01 — General instructions
Hardware, resins,
software and evidence.
A guide to the digital dental workflow without overstated promises. The aim is to separate what is already established clinical use, what depends on material and protocol validation, and what still requires technical caution.
Premises
Open ≠ validated
An open system lowers cost, but demands parameters, calibration and traceability.
Scanner + CAD + CAM
The result depends on the whole chain, not on the printer alone.
Equipment philosophies and technologies
Before choosing a technology, it helps to understand the equipment's philosophy. Three scenarios coexist in the clinic and the laboratory: open system, validated or hybrid system, and closed system. The first usually costs less and offers more freedom; the second combines validated profiles with partial openness; the third prioritises process control, support and traceability, generally at a higher cost.
Open system
- Hardware: affordable, generally between R$ 1,800 and R$ 18,000, depending on build volume, stability, heating and local support.
- