3D Printing for Dental and Orthodontic Labs
Where FDM fits in dental workflow
- Study models for treatment planning
- Prototypes of removable appliances before final resin print
- Surgical training aids and anatomy models
- Lab fixtures, jigs, custom tool handles
- Storage trays for impression materials
- Patient education models
Material picks
- White PLA: study models, anatomy demos, presentation pieces
- Matte white PLA: low-glare models for photography and review
- PETG: functional lab tools, sterilisable to a degree
- PCTG: clearer than PETG for visible appliance prototypes
- Pink PLA: gum-tissue colour in anatomy and orthodontic models
What FDM cannot do
FDM is not the right process for parts that touch the patient's mouth, aligners, surgical guides, crown copings. Those require biocompatible resin and verified post-processing. Use FDM for the lab side of the workflow, resin for the patient-touching parts.
Print settings for dental models
- Layer height 0.1 mm for visible detail
- 100 percent infill for solid feel and rigidity
- Slower print (30 to 50 mm/s) for cleanest surface
- Cool below ambient before removing from bed