Form 3B+
An advanced desktop 3D printer designed for dentistry offers a speedy digital workflow
When it comes to running a successful practice, it can be a challenge to balance chair time with the quality and cost of your dental work. For Christopher Baer, DMD, a dental lecturer and practice owner in Lone Tree, CO, defying these odds is as simple as investing in a Form 3B+ desktop 3D printer.
“With 3D printing, I've improved our clinical efficiencies chairside by getting very high-quality restorations that drop right in and need minimal to no adjustments,” Dr. Baer said. “Because I control the fit parameters, crown seat times are incredibly efficient, occlusal appliance delivery time is dramatically reduced, and patients are amazed that their appointments are so fast and efficient. This saves us so much time and money in so many ways.”
High-Quality Made Quick
These efficiencies are why DPS readers deemed the Form 3B+ a Readers’ Choice winner this year, recognizing it as one of the most trusted dental 3D printers thanks to Formlabs’ commitment to making dentistry simpler, easier, and faster than ever.
One of the key benefits of the Form 3B+ is its fast arch printing that unlocks same-visit dentistry—allowing users to print 8 arches in around 25 minutes and a single arch in under 10 minutes. “It’s pretty common for us to print an arch in 6 to 8 minutes now, which is a game changer,” Dr. Baer said. “The other day, we scanned a patient after removing a broken bonded retainer. He went to get a cup of coffee and make a quick work call, and when he came back less than 30 minutes later, his new clear retainer was ready to take home. He was surprised we fabricated a model so quickly.”
The Form 3B+ also incorporates an all-new Fast Cure curing unit that cures 90% faster than the standard Form Cure. Dr. Baer confirmed, sharing, “It dramatically reduces the time to cure commonly used dental materials. Permanent and temporary crown and bridge materials take only 5 minutes to cure, and occlusal splint materials cure in just 6 minutes.”
Click Less, Do More
The printer's PreForm Dental software enables users to automate preset orientations and support settings. “PreForm Dental now offers a specific dental workspace that makes it easier to import files for printing,” Dr. Baer said. “It’s great for the dental team because they don’t have to remember what setting to use for each indication and material. They can scan and print very quickly. ”
Formlabs’ latest resin offerings make the 3D printing workflow even easier. “The new bleach shade for Temporary CB Resin makes it easier to shade match with patients who whiten their teeth, or to stain and glaze to match a patient’s darker shade. The LT Comfort Resin provides a more comfortable splint, particularly with insertion and removal. We've found that patients generally prefer a softer splint, which eliminates discomfort during this step,” he said.
“I saw the advantages of digital workflows in my practice a long time ago, and now that 3D-printed crown materials have FDA approval, more doctors are starting to see the potential benefits, too," Dr. Baer added. "The Form 3B+ makes going digital easier than ever.”
