3D technology in dentistry has revolutionised the way dental treatments are diagnosed, planned and manufactured. From digital scanning of the patient's mouth to 3D printing of prostheses and surgical guides, the three-dimensional workflow enables a level of precision, speed and personalisation that was unthinkable just a decade ago.
In this article we explain what 3D technology dentistry encompasses, what its main components are (scanning, design and 3D printing), its practical applications in the dental laboratory and how management software like DoYourLab orchestrates the entire digital workflow.
3D scanning is the first step in the digital workflow in dentistry. It involves capturing the three-dimensional geometry of the patient's oral structures to generate a precise digital model that replaces traditional physical impressions with alginate or silicone.
Intraoral scanners are handheld devices that the dentist uses directly in the patient's mouth. They capture thousands of images per second and assemble them into a complete 3D model in real time. The main advantages over traditional impressions are:
The most widely used intraoral scanners on the market include 3Shape TRIOS, iTero by Align Technology, Medit i700 and Primescan by Dentsply Sirona. Each generates files in standard formats (STL, PLY, OBJ) that are compatible with the main dental CAD design software.
Desktop scanners are used in the dental laboratory to digitise plaster models, physical impressions or metal frameworks. They offer extreme precision (down to 5 microns) and are essential for labs that receive both digital and analogue cases. They allow traditional cases to be integrated into the CAD/CAM workflow without losing precision.
Once the patient's 3D model is captured, the next step is computer-aided design (CAD). Dental CAD software allows the technician to virtually design crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers, removable prosthesis frameworks, implant bars and virtually any dental restoration.
The main functions of dental CAD software include:
The most widely used dental CAD software includes exocad DentalCAD, 3Shape Dental System and Dental Wings. Some labs also outsource design to specialised services like FullContour or SDS, which receive scans and return designs ready to manufacture.
3D printing is the technology that has democratised digital manufacturing in the dental laboratory. It allows personalised pieces to be produced directly from a digital file, without the need for moulds or intermediate tools. The main 3D printing technologies used in dentistry are:
SLA technology uses an ultraviolet laser to cure a photopolymerisable resin layer by layer. It offers excellent resolution and smooth surfaces, ideal for dental models, aligner trays and surgical guides. Formlabs Form 3B+ and Form 4 printers are the most popular in dental labs for their quality-to-price ratio and ease of use.
DLP technology is similar to SLA but uses a digital projector instead of a laser, allowing an entire layer to be cured at once. This makes it significantly faster than SLA for large pieces or batches of multiple pieces. It is the preferred technology for volume production of models, provisionals and splints.
SLM technology melts metal powder (cobalt-chrome, titanium) layer by layer with a high-power laser. It is used to manufacture metal frameworks for fixed and removable prostheses, implant bars and copings. It offers precision and material density comparable to traditional casting, but with greater design freedom and no need for waxes or investments.
3D technology in dentistry is not limited to manufacturing. 3D visualisation allows dentists and patients to see interactive simulations of the expected treatment outcome. In aligner orthodontics, for example, the patient can see how their teeth will move step by step before starting treatment.
3D viewers integrated into management platforms like DoYourLab allow the clinic to review and approve treatment plans directly from the browser, without needing to install additional software. The orthodontist can rotate the model, verify planned movements and request adjustments before the lab manufactures the trays.
3D technology dentistry has applications in virtually every area of the dental laboratory:
The variety of materials available for dental 3D printing has grown enormously in recent years. The main types are:
DoYourLab connects scanners, CAD design and 3D printers in a single digital workflow. Receive STL files directly in each case, manage treatment plans with a 3D viewer and coordinate production. Try free for one month. See plans
The field of 3D technology in dentistry is evolving rapidly. The trends that will shape the coming years include:
With so many technologies and devices involved in the 3D workflow, the lab management software becomes the central element that orchestrates the entire process. A platform like DoYourLab connects each stage:
Without management software that centralises information, the 3D workflow fragments into computer folders, emails and USB drives that hinder traceability and increase the risk of errors.
3D technology in dentistry encompasses far more than 3D printing. It is a complete ecosystem that includes digital scanning, CAD design, additive manufacturing, interactive visualisation and workflow management. Each component adds value individually, but it is their integration that generates the true transformation of the dental laboratory.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of working with a digital laboratory or understand how to improve communication with your clinics, we invite you to explore our blog. And if you are looking for a platform that connects your entire 3D workflow, try the DoYourLab demo and discover how to simplify your digital dental lab management.