Yes. Printed models should be washed and post-cured according to the resin manufacturer’s protocol before thermoforming. Inadequately processed resin may remain tacky, distort more easily or interact with the heated…
FAQ Tag: 3D printing
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…
Which 3D printing resin can be used for thermoforming?
Use a dental model resin whose manufacturer specifically supports thermoforming or confirms that it remains dimensionally stable under the required heat exposure. Not every general-purpose 3D-printing resin is suitable. Printer,…
Can I thermoform directly over a resin model?
Yes, provided the resin model has been accurately printed, thoroughly washed, correctly post-cured and is suitable for the thermoforming conditions being used. This is a common digital workflow for retainers,…
Can clear aligners be made in-house?
Yes. An in-house workflow can include intraoral scanning, digital orthodontic planning, 3D printing of staged models, thermoforming, trimming and finishing. The practice or laboratory needs suitable software, printing capability, validated…
Is it better to thermoform or directly 3D print clear aligners?
Direct 3D printing is developing rapidly and may eventually simplify production by eliminating the printed model. Thermoforming, however, remains a mature and widely established workflow with a broad range of…
What is the difference between a thermoformed and 3D-printed splint?
A thermoformed splint is made by heating a thermoplastic sheet and adapting it over a physical model. A directly 3D-printed splint is manufactured from a digital design using a printable…
Can I make a retainer directly from an intraoral scan?
An intraoral scan provides the digital information needed to create the model. In a conventional thermoforming workflow, the scan is converted into a printable dental model, the model is 3D…
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…
Can I thermoform over a 3D-printed model?
Yes. Thermoforming over 3D-printed models is now a common digital workflow. The model should be dimensionally accurate, produced from a resin suitable for thermoforming conditions, and correctly washed and post-cured…