User:Anpa9/History of dental treatments

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20th and 21st century advancements in 3D printing and applications in Dentistry.

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 3D Printing 

There have been significant advances in the field of dentistry within the past 50 years due to the use and development of 3D printing and imaging. These innovations include Stereolithography, and Digital Light Processing.

 Stereolithography 

The Stereolithography (SLA) technique was developed by Charles Hull and patented in 1986. The technology was originally developed for manufacturing use, and has been applied to a multitude of fields. Common applications for this technology in dentistry include but are not limited to modeling, temporary prosthetics, retainers, aligners, and orthodontic models.

 SLA Technology and Printing Technique  An Ultraviolet laser is used to cure a liquid polymer resin into layers. This liquid polymer is then held in a container as the laser polymerizes the layers of resin. This process is repeated layer by layer, and the finished product is refined and hardened in an UV oven or a solvent bath.

 Digital Light Processing 

Digital Light Processing (DLP) was created shortly after SLA technology in 1987, at Texas Instruments Company. The SLA and DLP methods are very similar, but the DLP method has a couple key process characteristics that differ. Applications of this technology include custom dental molds and models, as well as custom fit medical equipment.

 DLP Technology and Printing Technique 

DLP utilizes 3D printing machines that accept CAD files and .STL files. The process starts with the build platform being lowered into a vat of liquid resin. A digital light source is then used to harden each layer. The light source cures the resin, and the layers build on top of each other until they are eventually removed from the printer. The resin that is typically used is thermosetting resin, which is cured when exposed to a light source. DLP printers are efficient in that each coordinate in a layer is cured at the simultaneously.

Recent Dental Advancements with the Use of 3D Printing Technology

Within the past 20 years 3D printing technology has been used to revolutionize dental treatments. Recently, toothbuds have been 3D printed that resemble real teeth. Other applications are as follows: dental modeling, digital orthodontics, medical modeling, drilling and cutting guides, and partial denture frameworks.