ICYMI
This past November, Dr. Riolo and I teamed up with FormLabs to co-host a live webinar discussing in-office digital workflow and how 3D printing has changed the way we practice. We dove into the many benefits of in-house aligners like increased control over movement parameters, choices of aligner material and software, control of production and time to delivery, and the ability to coordinate hybrid treatment.
FormLabs’ blog post from the event outlines these benefits as well as some considerations to take when switching from analog to digital. Here’s what we had to say:
From Analog to Digital
Dr. Christopher Riolo and Cali Kaltschmidt reviewed seven considerations when getting ready to implement digital workflows. Dr. Riolo stressed that the printer is not the focal point of the process. The best printer is one that disappears into the background of your daily work.
Seven key considerations when switching to a digital workflow in orthodontics:
Different material requirements
Different systems employed by the staff
Additional software
Additional hardware/equipment
Training demands
Opportunities to add value to the care you offer your patients
Opportunities to streamline and improve office systems
Dr. Riolo elaborated on each of these considerations. At his practice, every staff member is trained on scanning, editing STL files, and printing. Even if your practice employs a single technician that is a digital workflows expert, there needs to be a tailored system in place to make sure every step in the process is followed. “
Check out the full video using this link: 3D Printing for Orthodontists: Don’t Get Stuck in the Stone Age
We’re planning another live webinar with FormLabs and the American Dental Association at the end of the month! Stay tuned :)