Formlabs announced IBT Resin for the direct printing of indirect bonding trays to simplify orthodontic bracket placement.

3D printing has been used in orthodontics applications for more than a decade, beginning with the use of this technology for the production of clear aligner braces.

However, while clear aligners became popular, they have clinical limitations that make traditional orthodontic treatment with brackets a necessary option.

With the use of IBT Resin, however, 3D printed can be used to make indirect bonding trays bringing labor and cost savings to bracket placement procedures.

According to Formlabs, an indirect bonding tray (IBT) is a custom-made appliance that precisely matches each patient’s dentition and bracket prescription to place multiple brackets at once. The preparation and placement can be done in advance virtually, reducing the time it takes to make braces.

Formlabs IBT Resin offers good tear strength, translucency, and flexibility. Appliances printed in the resin are easier to use chairside. This Class I compliant resin was tested by Formlabs and industry experts.

With an intraoral scan and digital treatment plan, an orthodontist, technician, or assistant can generate the 3D model of an IBT in a few minutes in any of several orthodontic design software programs. This file, exported as an STL, can be imported directly into Formlabs’ PreForm software and prepared for printing.

After the part is printed, it needs to be post-processed, including washing in ≥96% isopropyl alcohol and post-curing. These steps can be automated with Form Wash and Form Cure. After curing, the IBT is complete, and can be cleaned, disinfected, and cared for with tools commonly found in orthodontic offices.

Formlabs
www.formlabs.com