Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF), a leader in advanced manufacturing solutions for ultra-high precision applications, announced its entry into the dental market with the launch of UltraThineer™, the world’s thinnest cosmetic dental veneer.
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The new 3D printed veneers use projection microstereolithography (PμSL), a technology that custom-fabricates veneers that are three times thinner than traditional veneers and require significantly less preparation for dental professionals, allowing the patient’s enamel to be preserved with less reduction. UltraThineer veneers are expected to be available in the US in the spring of 2024, following review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
BMF is committed to developing applications where its unique high-precision micro-scale printing technology can significantly reduce production time and cost as well as enable innovation. Developed in collaboration with Peking University, UltraThineer veneers feature advanced material, a manufacturing workflow and finishing process to provide thinner, more comfortable and less invasive veneers. Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is already proven in multiple dental applications, including orthodontic aligners, mouthguards, drill guides and dentures due to the need for bespoke, personalized and customized solutions.
“The ability to print ceramics at minimal thickness will be revolutionary. Our current processes for producing minimal prep veneers can be labor intensive compared to milled full coverage zirconia crowns. Conservative reduction of the patient’s enamel should be practiced whenever possible. I look forward to the launch of this new technology, which will enable the printing of intricate, ultra-thin veneers. BMF’s developments and innovation will continue to push the boundaries of dentistry and inspire innovation worldwide,” said Jessica Love of Capture Dental Artsleading provider of cosmetic dental services in the US.
Currently, veneers are made to a thickness of about 0.5 mm or more and require excellent preparation of the existing teeth. This is a highly invasive, irreversible and uncomfortable procedure for the patient. For aesthetic restoration, ultra-thin veneers allow little to no tooth preparation, preserving as much enamel as possible and are only 100 µm thick. With a choice of ultra-thin zirconia veneers, dentists can align, reshape or brighten teeth in a simple, painless and minimally invasive procedure.
Ultra-thin and strong 3D printed zirconia veneer technology can quickly and painlessly strengthen and protect the tooth surface, prevent cold acid irritation and wear, and greatly improve appearance. Most importantly, compared to conventional ceramic veneer technology, the entire tooth reduction process is eliminated,” said Professor Sun Yuchun, Peking University School of Dentistry.
In addition to providing machines, materials and software to industries looking to prototype and produce high-precision parts, BMF has developed and is incubating end-use applications that can be uniquely enabled by the PµSL process.
Using our unique technology, companies in various industries, from electronics to medical devices, are keeping up with the increasing miniaturization of technology. In addition to continuing to work with our customers on their own innovations, we are excited to unveil one of the first self-developed applications of our technology,” said John Kawola, CEO-Global, BMF. “We know patients and dentists can benefit from thinner veneers, and we look forward to bringing higher levels of precision to the cosmetic dentistry industry.”
For more information, visit www.ultrathineer.com
