Bant Dental has installed a multi-material 3D printer to manufacture dentures, surgical guides and models.
The UK-based dental lab has invested in a Stratasys J5 DentaJet at its new ‘state-of-the-art’ facility in Beech Lane, Macclesfield. The company, founded by husband-and-wife team Steve and Susan Bant, is now said to be ‘95% digital’ and reports a ‘major surge’ in business after integrating additive manufacturing into its workflow.
The J5 DentaJet system allows dental professionals to load mixed trays of dental parts and is capable of handling up to five different materials. Multiple components can be printed in a single run, with dentures produced with realistic depth and translucency, removing labour-intensive steps and reducing potential errors. According to Bant Dental, the volume of output the company is now able to generate would have required three times the number of staff for analogue processes.
“Initially, the J5 DentaJet could produce models, implant models, guides and special trays, and this made us a lot more efficient as a business,” said Steve Bant. “Then SYS Systems received approval for its groundbreaking TrueDent CE-marked resin in the UK, and this opened up a whole new range of possibilities, including 3D printing full-colour monolithic dentures.
“The ability to print in colour is next level. You can alter the colour of the gingiva, you can give it depth, and you can add translucency on the tips of the teeth. They’ve actually got real depth and, importantly, look fantastic.”
Stratasys reseller SYS Systems supplied and installed the J5 DentaJet machine, while also providing technical guidance and assistance as Bant Dental stood up the 3D printing capability.
Chris Fulton, Managing Director of SYS Systems, added: “Embracing digital dentistry has been a game-changer for Bant Dental and helped it set the foundations for the next thirty-five years in business. The family-run company is a great example of how our revolutionary 3D printing technology isn’t just for the big laboratories but can be deployed to offer real quality and efficiency savings for fast-growing, innovative labs too.”
