Written by Dr. Brian Hockenberger
In order to run a practice on efficiencies and innovation an Orthodontist must stay abreast of the ever changing modalities and technological advancements. One of these advancements presents itself in the application of 3D printed Metal appliances.
The efficiencies are gained by fewer appointments within the office, which allows for more chair time for more productive visits. It results in less time taken from the parent/patient’s schedule which now a days is extremely important in today’s fast paced society. Ask your front desk how impactful reducing these appointments is to parents and their child’s busy schedules. This results in less chair time, less appointments, less expenses.
In reference to efficiencies within the office, 3D printed appliances allows for less appointments and exclusion of unnecessary band fittings, impressions as well as separator placement. The traditional process can be costly and inefficient. Previously it required keeping a variety of band inventory, fitting those stock bands that are not custom fit to the patient’s anatomy and then taking a messy impression. The impression was then sent in for fabrication of a hand soldered appliance. The placing of separators was required at two visits, which results in discomfort for the patient and could present liability to the office due to improper separator placement as well as apical migration causing severe periodontal issues. After receiving the appliance back, separators are then removed (if not present the patient may have to have them replaced and then be rescheduled). The appliance may need adjustments in order to fit the patient properly prior to seating. This entire process can result in many unnecessary appointments and increased costs to the practice.
With the development of 3D printed metal appliances, the process has become seamless. A digital scan of the patient is taken, a copy is sent to the lab. Simply receive the custom printed appliance back and seat the appliance. Rarely would an adjustment be needed due to significantly improved accuracy. Costs to the practice are greatly reduced with no longer carrying impression materials, eliminating band inventory and separator-free appointments. Less appointments reduces office costs, employees no longer need trained on band fitting, and result in less expense compared to traditional appliances. Increased durability is seen with the high strength alloys used in production of these appliances, resulting in less chance of breakage, reducing or eliminating emergency visits. In my experience, it is very rare that an appliance becomes loose with this customized fit. As stated, there are many office efficiencies combining the digital workflow with 3D Printed appliances.
The patient experience is also greatly improved due to these advancements in the digital workflow and 3D printed appliances. Benefits include eliminating patient discomfort from separator placement, no more emergency appointments for parents needing to return to the office to replace lost spacers. Patient satisfaction is improved with the ease of 3D scans and no need for impressions. Gone are the days of patient’s stress from uncomfortable gagging and vomiting. The appliances also offer comfort with the customization of the appliance precisely fitted to the patient’s anatomy rather than a stock band from a traditional appliance. The 3D printed appliances no longer have to be placed subgingival which improves the patient’s comfort and ability to maintain better oral hygiene and gingival health.
Transitioning to the 3D Printed appliance has streamlined the process resulting in reduced treatment time, reduced inventory, reduced appointments, reduced chair time, and reduced expenses, resulting in improved profitability and greater patient/parent satisfaction.