Digital dentistry and 3D printing in orthodontics are among the latest technologies making big changes in the industry. They’re reshaping orthodontics at every level, from treatment planning to patient outcomes. Beyond clinical advantages, embracing these technologies is a valuable tool for growing your practice.
Lower Lab and Material Costs
One of the primary benefits of 3D printing in orthodontics is lower costs for your practice. Lab and material costs can be significant expenses, reducing margins for a variety of treatments. Handling more tasks in-house lets you save money and increase profits.
With modern 3D printing, you can print a wide range of materials right at your practice. Trays and appliances are prime examples. You can rely on a digital workflow to customize these items to fit patients perfectly. Instead of waiting for the finished product from a lab, you can make it in-house with your own 3D printer.
Models are another great way to make use of 3D printing. You can create models that are useful for treatment planning and patient education. You’ll save a bundle on outsourcing fees and avoid the long turnaround times that come with this custom work.
Faster Turnaround for Patients
Patients value fast turnaround. They don’t want to wait for their treatment to start or to face downtime that extends timelines. Waiting for appliances from labs is typically the largest delay in any treatment plan, and you can avoid it altogether with 3D printing.
Depending on the specific appliance being created, you can potentially provide a same day turnaround. Even when takes longer than a day, the waits are a far cry from the weeks you’re used to with external labs.
This leaves patients more satisfied with your care, saving them wait times and often avoiding additional visits. That translates to stronger loyalty, improved patient retention, and more referrals for your practice.
Expand Treatment Options
Expanding your treatment options allows you to provide a better experience for existing patients and gain new ones more effectively. 3D printing is an option for a variety of novel treatments, unlocking more opportunities to grow your practice.
Aligner therapy is a prime example, with digital workflows allowing for aligners to be made in-house. This technology is also used to create retainers and other custom aligners. You can provide the latest options for your patients and offer comprehensive care.
However, don’t overlook the importance of education and training. It’s not just about buying new equipment, but also about knowing how to use it properly and integrating it into your practice’s workflows. Continuing education courses from the American Orthodontic Society can help you keep up with evolving technology.
Differentiate Your Practice
Competition is often fierce among dental practices, and you need to differentiate yourself to stand out. Incorporating new technology into your practice is a great way to do that. Patients have a positive perception of practices that use the latest technology and will count that as a point in your favor.
Investing in new technology like 3D printing highlights your practice’s commitment to providing the highest quality care and the broadest range of options. Patients want to know that they and their families have access to the best treatments for their needs.
If your competitors are still relying on older methods, then patients will be more likely to choose you. They’ll see the slower treatment timelines and lack of convenience at other practices and go with an option that does better in these areas.
Increase Efficiency and Productivity
Taking advantage of new technologies also helps improve workflows at your practice. 3D printing is just one part of a larger digital landscape can improve efficiency and speed up timelines across a wide range of different treatments.
Streamlined workflows mean less chair time, making your practice more convenient for patients. That also means fewer staff resources committed to each case, allowing for more patients overall.
From high-resolution oral scans to digital treatment planning software, you can achieve a faster process without compromising on accuracy. For busy practices, being able to see more patients while maintaining the same high standard of care is the best way to sustain long-term growth.
Putting 3D Printing in Orthodontics to Work
Embracing 3D printing in orthodontics isn’t just another way to upgrade your practice’s tech. Instead, it can provide a solid foundation for an effective growth strategy. You can improve workflows and expand treatment options to improve the patient experience, save time for your team, and achieve long-term success for your practice.
The American Orthodontic Society provides a variety of options to build a solid foundation and keep your practice at the cutting edge of technology. Browse upcoming courses to discover the next opportunity for you and your team to learn the latest technologies in general dentistry and orthodontics.
To learn more about our popular orthodontics courses for pediatric and general dentists, check out one of the upcoming events below.
