13 Feb 2024

Dr Robbie Hughes at Showcase

Dr Robbie Hughes, CEO and principal dentist for Avant Garde Dentistry, has developed a keen interest in cutting-edge digital technology to optimise patient care. He will be speaking at 13:15 on 23rd March in the Clinical Theatre at BDIA Dental Showcase, where he will discuss “The Same Day Smile Sprint: No-Prep 3D Printed Veneers” in a session sponsored by SprintRay. Here he offers the most important initial steps for a clinician looking to introduce 3D printing and injection moulding into their practice.

When getting started, it is important to implement a structured workflow, following the proper training, to maximise efficiency and reproducibility. Chairside 3D printing has the potential to reduce chair time and internal costs – but only if planned and executed well. Practitioners should be sure to gain true knowledge of the investment they’re making and how it will modify and benefit their working day.

As when implementing any new technology, it’s necessary to be aware of the potential challenges of 3D printing in order to prepare for and overcome them. The following are the top three areas in which clinicians often come unstuck.

Correct planning is the first element to consider. It is essential that the planning phase of any treatment is carefully executed to ensure the fit process runs seamlessly as intended. Case selection is the second step in which clinicians may fall down.

As with any dental workflow, case selection plays a pivotal role in the success of same day 3D printed units. From single unit crowns and veneers, to full arch cases and injection mould stents, undergoing extensive training to avoid failures due to inappropriate case selection is essential.

Finally, finishing and polishing methods should be reviewed. Unlike alternative indirect restorative methods widely used within the profession, chairside printing requires chairside finishing and polishing. Undergoing training to complete this task with ease is paramount to maximising all the benefits of the process.

When you get it right, the benefits of 3D printing and injection moulding are exponential. The key focuses are reduction of chair time, lab costs and patient costs, as well as maximising the conservation of natural tooth tissue.

During my presentation I will outline the entire Same Day Sprint workflow, encompassing the planning and execution of same day 3D printed no-prep veneers. I hope attendees will walk away with a new found interest and understanding of one of the most technologically advanced workflows at the forefront of digital dentistry. If implemented correctly, this will catapult their careers into the future of cosmetic dentistry. I hope to see you all there.

After hearing from Robbie, why not visit SprintRay on stand E31 to see how the 3D printers could benefit your practice? BDIA Dental Showcase will host eight lecture theatres, each one presenting an array of industry-leading speakers and experts in their fields.

BDIA Dental Showcase 2024
22nd-23rd March
ExCeL London
https://dentalshowcase.com