Have you ever found yourself lost in a maze of dental tools only to realize the best ones might be only a quick printing away?
Instead of wasting time ordering from local suppliers, you get a much more personalized experience by leveraging dental 3D printers.
These powerful machines are revolutionizing how everyone gets the quality dental model or appliance needed to craft nightguards, aligners, surgical guides, and other much-needed dental prostheses – all customized to the unique patient’s oral cavity.
With the global 3D printer market expected to expand anywhere from 18-27% annually, the only problem is figuring out how to take advantage of these resin-filled machines in your dental lab.
A big part of how to grow your dental practice is integrating modern tools like a 3D printer.
I’ve spent years around dental offices on both sides of the exam chair and have spent years focused on what tools and equipment make the best investment for your practice.
Here is a fantastic list I’ve put together of the current best dental 3D printers known to save you time, money, and energy as you expand.
Let’s jump in!
What Are the Best Dental 3D Printers?
To be clear, the dental 3D printer you want will be the one that works best in your practices.
A dental lab focused on specific resins or working with a unique patient demographic may prefer one style over another.
Like anything else in life, it is all about finding what works best for your unique needs.
Once you nail down which machine to invest in, the rest is just having fun doing a little shopping!
The recent adoption of dental printers is low, so you are on the cutting edge by integrating one into your practice.
When you think about it, having a modern dental 3D printer is a great step for how to attract new patients to your dental practice. Here are my top contenders.
1. Form 3B+ by Formlabs
Editor’s Choice
I love the sheer joy of operating the Form 3B+ printer.
This state-of-the-art dental 3D printer by Formlabs is based on the modern needs of dental professionals looking for precision and versatility.
The device boasts an all-inclusive digital workflow solution, which includes pioneering software, an extensive resin portfolio for multiple dental indications, and user-friendly post-processing.
Key Benefits
♦ SLA printing process ensures detailed surface finishes and unparalleled print accuracy.
♦ Easy-to-use plug-and-play integration.
♦ Relatively affordable pricing based on the model you select.
♦ Includes a spill-free resin system.
♦ Only weighs 17.5 kg, for easy moveability around the shop.
Pricing
You’ll have to request a quote for the complete pricing, but you can get an idea of expenses based on the orthodontic model’s cost of $2-3 each when using Draft Resin.
Karen’s Take
The Form 3B+ is what you want if you are looking for a “catch-all” 3D printer for everything from crowns to fillings.
This option has an all-in-one feel because it has professional-grade quality without the struggle of focused niche product creation. To put it simply, if you don’t know where to start – start here.
2. Cara Print 4.0 Pro
Best for Detail Refinement
If you want a machine that is based on current dental needs, you should consider the Kulzer cara® Print 4.0 pro. This is a well-known sophisticated 3D printer meticulously designed by dental experts that emphasizes a focus on improving dental workflows through enhanced accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness. In short, to make your technician’s needs way easier to resolve.
Key Benefits
♦ Offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional milling methods.
♦ Boasts a 46% larger building area compared to its predecessor.
♦ Employs 385 nm LEDs, ensuring color and material stability.
♦ Integrates a novel “smooth technology” that guarantees results without visible layering.
♦ The Accurate Fit System (AFS) provides a top-notch surface finish.
Pricing
These companies love to hide pricing. You need to call or contact for a quote.
Karen’s Take
What makes this 3D printer stand out is the smoothing technology. That drastically lowers errors or having to “refab” every new creation each time a patient comes in for a visit.
That type of flexibility in response to the current market is a must-have for rapidly growing your practice. Plus, it is rumored to be on the affordable side.
3. Ultracraft ChairSide
Most Convenient
UltraCraft ChairSide acts as a revolutionary chairside assistant, elevating 3D printing to the next level. It streamlines the entire dental printing process – from learning to end-product creation – in minimal time, without direct contact with the resin.
If you have ever needed a bit more agility in your daily dental activities, this is a good addition because it doesn’t take endless headaches to learn how to operate properly.
