3D printing in full-colour is what sets Stratasys PolyJet technology apart. In fact, color printing capabilities with Stratasys technology has been available to the Dental industry since 2018, when the J720 Dental Printer became available. Colour printing has also been available on the J5 DentaJet, a compact multi-material printer intended specifically for dental labs looking to print dental parts with significantly less handling, which was introduced in 2021. However, only select customers took advantage of this this feature.
Why print dental models in colour?
A color models offers the dental technician information beyond the three-dimensional information on the geometry of the jaws but also the information on the oral condition. This data can only be captured by an intraoral scan as opposed to a classic analog impression with a plaster model. The scan captures the colour of both teeth and gingival areas. Color-realistic 3D models can be used when manufacturing restorations where colour plays a role. For example, it is possible to print tooth stumps in realistic colours and to optimally design the aesthetic appearance of crowns, inlays, onlays, veneers and bridges to match the required colour of the patient’s surrounding teeth.
Now, Stratasys has partnered with 3Shape, the market-leading developer and manufacturer of 3D scanners and CAD/CAM software solutions for the dental industry, to develop a new end-to-end colour workflow for dental models.
Colour model scans are exported from the 3Shape model builder to Stratasys J5 DentaJet* printers, so customers have a standard workflow to get colours from patients and print colour models.
The new seamless colour workflow
The "3Shape Colour Workflow" provides an advantage for the dental practice and the dental lab. Especially when producing tooth-coloured restorations; as colour models enable the dental technician to produce highly aesthetic restorations in a repeatable and simple process.
Enable this workflow on your Stratasys J5 DentaJet printer.
It’s easy to enable and use this new colour workflow. All you need to do is upgrade your 3Shape Dental System software to the 2022 release version that includes this streamlined workflow, for the full workflow, guide click on the button below.
Once the 3Shape software is upgraded, it’s easy to start using the new colour workflow. The dentist will take an intraoral scan to prepare a crown or bridge, then send the scan to the dental lab with a prescription for the desired model. Based on the scan, the lab will print the full-colour model and send it back to the dentist, who will use it to test the fit of a crown or bridge to the patient’s anatomy.
Looking toward the future of digital dentistry.
We’re thrilled that 3Shape shares Stratasys’ vision for full-colour printing for better aesthetics and patient treatment. We look forward to continuing to partner with other industry leaders to improve digital workflows and create more advanced printing applications.
*The 3Shape colour workflow is also available on the J720 dental printer.
