How to Make Braces with a 3D Printer

Crooked teeth can be the reason for aesthetic frustration. People who have crooked teeth often lack self-confidence. They rarely smile and communicate with their peers because of crooked teeth. Worse, the cost of having braces ranges from $400 to a thousand dollars. 

The price looks like a burden so you don’t go to the dentist to realign your teeth. So, people start making braces with 3D printers. The idea seems favorable because 3D braces cut the actual dental charge for braces. 

Growth of 3D Printing Braces 

Orthodontists have been using braces to realign teeth for several decades. During the 90s, Orthodontics had a breakthrough because of the plastic teeth aligners invention. These aligners are less noticeable and removable. But the convenient experience for patients reduced the functionality of the retainers. 

Retainers rotate and tip misaligned teeth moderately. But people who need complex alignment still need braces. Today, many 3D dental solutions are offered for consumers. People only need their teeth scanned to receive their 3D printed braces. 

Note: Orthodontists warn consumers in taking cheap 3D printed braces. A person’s teeth have big parts that aren’t visible and cheap braces might damage these large parts. 

3D Printing for Dentistry 

3D printers carved a niche in dentistry that few people don’t know. 3D printing technology can help improve dentists’ work significantly.  3D printed braces can also reduce the cost of braces. (The technology provides good news for most consumers!)

People would get a better deal when they visit the dentist because they can see a design for braces. With 3D printed braces, the reduction time is reduced from several days to hours. 

3D printers have many to offer in the dentistry field. Manufacturers can create crowns, surgical guides and models using 3D printers.  The 3D printing industry improves the treatment of dental problems too! Also, 3D printers introduce other applications outside the dental industry. 

Would you like effective dental implants or the ability to floss your teeth easily? Well, 3D printers would give you the answers to that. 

But here’s the big question – how can we use 3D printers to make braces? Don’t worry! I’ll show you how to do it below. 

Using 3D Printer to Create Braces 

Here’s a cost-effective way of having braces –use a 3D printer to create braces. Follow the simple steps below to create a 3D printed brace. 

1. Take a mold of your teeth using alginate powder. (The molds are precise in capturing details of the teeth. Note: You might notice bubbles in the mold but these don’t affect the aligner. 
2.  Next, you proceed in making the casting. Use a container (a yogurt container for example) and fill it with Permastone liquid. Broke the top of the container to show the casting and use a razor blade to clean or smooth the surrounding area. 
3. Then, you scan your teeth using a laser. The scan should correspond to your physical model. You create a teeth animation that the braces would fit. 
4. Here, you get a 3d print of the molds. Then, you label the pieces that are a critical step because the pieces are identical. 
5. Wait for the final version of the braces and don’t forget to sand the edges so that your gums wouldn’t be irritated. 

That’s it! Now you have 3D printed braces. But you might ask – do the braces work? Yes, observe your teeth after four to five months and you’ll see the result. 

Advantages of 3D Printed Braces 

You’ll have to wait for weeks for the impression (of the braces) is sent into the laboratory and transformed to braces. Say goodbye to the long waiting period in using 3D printed braces! One benefit of 3D printed braces is that orthodontists can give these braces to patients fast. 

Using a 3D printer, orthodontists can create braces in less than four or three hours. That’s only the start. Patients would love the price of the brace because these are affordable than regular braces.

Braces are made of metal but 3D printed braces aren’t.  Traditional braces put great pressure on your teeth that leave you inconvenient. 3D printed braces are gentler than traditional braces that make the braces an excellent option for patients. 

Unlike metal braces, you wouldn’t suffer from tooth decay in using 3D printed braces. Patients wouldn’t have food restrictions because they can remove the braces before eating. Then, the patients can wear it back after brushing their teeth. 

Also, the new method of wearing 3D printed braces allows patients to eat magnesium and calcium-rich foods. Remember that these minerals aren’t only good for your bones but also for your teeth. 

Once you have 3D printed braces, keep in mind of the following: 

• Wear retainers after wearing 3D printed braces. Note: your teeth would move to its original position if there’s no retainer. 
• Your 3D printed braces give satisfaction to your oral health. But don’t forget to wear retainers to experience the full benefits of 3D printed braces. 
• Dentists advise that you wear retainers at night or during the day. In other cases, your dentist would bond a retainer in the teeth’s underside to keep the teeth in the correct place. 

3D printed braces don’t only realign crooked teeth but also improves your dental hygiene. 3D technology allows you to take care of your teeth and prevent tooth decay. Dentists and orthodontists advise that you often practice oral hygiene so that you achieve a happy life. 

3D printing technology gives you the opportunity to improve oral hygiene. 3D printed braces are one of the great examples of 3D printing advancement. Experts are enthusiastic about improving ways to make 3D printed braces available for all people. 

Before consulting your dentist, make sure that you know the precautions on wearing 3D printed braces. Decide if you like 3D printed braces or not. Then, you prepare the fee for the braces. Remember: There are risks in making DIY 3D printed braces so if you’re not skilled, don’t print your braces. Experts advise that you need to consult a dentist if you want 3D printed braces.