Digital dentistry has fundamentally transformed traditional dental practices, moving from analog impressions to highly precise digital workflows. Shining 3D Dental is a key innovator in this transition, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions that integrate intraoral scanning, advanced resin 3D printing, and specialized software for various applications. This ecosystem streamlines processes, enhances accuracy, and improves patient outcomes across restorative, orthodontic, and implant dentistry.
The shift to digital methods addresses critical challenges in traditional dentistry, such as dimensional instability of physical impressions and time-consuming manual labor. Digital data, in contrast, maintains its integrity, leading to better-fitting restorations and reduced remakes.
Intraoral 3D Dental Scanners
Intraoral scanners are the cornerstone of digital dentistry, capturing the intricate topography of the oral cavity with high precision. Shining 3D’s Aoralscan 3, for instance, is a third-generation chairside scanner designed for speed and accuracy. It features optimized algorithms and an enhanced imaging mechanism, delivering 30% faster scanning and 30% higher accuracy compared to its predecessor.
The Aoralscan 3 boasts a scan depth of -2 mm to 20 mm, allowing for detailed capture of deep subgingival margins that might be missed by shallower scanners. It includes two autoclavable tip sizes, standard (16 × 12 mm) and mini (12 × 9 mm), to accommodate both adult and pediatric patients comfortably.
These scanners produce digital impressions in open file formats like STL, OBJ, and PLY, ensuring compatibility with various CAD software platforms. The ability to export in these formats facilitates seamless data transfer and collaboration between clinics and dental laboratories.
Dental Resin 3D Printers
| Parameter | Shining 3D Aoralscan 3 | Shining 3D AccuFab-D1s | Shining 3D AccuFab-L4D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device Type | Intraoral Scanner | Dental Resin 3D Printer (DLP) | Dental Resin 3D Printer (LCD) |
| Accuracy | 30% higher than Aoralscan 2 | ±0.035 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Scan/Print Speed | 30% faster than Aoralscan 2 (single arch 25s, full arch 1 min) | Up to 50 mm/h | 10-50 mm/h |
| Build Volume (X, Y, Z) | N/A | 144 x 81 x 160 mm | 192 x 120 x 180 mm |
| Layer Thickness | N/A | 25, 50, 100 µm | 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1 mm |
| Output Formats | STL, OBJ, PLY | STL (via AccuWare slicing software) | STL (via AccuWare slicing software) |
Shining 3D offers a range of resin 3D printers, such as the AccuFab-D1s and AccuFab-L4D, which are integral to the digital workflow. These printers utilize Digital Light Processing (DLP) or LCD technology to cure liquid photopolymer resins layer by layer, creating precise dental components.
The AccuFab-D1s features a build volume of 144 x 81 x 160 mm and a print speed of up to 50 mm/h, capable of printing multiple surgical guides in under 30 minutes. Its accuracy is rated at ±0.035 mm, with layer thickness options of 25, 50, and 100 µm.
The AccuFab-L4D, a larger format printer, provides a build volume of 192 x 120 x 180 mm and 4K resolution (3840 x 2400 pixels), ensuring crisp detail with a pixel size of 0.05 mm. It offers layer thicknesses of 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1 mm, and an accuracy of ±0.05 mm.
Post-processing is a critical step for 3D-printed dental parts, involving washing to remove uncured resin and subsequent UV post-curing to achieve optimal mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Devices like Shining 3D’s FabWash and FabCure 2 automate these processes, ensuring consistent and reliable results.
Crown and Bridge Digital Workflows
Digital workflows for crown and bridge restorations begin with precise intraoral scanning, eliminating the need for traditional impression materials. The Aoralscan 3 captures detailed data, including clear dental margins and occlusal anatomy, which is crucial for accurate restoration design.
The scanned data is then imported into CAD software, such as exocad, where technicians design the crown or bridge with precise margins, contacts, and occlusion. Shining 3D’s AccuWare slicing software prepares the digital design for 3D printing, including automatic support generation.
Shining 3D’s AccuFab series printers can produce wax-up bridges or direct restorations using specialized resins like the self-developed CB11, available in various tooth shades. After printing, components undergo cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and thorough post-curing to achieve final strength and biocompatibility.
Orthodontic Model Printing
Orthodontic model printing is a high-demand application in digital dentistry, often requiring numerous sets of models for treatment cycles. The digital workflow starts with intraoral scanning to acquire accurate teeth data, ensuring complete scans without deficiencies.
Shining 3D’s software, such as MetronTrack, facilitates orthodontic analysis and model fabrication. The ‘one-click printing’ feature within AccuWare software automatically arranges models, adds supports, and slices the data, optimizing for batch production.
For optimal results, OD 02 resin is recommended for orthodontic dental models due to its consistent properties and high heat resistance. Layer thicknesses of 50 µm are commonly used, balancing print quality and speed for these applications.
Surgical Guide Printing
Surgical guide printing is critical for precise implant placement, reflecting preoperative planning accurately. The process integrates CBCT data with intraoral scan data to reconstruct a 3D model of the patient’s oral and facial structures.
Technicians design the surgical guide plate to ensure ideal implant depth, angle, and size. Shining 3D’s AccuWare software assists in preparing the STL file, including intelligent support creation, which is crucial to avoid blocking critical areas like stopper positions.
Shining 3D recommends using biocompatible resins like SG01 for surgical guides, which have undergone rigorous testing and verification. Post-processing involves cleaning with IPA or ethanol and post-curing in a dedicated unit like the FabCure 2 to maximize mechanical and flexural properties.