Key Benefits
♦ Takes just 5 minutes to learn the basics.
♦ Over 20 applications and 10+ materials are available.
♦ Merges the resin tank, liquid, and material mechanism in a single capsule.
♦ Empowered by a 6-core CPU and GPU, it speeds up the printing process by 40%.
♦ Intelligent sensors reduce human errors.
♦ Suitable for various dental applications like fixed restorations, implants, and more.
Pricing
Again, you have to call for a quote.
Karen’s Take
What makes this little beauty so unique is precisely what the name suggests.
You can use the ChairSide as if on those annoying round dental assistant chairs.
It is small enough to be integrated into your current workflow at a small station but strong enough (mainly from AI-powered printing) to give you the precision and reliability you want.
4. EnvisionOne Dental 3D Printer
Best for High Quality Image Ideation
EnvisionOne Dental is an excellent addition to my extensive list because of the cDLM 3D printing technology.
This is advanced imaging to practical physical object tech (meaning it creates incredible solutions with minimal effort) that can redefine your practice. It boasts a broad spectrum of Health Canada and FDA-cleared 3D printing resins.
This platform offers a unified digital workflow to usher in superior 3D printing capabilities.
Key Benefits
♦ Powered by continuous digital light manufacturing technology.
♦ Achieves up to 45 mm/hour, contingent upon the material.
♦ Crafts 6 orthodontic arch models in less than 15 minutes.
♦ Boasts a resolution of 93 microns.
♦ Accommodates E1-Model Light, E-Guide Tint, and E-Model Beige resins.
♦ Uses a 385nm wavelength, optimizing accuracy for clear material.
Pricing
This is another one of those “request a quote” situations. Kind of annoying when you’re trying to get the info you want.
Karen’s Take
I ranked EnvisionOne so high because of the cDLM technology and strict adherence to both Canadian and U.S. regulations. That saves you a ton of time trying to make another model fit into a dental practice box.
5. JUELL 3D-3
Best for Speed
The JUELL™ 3D-3 is a state-of-the-art dental 3D printer powered by Flash OC software. That is a fancy way of saying it is meant to be superior in speed, precision, and affordability. It is designed especially for orthodontic offices, implant practices, and dental laboratories. The build quality is high, and you get a ton of durability with each output.
Key Benefits
♦ One of the fastest on the market, producing orthodontic models in under 18 minutes.
♦ Utilizes DLP technology, renowned for superior resolution over laser-based printers.
♦ Enables high-volume production without compromising on quality.
♦ Supports diverse software and scanner integrations.
♦ Made in America with robust metals, ensuring longevity and resistance against UV damage to resin.
♦ Delivers the finest details with a minimum feature size of 50 μm.
Pricing
You’re looking at a few dollars per printed model, but precise pricing of the 3D printer requires a quote from the company.
Karen’s Take
Here, you get the speed you need when you have a massive demand for implants. The DLP tech and durability mean you don’t have to mess with maintenance issues as much as other models, making it a wise investment for any dental setup.
6. Stratasys J3 DentaJet 3D Printer
Best for High Quality Demand
The J3 DentaJet 3D printer is an efficient option, but from what I can see, better fit for small to medium-sized labs.
With the capacity to handle three distinct resins on a single tray, this printer combines unmatched accuracy with versatility to produce an array of dental applications simultaneously, from implant models to surgical guides and gingiva masks.
That gives you a lot of punch for not much investment.
Key Benefits
♦ Print up to 3 different resins in one job, optimizing lab productivity.
♦ Efficiently cater to a wide variety of cases while maintaining exceptional accuracy.
♦ Incorporate GrabCAD to streamline the production process.
♦ Simultaneously produce implant models, orthodontic devices, removable models, and more.
♦ Offer 3D-printed indirect bonding trays or create clear aligners rapidly.
♦ Stratasys offers a unique range of biocompatible dental resins developed for.
Pricing
The exact pricing details for the J3 DentaJet 3D printer are not provided (big shocker). However, having multi-tray capabilities will reduce overall operating expenses.
Karen’s Take
This option is all about handling multiple materials on a single tray. So many of the printers I’ve worked with in dental practices only use one extruder at a time. Being able to quickly scale can be a massive time saver whenever you have larger orders.
7. SprintRay Pro S
Best For Experienced 3d Dental Printer Users
The SprintRay Pro S 3D printer is crafted to enhance the efficiency and simplicity of dental in-office production. This is what I see as much better for dental professionals than beginner techs because the printer leans into a UI/UX where experienced users will feel more comfortable. The goal is to create a highly versatile printing experience for those who understand the precise customizations they need for each client.
Key Benefits
- The Pro S delivers faster print speeds, maximizing output.
- Suited for a myriad of dental treatments, it promises versatility in material use.
- Smart sensors paired with workflow context optimize the 3D printing process.
- The Pro S stands out as SprintRay’s most precise 3D printer.
- Near-field technology allows the Pro S to automatically track each resin tank’s lifetime.
- The Pro S’s enhanced structure improves Z-axis accuracy.
Pricing
Guess what? You’ll need to submit a quote request. They really don’t like publicizing the cost of these machines.
Karen’s Take
What is most beneficial about the Pro S is the dry and clean feature you get for the output. After each printing, you’ll see everything from denture molds to fillings go through a heated dryer that leaves a complete solution for your dental team.
8. Sonic 4K 2022 Series LCD 3D Printer
Phrozen has meticulously harnessed the power of LCD 3D printing technology and tailored it for the dental domain. I love this interactive screen! Offering an expansive printing volume combined with decent precision, the brand promises top-tier quality in every print. Being able to visualize so much of what you’re working on makes a big difference for your teams.
Key Benefits
- Leveraging the capabilities of Mono-LCD, Phrozen ensures a print speed that’s 400% faster.
- With the integration of powerful ParaLED 3.0 UV lights, dental models are produced with remarkable precision.
- The addition of an efficient heater ensures a consistent environment for every print.
- The Sonic 4K 2022 series, equipped with the advanced ParaLED 3.0 UV lights, promises faster print speeds.
- The Phrozen DS slicer streamlines the 3D file editing process.
- Designed to work seamlessly with a range of dental-specific resins.
Pricing
And again, you’re left with a request for a quote option only.
Karen’s Take
Here, you get speed and LCD control. Most of the printers on our list use LCD screens or easy-to-follow software, but this has a bit more “oomph” to the user interface that cuts down on the printer’s learning curve.
9. J5 DentaJet 3D Printer
Best for Creativity and Personalization
The Stratasys J5 DentaJet™ emerges as a formidable dental 3D printer tailored for mid-sized to more extensive dental laboratories. Its primary allure stems from its commitment to minimizing expenses, boosting lab efficiency, and churning out a plethora of dental components with minimal manual intervention. What you’ll notice more is the realism of the prints, making it much easier to personalize each item.
Key Benefits
- The ability to employ up to five distinct resins in a solitary print job.
- The printer boasts vibrant color printing.
- Offers a diverse range of dental cases with remarkable speed and efficiency, ensuring timely deliverables.
- GrabCAD Print seamlessly integrates Stratasys dental printers into a unified software ecosystem.
- The J5 DentaJet provides three printers merged into one. Be it an implant case with varied material requirements or an RPD setup with simultaneous model printing, this printer handles it all.
Pricing:
Nope, you’ll have to call to learn more for a precise cost.
Karen’s Take
Okay, with this model, you are focusing on the color printing options (for both fun and matching tones) as well as blending multiple distinct resins in a single job. I like these types of machines because you get a bit more personalization compared to others.
10. SOL Dental 3D Printer
Best For Small Practices
Designed for same-day chairside applications, SOL exemplifies innovation, marrying speed with precision to provide unrivaled results. This is a quick and easy solution to plug and play solutions at your chairside counter. You don’t get as much volume as other printers, but you have plenty of versatility and cost-saving personalization.
