The actual heating and forming cycle usually takes only a few minutes. Total production time is longer because it also includes preparing the model, cooling the material, removing the formed…
FAQ Category: Dental Thermoforming Basics
What equipment do I need to start dental thermoforming?
At minimum, you need a dental thermoforming machine, appropriate thermoforming materials, an accurate dental model and suitable cutting and finishing instruments. Depending on the workflow, you may also use forming…
What is dental thermoforming?
Dental thermoforming is the process of heating a thermoplastic dental sheet until it becomes formable and adapting it over a dental model using vacuum or positive pressure. Once cooled, the…
How does dental thermoforming work?
A thermoplastic sheet is heated to its correct forming temperature and then adapted over a dental model using vacuum or compressed-air pressure. The heated sheet stretches over the model anatomy…
What can a dental thermoforming machine be used for?
Dental thermoforming machines can be used to manufacture a wide range of appliances, including occlusal and bruxism splints, orthodontic retainers, clear aligners, sports mouthguards, bleaching and fluoride trays, surgical or…
What dental appliances can be made by thermoforming?
Common thermoformed appliances include hard, soft and hard/soft occlusal splints, clear retainers, clear aligners, sports mouthguards, bleaching trays, fluoride trays, orthodontic appliances, temporary appliances, surgical templates and parts of mandibular…
What is the difference between thermoforming and vacuum forming?
Thermoforming is the overall process of heating a thermoplastic material and forming it over a model. Vacuum forming is one method of thermoforming. In vacuum forming, air is removed from…
What is the difference between vacuum forming and pressure forming?
Vacuum forming uses negative pressure beneath the model to draw the heated material onto it. Pressure forming uses positive compressed air above the sheet to press it onto the model.…
Is dental thermoforming still relevant in digital dentistry?
Yes. Digital dentistry has changed how the model is produced, but it has not removed the need for thermoforming. A modern workflow can begin with an intraoral scan, followed by…
What are the advantages of making dental appliances in-house?
In-house thermoforming can reduce turnaround time, improve control over materials and appliance design, and reduce dependence on external laboratory production for suitable cases. Once an accurate model is available, many…