Today, 3D Systems introduced a first-to-market solution for jetted, monolithic (one-piece) dentures that uses multiple materials to provide the patient with a durable, long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing prosthesis. This is achieved by custom compounding materials for both teeth and gums.
These unique materials offer the desired combination of aesthetics, wear and stain resistance to teeth, with excellent fracture resistance (hardness and strength) to the gums. This combination results in a denture product that is superior to all other monolithic, sprayable denture solutions currently available.
When these materials are used as part of 3D Systems’ complete workflow solution that includes materials, 3D printing technology, software and services, high-volume dental labs can more efficiently deliver dentures with improved performance and aesthetics, resulting in a superior experience of the patient.
Materials scientists at 3D Systems developed NextDent® Jet Denture Teeth and NextDent® Jet Denture Base — the former is uniquely formulated to mimic the stiffness and esthetics of teeth and the latter to absorb impact. When these materials are used as part of the company’s jetted monolithic denture solution, dental laboratories are able to produce dentures with excellent performance, including high fracture resistance, a particularly important customer need.
In addition, the speed of 3D Systems’ launch technology combined with monolithic denture printing accelerates overall production rates to significantly reduce time to completion resulting in rapid delivery to the prosthetic and patient.
In recent months 3D Systems previewed this solution to select customers, including Glidewell, the world’s largest manufacturer of restorative dental devices. Stephenie Goddard, CEO, Glidewell shared, “Glidewell prides itself on being at the forefront of technology and constantly bringing innovation to the dental community. Therefore, we need to partner with solution providers who share our vision of the power of transformative innovation. As a long-time 3D Systems customer, Glidewell continues to be impressed by the company’s leadership in digital dentistry.
“The capabilities presented by the new jetted denture solution are unmatched in the industry. The combination of 3D Systems’ high-speed printing technology and its unique materials offer dentures with superior durability and aesthetics. I look forward to implementing this solution later this year and the benefits it will bring not only to our business but also to our customers and their patients.”
“With each innovation in our digital dentistry portfolio, 3D Systems has been able to help our customers transform the devices they deliver and the way clinicians deliver care to patients,” said Chuck Stapleton, vice president and general manager, dentistry, 3D Systems. “As we announce our jetted denture solution today, I am proud to once again offer a truly unique offering to the market. We have combined innovation in materials and 3D printing, with software, post-processing and applications expertise in our monolithic injection molded denture solution, designed for high volume production with unmatched accuracy, repeatability and lower total cost of ownership. I look forward to seeing this solution change the trajectory of denture manufacturing, not only in the coming months but in the years to come.”
The company expects 510(k) clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its solution in the second half of 2024.
The adoption of 3D printing for the production of prosthetics continues to accelerate, driven by the benefits for both manufacturers and patients. According to 360 Research Reports, the global 3D Printed Dentures market size is estimated to exceed $1 billion in 2021 and is projected to exceed $2 billion by 2028.
With 3D Systems’ digital dentistry solutions, including its monolithic denture manufacturing solution, dental labs and clinics can produce dental devices at dramatically increased speed while reducing material waste and capital equipment costs. Patients also experience significant benefits, through a reduction in the time required to receive their prosthesis, as well as the number of required office visits.
