Dental practices are first and foremost a business, and they must offer the latest technologies and services to a demanding and increasingly time-starved clientele. Just like any other business, when a dental practice can save money on materials and production, they can pass these savings on to their customers. Also, when production of dental appliances is brought in-house, both the practice and the patient save time. Saving your customers, in this case your patients, time and money is what can set a practice apart in a crowded market.
In-office clear aligners are an up-and-coming offering in the dental practice made possible with the advent of 3D printing technology. Compared to braces, clear aligners are more esthetically appealing and don’t require a high level of maintenance. The treatment plan is straightforward, typically has a set cost, and is ideal for busy patients.
With that in mind, here are some of the advantages of producing in-office clear aligners with 3D printing:
Allows dentists to produce appliances much more cost-efficiently than traditional clear aligner therapy – 3D printing allows dentists to increase margins without compromising quality. According to SprintRay Inc., manufacturers of the MoonRay 3D printer, in-office production fees are a fraction of traditional aligner fees. They estimate that the fee for a traditional aligner is $1,400 to $1,900, compared to an in-office production fee of $395 ($245 for outsourced treatment plan + $90 model printing + $60 vacuum forming foils). Overall, the average in-office savings for a 30-tray treatment plan is between $1,005 and $1,505.
Allows more patients to get clear aligners – According to the American Dental Association, the biggest barrier to patients receiving dental care is cost. As reported by TechCrunch, a 2013 ADA survey found that clear aligner treatments for adolescents can range from $4,685 to $6,500, while adult treatments can cost up to $7,135. Imagine what lowering costs could do to convert 65% of the population that could benefit from orthodontic treatment, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Offering a more cost-effective solution can help more patients accept the treatment they need and want.
Often has a much faster turnaround time – Outsourcing clear aligner therapy leads to long turnaround times, forcing patients to wait weeks to begin treatment. By producing clear aligners in house, patients can start treatment in only days. In-house clear aligner production gives you and your staff more control of your production schedule. Patient impressions are sent to the aligner lab for planning, the aligner reviews and plans treatment, high-resolution digital files are sent to the dentist’s office, and the staff 3D prints the models and fabricates the aligners.
Replacements for lost/damaged aligners can be quickly made in-office – In the age of same-day dentistry, patients prefer to minimize their visits to your office. Having the ability to produce clear aligners in-office ensures that replacements for lost and damaged aligners are made quickly. Plus, it helps ensure that your patients stay on track and complete treatment.
If you’re considering an in-office solution, start by looking at a reliable 3D printer for dentistry. The MoonRay is a high-resolution wireless DLP 3D printer from SprintRay that offers generous build envelope and affordable materials. According to the manufacturer, the MoonRay requires less maintenance than similar 3D printers, as its durable resin tank lasts for printing with up to 50 liters of resin before it needs to be changed. Get a closer look on SprintRay’s website.