Key Benefits
- The SOL promises a virtually nonexistent learning curve, with users going from unpacking to printing in as little as half an hour.
- A vast library of over 150+ prevalidated materials.
- SOL pioneers the use of Multiple-Size Build Platforms, slashing printing times by up to 60%.
- SOL’s technological prowess is evident in its dynamic optical light engine and its unique 54 LEDs panel.
- With an impressive 49 μm XY resolution, SOL crafts dental components that feel natural, ensuring a smooth finish and impeccable fit.
- SOL has redefined speed with its exclusive ???? Small & Medium-sized Build Platforms.
Pricing
Even though they focus on efficiency first design, they don’t put a price tag on the website.
Karen’s Take
The diversity of resin and additional materials is what sets this 3D printer apart. That helps with dental offices that serve a large and diverse clientele (think family dental practice). Plus, you cannot go wrong with a “same-day” solution whenever you have critical procedures happening.
11. Sega Dental 3D Printer
Most Efficient
The Sega Dental 3D Printer is quickly becoming a leading beacon of speed and precision. You get plenty of versatility where the printer can churn out surgical guides, temporary teeth, crowns, and more within minutes, all while ensuring the highest quality.
Key Benefits
- Delivers unparalleled speed in dental production.
- Eliminates the need for a base, reducing resin usage and overall production costs.
- Guarantees precision up to 15 microns for every print.
- Offers a 99.9% successful print ratio, showcasing its reliability.
- Comes with a 20,000-hour projector warranty for peace of mind.
- Capable of producing a wide range of dental products swiftly, from dental models to monolithic dentures.
Pricing
Machine cost is competitive, but you save a ton through the high efficiency.
Karen’s Take
Here, it is all about efficiency and a highly beneficial print ratio. One of the significant challenges of 3D printers is a job crashing and burning due to a loose resin fill. This printer gets around that problem because of its durability and efficient design.
12. NextDent 5100
Most forward Design Usability
Powered by the groundbreaking Figure 4® technology, this cutting-edge machine offers unparalleled speed, performance, and precision in the creation of dental appliances and sacrificial castings. With a vast range of dental materials and seamless compatibility with top-tier dental software, NextDent 5100 will improve your current workflows by offering a cost-effective solution in the long run.
Key Benefits
- Leverages the high-speed Figure 4® 3D printing technology.
- Over 30 unique NextDent 3D printing materials are available.
- Compatibility with standard intra-oral scanning and software solutions.
- Benefiting from 3D Systems’ three decades of experience in 3D printing.
- Apart from the printer, the NextDent ecosystem includes the LC-3DMixer for ideal material stirring and the LC-3DPrint Box for UV post-curing.
Pricing
Nope, you will have to contact the company for a quote.
Karen’s Take
Having been in the dental industry for years, it’s rare to find a tool that genuinely provides precisely what it promises. No, this isn’t the best on my list, but you get exactly what you are buying. There are no hidden surprises when you unbox NextDent – making it a reliable option for those inexperienced in 3D printing.
13. Primeprint
Best Value for Your Investment
Primeprint Solution is a top-tier medical-grade 3D printing system tailored for dentists and dental technicians aiming to diversify their services. Beyond just 3D printing, this integrated system oversees the entire process, from file preparation to post-processing, ensuring meticulousness and efficiency at every step.
Key Benefits
- Primeprint facilitates the whole printing journey, covering 3D printing, washing, and light-curing, supplemented by the Primeprint PPU (post-processing unit).
- The system’s high degree of automation slashes handling times, permits delegation, and drives productivity.
- Integrating Dental Intelligence in both hardware and software ensures biocompatible applications with repeatable and accurate results.
- The RFID-coded material handling ensures safe and clean operations throughout.
- With DS Core Create, practitioners can either choose to craft designs themselves or delegate to expert lab technicians.
