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How We Mastered In-house Soft Tissue Production: A Lab Story
The evolution of dental 3D printing over the past decade has been remarkable. The industry has made tremendous strides from lengthy print times that consumed half a day for a single plate of models, to today's efficient solutions offering diverse materials and applications. Yet among these advances, one particular challenge remained stubborn: creating accurate and functional soft tissue replicas for implant models.
The Persistent Challenge
For years, dental laboratories faced a frustrating dilemma when producing implant models. The first hurdle was achieving reliable DIMs (Dental Implant Models) that fit consistently. Technicians often found themselves second-guessing the accuracy of implant positioning and questioning the contacts of corresponding restorations. The second, equally crucial challenge was replicating soft tissue that could properly shape the restoration and provide the clinician's requested tissue impingement.Existing solutions fell short - gingival materials were either too rigid to be functional or too inaccurate to be reliable. For many labs, including ours, this meant substantial annual outsourcing costs just for implant models. We needed a solution that would bring this critical capability in-house while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and functionality.
Finding the Foundation
Our journey toward a complete solution began with CURO Element Model BeigeElement Model Beige. Its deep beige color resonated with our technicians, making it easier to visualize definitions and margins. The material proved consistently accurate and user-friendly, quickly becoming our primary model resin. However, the challenge of soft tissue replication remained elusive.
Despite having access to multiple printer brands and various gingiva resins, we couldn't find a material that met all our needs. Some materials produced aesthetically pleasing results but were too rigid for practical use. More flexible alternatives often failed during printing or produced inaccurate fits, particularly in areas with thin walls or limited space.
The Game-Changing Solution
When CURO ProGingiva was introduced, it represented more than just another material option - it was a breakthrough in soft tissue replication. This innovative resin successfully addressed all our previous challenges, printing reliably even with thin walls, providing accurate fits, and most importantly, offering flexibility that genuinely mimics natural soft tissue.
The material's post-processing performance was equally impressive. Supports could be removed by hand before curing without risking distortion or tears in the print. This streamlined workflow enhanced our efficiency while maintaining the precision we demanded.
Transforming Laboratory Practice
Several months of using CURO ProGingiva alongside our Ackuretta SOL printer has completely transformed our implant model production. We now have complete confidence in our printed models and the restorations we create with life-like tissue in place. The solution has eliminated our outsourcing expenses while giving us greater control over quality and turnaround times.
Looking Forward
For laboratories still struggling with soft tissue replication or considering bringing implant model production in-house, CURO ProGingiva represents a significant advancement in digital dentistry. It's not just about eliminating outsourcing costs - it's about having complete confidence in your printed models and the restorations they help create.
The evolution of dental 3D printing continues, and with materials like CURO ProGingiva, we're seeing the future of digital dentistry unfold in our laboratories today. The ability to produce accurate, functional implant models entirely in-house isn't just convenient - it's transformative for our workflow, our business, and ultimately, patient care.
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Guest Author: Kelly Fincher, Lab Owner
This article features insights from Kelly Fincher, an experienced dental technician and laboratory owner with over a decade of experience in dental 3D printing. Kelly Fincher is the co-owner of Cosmetic Advantage Dental Laboratory in Lewisville TX alongside her husband, Jimmy Fincher.
