The model should be dimensionally accurate, stable under the short heat exposure involved in thermoforming and appropriately trimmed for the appliance. Conventional dental stone and suitable 3D-printed dental model resins…
FAQ Category: Models and Model Preparation
Can I thermoform over a stone model?
Yes. Dental stone models have been used successfully for thermoforming for many years. The model should be accurate, sufficiently dry and appropriately trimmed. When vacuum forming, the model and surrounding…
Can I thermoform over a 3D-printed model?
Yes. Thermoforming over 3D-printed models is now a common digital workflow. The printed model should be dimensionally accurate, made from a resin suitable for thermoforming conditions and correctly washed and…
Does the model need to be completely dry before thermoforming?
Stone models should be adequately dry before thermoforming, particularly for vacuum-forming workflows. Excess moisture can interfere with airflow and may contribute to surface or heating problems. Printed models should also…
Why is model permeability important in vacuum forming?
Vacuum forming works by removing air from beneath and around the model so atmospheric pressure can draw the heated sheet onto the anatomy. Very dense or poorly positioned models can…
How high should a model be for thermoforming?
Only the anatomy needed for the appliance should protrude into the forming area. Excessive model height forces the heated sheet to stretch farther and can cause unnecessary thinning. With stone…
Should I trim the model before thermoforming?
Yes. Removing unnecessary base height and obstructive areas makes thermoforming more efficient, reduces material stretching and can make appliance removal easier. Trimming should preserve the anatomy required for the appliance…
How should I position the model in the thermoforming machine?
Position the model so the heated sheet can flow as evenly as possible over the required anatomy. Avoid unnecessary tilting that causes one area, particularly the anterior teeth, to become…
Should the model be placed directly on the forming plate?
That depends on the model design and appliance. Some models can be placed directly on the machine’s model plate, while others are better embedded into forming granules so unnecessary base…
What are thermoforming granules or pellets used for?
Forming granules support the model and allow unnecessary model base height to be buried. This reduces the vertical distance the heated sheet must travel and can improve thickness distribution. Granules…