- The system smartly manages various validated materials for diverse applications.
Pricing
Sorry, you’ll need to contact the manufacturer.
Karen’s Take
This 3D printer is all about the features. The actual “bang for your buck” is because you get a ton of processes wrapped into a single machine. That cuts way down on processing time, but does run the risk of the whole thing going dark if one component breaks.
What is a Dental 3D Printer?
A dental 3D printer is a groundbreaking fusion of traditional dentistry with the innovative world of 3D printing technology, especially when combined with the best intra oral scanners. While the concept of 3D printing has been around for some time, its application within the dental realm is still relatively new.
At its core, you are using the same technology as an inkjet printer for your following travel itinerary but using unique resins that are medical grade. Yes, you can print out a crown in these machines instead of working it by hand.
The idea here is to cut down on inefficient processes while adding way more accuracy. There are incredible dental part artists in the world, but sometimes, they are not that easy to contact. Having a machine that can get relatively close to that same precision is worth the investment.
How Can a Premium Dental 3D Printer Benefit You?
Investing in a top-tier dental 3D printer is like hiring a top chef for your kitchen. Your work becomes seamless, the results delectable, and you wonder how you ever managed without one. With high-quality dental appliances at your fingertips faster and more accurately, you stand to save both time and costs in the long run.
It’s saving time and money. You get to have a fully-fledged dental office dedicated to crafting highly personalized outputs – inside your already bustling practice. Best of all, you can run these printers using already hired staff or a single new team member instead of outsourcing the work. Just don’t miss the chance to combine the power of these printers with the best intraoral camera options for your build volume.
Buyers Guide: How I Conducted My Research
My research wasn’t a shot in the dark. I’ve been in the dental industry for years and always take the time to understand the unique parts of a resin 3D printer. What I focused most on here was:
- Accuracy: The more accurate the print, the higher the final product you are using for your team.
- Resin Diversity: Most dental offices rely on a wide range of resins to craft the required materials needed.
- Features: LCD screens or multi-tray printing are big feathers in the caps of these printers.
- History: I only wanted to work with suppliers with a long history of evidence-backed products supported by dental professionals.
An important note here is I didn’t use pricing as part of my strategy for building this list. While it’s pretty easy to make educated guesses at the actual price tag on these printers, 12 out of 13 require you to contact the team for a quote. That is because they will adjust the price based on the volume of your practice, where you are in the world, and how much resin you’ll need daily.
Wrapping Up
There’s an old saying, “Your tools define your craftsmanship.” In the evolving world of dentistry, the 3D printer you choose can make all the difference.
As your trusty guide through thick and thin (or should I say, through crowns and bridges?), I have scoured the online world for the best 3D printers for dental offices based on my insider knowledge of what works best and my experience as a dental professional.
Hopefully, you can get a solid foundation for where to start with your next purchase based on this in-depth article. Good luck and happy dental 3D printing!
FAQs
What types of resin printers is used in dentistry?
Dental 3D printers often employ technologies like DLP (Digital Light Processing) or stereolithography for precise results. In most cases, they use premium, medical-grade resins with anti-UV protection.
What is the best 3D printer for your practice resin for dental models?
The choice varies, but Formlabs has some top-notch dental resins worth considering. You want to go with accuracy. A good starting point may be DMD-31 DLP dental model resin.
What are the disadvantages of high-speed 3D printing in dentistry?
While 3D systems offer numerous advantages, challenges include equipment costs and the learning curve associated with mastering new technology. Plus, if you leave the printer unattended, you can end up with a bad result that costs you money and time.
Are 3D-printed dentures worth it?
Absolutely! They can offer a quicker turnaround and a precise fit through a range of biocompatible resins, enhancing comfort for the patient, and all in a simplified resin that fits their budgets.
How long do 3D-printed teeth last?
With the proper care and material, 3D-printed teeth can last several years, though it largely depends on the individual’s wear and tear and how well the fit is for the teeth. The bonding agent has a lot to do with this last factor.
