of 76, SmileGuard ensures robust occlusal stabilization splints. With an ultimate flexural modulus of 1107 MPa and an impressive elongation of break at 138%, this material offers both strength and flexibility for optimal performance.
Its biocompatible nature makes it ideal for applications such as bite splints, mouth guards, and night guards. Compatible with Continuous Digital Light Processing™, SmileGuard seamlessly integrates with ETEC and Desktop Health 3D printers, ensuring precision and efficiency in dental fabrication processes.
Buy Link: Proto3000.
8. Flexcera Base
Flexcera Base™ stands as a premium light-curable resin tailored for the production of high-impact and removable denture bases. With a Shore D hardness of 81, this material exhibits resilience and durability crucial for denture applications.
The viscosity at 30°C is 535 cP, ensuring ease of handling and consistent results. Flexcera Base™ undergoes Continuous Digital Light Processing™, compatible with ETEC and Desktop Health 3D printers, streamlining the denture base production process. Offering an ultimate flexural strength of 90 MPa (dry material), Flexcera Base™ excels in providing robust and long-lasting denture bases, making it a preferred choice for removable denture applications.
Buy Link: Proto3000.
9. Flexcera Smile Ultra+
Flexcera Smile Ultra+ revolutionizes dental restorations with its hybrid nanoceramic resin, cleared under FDA 510(k) Class 2 for both permanent and temporary applications. Crafted for lifelike lustre and translucency, this resin ensures restorations with unparalleled aesthetics.
Dental applications with Flexcera Smile Ultra+ must undergo inspection by authorized practitioners before reaching patients. The material exhibits impressive resilience, being 3x more fracture-resistant and 2x more moisture-resistant. With options in six shades, including bleach, A1, A2, A3, A3.5, and B1, this resin caters to diverse dental restoration needs.
Suitable for teeth in dentures, crowns, inlays, onlays, bridges, veneers, and monolithic full and partial dentures, Flexcera Smile Ultra+ integrates seamlessly with DLP Technology and cDLM Technology, ensuring precision and efficiency in the dental fabrication process.
Buy Link: DesktopHealth.
10. Model Z
Model Z from ETEC and Desktop Health is the epitome of speed and efficiency in dental and orthodontic model printing. Boasting low viscosity, this material ensures a smooth surface resolution, simplifying cleanup while delivering a superior fit and finish. With impressive specs including a flexural strength of 90 MPa and a flexural modulus of 2.5 GPa, Model Z is designed for high-performance applications.
Ideal for thermoforming, crown and bridge models, orthodontic models, implant models, clear aligner models, and diagnostic models, Model Z caters to a diverse range of dental needs. Its compatibility with Continuous Digital Light Processing™ technology, specifically designed for ETEC and Desktop Health 3D printers, makes it a versatile choice for professionals requiring both speed and precision.
Buy Link: Proto3000.
11. Model X
Model X takes precision to the next level with a 50-micron build layer, offering exceptionally detailed dental and orthodontic models. With a flexural strength of 90 MPa and a flexural modulus of 2.2 GPa, Model X ensures premium quality. Tailored for crown and bridge models with removable dies, orthodontic models, implant models, clear aligner models, and diagnostic models, Model X is a testament to precision meeting premium quality.
Its compatibility with Continuous Digital Light Processing™ technology, designed for ETEC and Desktop Health 3D printers, reinforces its commitment to delivering top-notch precision. Model X is the go-to choice for professionals seeking the perfect blend of detail and quality in their 3D-printed dental models.
Buy Link: Proto3000.
12. E-Guide
E-Guide, a Class I biocompatible certified material, revolutionizes dental model making and clear aligner production. Specifically developed for high-precision surgical drill guides in implant surgery, E-Guide delivers results superior to traditional manufacturing methods. With an ultimate flexural strength ranging from 79 to 85 MPa, a flexural modulus of 2030 to 2059 MPa, and stringent biocompatibility certifications, E-Guide stands as a benchmark for excellence.
Used with EnvisionTEC™ 3D printers and employing Continuous Digital Light Processing™ technology, E-Guide is ideal for surgical guides, pilot drill guides, drilling templates, and device sizing templates.
Buy Link: Desktophealth.
Best CAD Software for Dentistry
If you would like to create 3D dentures of fix 3D scans of dentistry, there are various tools that you can use but we recommend using SelfCAD. SelfCAD is one of the easiest 3D modeling software available that comes with all the necessary tools that you need to prepare your files for 3D printing. You can import scans and fix them based on your needs. You can check out our article on 3D printing in dentistry to get to know how to prepare your 3D scans for 3D printing in SelfCAD.
Some of the interesting tools of SelfCAD includes the freehand drawing and sketching useful for creating 3D models from scratch. There are also sculpting brushes that are easy to use and you can use them to smooth your design and modify them based on your needs. Another important tool is the magic fix that you can use to fix any non manifold errors in your designs. The video below shows how to use the magic fix tool of SelfCAD to fix your designs.
The software also comes with an in-built online slicer that you can use to slice your designs and get the Gcode to send to your 3D printer. The video below shows how to slice your designs in SelfCAD.
The software also comes with many resources to help you in learning how the software works. Some of those resources includes the interactive tutorials, SelfCAD academy, 3D modeling tutorials for beginners, as well as 3D modeling 101 series.
Make Perfect Dental Models with 3D Printed Teeth Materials
The world of 3D printed teeth materials is evolving rapidly, providing dental professionals with an array of choices to meet diverse patient needs. From precision-oriented materials to those offering flexibility and biocompatibility, each material serves a specific purpose in the intricate landscape of dental applications. As technology advances, it is likely that more innovative materials will emerge, further revolutionizing the field of 3D printed dental solutions.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
Need to learn 3D modeling? Get started with interactive tutorials.