{"id":163169,"date":"2021-04-15T10:47:50","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T02:47:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=163169"},"modified":"2021-04-15T10:47:50","modified_gmt":"2021-04-15T02:47:50","slug":"how-to-make-dental-models-from-3d-intraoral-scans-2","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/how-to-make-dental-models-from-3d-intraoral-scans-2","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Dental Models from 3D Intraoral Scans"},"content":{"rendered":"

Digital impressions are required for any case that will use 3D printed models, such as clear aligners, splints, Hawley retainers, or occlusal guards.<\/p>\n

Before you start 3D printing there\u2019s a simple but crucial step: You need to clean up the scanned impression and design a digital model that can be 3D printed.<\/p>\n

This guide will cover step by step how to use the free software Meshmixer to prepare a dental 3D intraoral scan for 3D printing.<\/p>\n

Intraoral Scans vs. Physical Impressions<\/h2>\n
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Digital dental models can be created either by scanning the patient directly with an intraoral scanner or using a desktop optical scanner to scan a traditional impression or model.<\/p>\n

An intraoral scanner is a handheld device that projects a light source on the scanned area, and its sensors then capture hundreds or thousands of images to create a three-dimensional digital model.<\/p>\n

To digitize a traditional physical impression, dental professionals send alginate or polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impressions to a dental lab that can scan it with a desktop optical scanner.<\/p>\n

Intraoral scanners are faster than traditional physical impressions, which can result in cost savings for a dental practice thanks to the reduced chair time. Intraoral scanning is also substantially more comfortable than regular impressions for the patient.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no need to ship the impression to a lab either, so practice can save time and costs by sending files digitally to a lab. A digital scan is also a prerequisite for in-house 3D printing for practices that want to save money by printing models in-house.<\/p>\n

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The Digital Workflow for Creating Dental Models<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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Traditionally, dental practices and labs have used stone modeling to create a physical model of a patient\u2019s dentition from the impression.<\/p>\n

3D printing is a faster, cheaper, cleaner, and simpler process. It is also practically the only way to create models from digital impressions and IOS scans. Dental practices and labs can store models as digital files instead of physical items. If needed, they can simply recreate the model using the digital file at any time.<\/p>\n

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The 3D printing workflow follows four simple steps: scan, design, print, and prepare.<\/p>\n

1. Scan:<\/strong> First, collect the desired images digitally using an intraoral scanner or by scanning a physical model or impression on a desktop scanner.<\/p>\n

2. Design:<\/strong> Next, import the scan data into CAD software, such as Meshmixer. Use the software to design, build, and clean the model as needed. This guide goes through the step-by-step process below.<\/p>\n

3. Print:<\/strong> After building the design, import the built model files into the appropriate print preparation software. Arrange the model files in the software and send them to the 3D printer.<\/p>\n

4. Prepare:<\/strong> Once the print finishes, wash, dry, and post-cure the printed parts. Once the models are ready, they can be used to create various appliances.<\/p>\n

This simplified 3D printing workflow is more efficient than creating stone models, which involves many more labor-intensive steps. It takes a shorter amount of time to complete an intraoral scan, clean the mesh on CAD software, and send it to a 3D printer than it does to cast a physical impression, prepare a stone mixture, and pour, clean, and trim a stone model.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Step By Step: Making Models from 3D Intraoral Scans with Meshmixer<\/h2>\n
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Meshmixer<\/a> is a powerful free software that can be used to clean 3D scans and prepare them for printing. Dental professionals can not only use Meshmixer to optimize the mesh but also resculpt entire sections, stylize the model, and add useful features.<\/p>\n

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The Basics<\/h3>\n
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Before we begin working on Meshmixer, it\u2019s important to understand the basics.<\/p>\n

The software has two menus: one on the left sidebar, and one along the top of the program. The left sidebar menu contains the tools to clean your mesh, while the top menu performs administrative tasks such as export and save.<\/p>\n

In many CAD programs, a 3D model is called a mesh. This is because the file data is stored as a network of interconnected points that form each surface. When this tutorial or Meshmixer refers to a mesh, that\u2019s your model.<\/p>\n

Here are a few tips and tricks for using Meshmixer:<\/p>\n