Formlabs recently introduced IBT Resin to simplify orthodontic bracket placement.
As part of the company’s comprehensive suite of 3D printing materials, IBT resin can be used for the direct 3D printing of indirect bonding trays (IBTs), saving time, money and effort, according to a company blog post.
An IBT is a custom appliance that matches each patient’s dentition and bracket prescription to place multiple brackets at once. Preparation and placement can be done in advance virtually, reducing patient chair time.
IBT Resin is said to offer optimized tear strength, translucency and flexibility. Appliances printed in the resin are also easy to use chairside for additional time and cost savings.
Formlabs and industry experts have “rigorously” tested the Class I compliant resin. Beta testers noted the material’s accuracy, printability and easy chairside use.
With an intraoral scan and digital treatment plan, a 3D model of an IBT can be generated in a few minutes via several different orthodontic design programs. The STL file can be imported directly into Formlabs’ PreForm software and prepared for printing.
Printing begins once the Formlabs SLA printer is configured with the resin cartridge, resin tank and build platform and the 3D file is uploaded to the computer via Wi-Fi, ethernet or USB cable. Users just push a button to get started and don’t need to do anything else until the print is complete.
Once printed, the part needs to be post processed, and those steps can be automated with Form Wash and Form Cure. The IBT is complete after it’s cured and can then be cleaned and disinfected.