The Relationship Between Dentistry and 3D Printers

Hearing “3D printer” might not immediately connect to dental treatment.

However, thanks to advances in digital devices and material technology, high-performance printers and specialized materials are now being developed for dentistry, attracting global attention.

In 2023, I attended the IDS, the world’s largest international dental show, held in Cologne, Germany.

There, manufacturers from various countries competitively unveiled their latest printers and materials, giving me a strong sense of the potential to significantly transform the future of dentistry.

Our Clinic’s Initiatives

Our clinic introduced a small 3D printer about five years ago and has gradually expanded its applications.

We introduced our fourth high-performance printer in March 2025 and are now applying it to a wide range of treatments.

Primary Applications

• Retainer mouthpieces for post-orthodontic retention
• Mock-up models for confirming ceramic shapes
• Surgical stents for implant surgery
• Orthodontic mouthpieces (direct-print aligners)
• Creating specialized impression trays from denture scans

Tasks previously outsourced to external labs can now be produced quickly in-house, improving treatment efficiency and precision.

Latest Global Trends

Overseas, technology already exists to print dentures themselves using 3D printers.

Some clinics have even invested over ¥15 million in high-end printers to directly print dentures.

While not yet common in Japan, further material improvements and printer proliferation are expected to drive wider clinical adoption.

Benefits for Patients

Introducing 3D printers offers patients the following advantages:

• Speed: In-house production enables treatment in a shorter timeframe than conventional methods
• Precision: Printing based on digital data minimizes errors
• Comfort: Streamlined treatment planning and appliance fabrication reduce patient burden
• Evolving Options: Enables previously unavailable treatment methods (e.g., direct-print aligners)

Summary

• The use of 3D printers in dentistry is expanding globally.
• Our clinic has introduced its fourth printer, applying it broadly to orthodontics, ceramics, implants, dentures, and more.
• The future may see an era where dentures and prosthetics themselves are printed.
• Improvements in speed, precision, and comfort are anticipated, offering significant benefits for patients.

If you are interested in “experiencing the progress of digital dentistry” or “learning about the latest treatment methods,” please feel free to consult with us.