The dental crown of the future could be 3D-printed while you wait
Researchers have found a way to slash the processing time for 3D-printed zirconia crowns from as much as 100 hours to under 30 minutes. The advance could eventually let dentists print strong, customized permanent crowns for patients within a single appointment.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have created a technology that allows dentists to manufacture permanent 3D-printed zirconia restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and veneers, in a single day. Zirconia is a strong and durable material used for permanent dental work. The technology, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to commercialize chair-side 3D-printed, all-ceramic zirconia restorations.
Dr. Majid Minary, a professor of mechanical engineering at the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, is excited about advancing the commercialization of personalized, fast dental restorations. Zirconia crowns are difficult to 3D print quickly because traditional methods require lengthy debinding and sintering stages.
The UT Dallas technique significantly reduces the debinding time to under 30 minutes using improved heat transfer and porous graphite felt that allows gas to escape. This innovation may make same-day permanent zirconia restorations commercially viable. The technology is currently in development with Pan-AM Dental Laboratory, 3DCeram Sinto Inc., and Dr. Amirali Zandinejad.
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