Technology We’re Using at Fear Free Dental in Portland
At Fear Free Dental, we love using technology that actually makes dentistry easier, more comfortable, and more precise for our patients. One of the coolest tools in our office is our in-house 3D printing system.
Before we can print anything, we first capture a digital model of the teeth using specialized scanners.
Creating the Digital Model
There are two types of scanners commonly used in dentistry.
Intraoral scanners take digital pictures inside the mouth and build a model of the teeth directly from those images. These scanners are what allow many modern dental offices to avoid the messy impression materials patients used to experience.
The second type is a laboratory scanner, which scans models outside the mouth. These are extremely precise machines that read surfaces using a fast laser system to create a very detailed 3D file.
While many offices try to use intraoral scans to make crowns, the true micron-level accuracy still comes from laboratory scanners.
We can also capture full 3D images of the teeth and jawbone using our cone-beam CT scanner. This technology allows us to see both the teeth and the underlying bone structure in three dimensions, which is incredibly helpful when planning more advanced procedures.
Image 1 – Example of a 3D CBCT scan used to visualize teeth and jawbone structure.
Turning Digital Models into Real Appliances
Once we have those digital files, our SprintRay 3D printer can bring them to life.
In our office, we most commonly use 3D printing to create:
- Clear orthodontic aligners
- Surgical guides for implants and bone grafting
- Custom night guards
- Spooky Vampire Teeth for your Halloween Costume
Because everything begins with a digital model, the appliances we create are extremely precise.
Image 2 – 3D printed nightguards produced with our SprintRay printer.
One of the Biggest Advantages of Digital Dentistry
One of the biggest advantages of digital dentistry is that once your scan is saved, we don’t have to start from scratch if something happens to your appliance. For example, if a night guard is lost or worn out, we can simply pull up your digital model, make any improvements we want, and print a new one quickly and affordably.
That means fewer impressions, faster turnaround times, and appliances that fit very accurately.
Technology That Makes Dentistry Easier
Digital dentistry has changed the way we design and deliver dental care to our Portland community. What used to require multiple appointments and messy impressions can now be done with highly detailed scans and precise 3D printing.
If you’re ever curious about how this technology works, feel free to ask during your visit!
We’re always happy to show patients how it works, and it’s pretty amazing to watch.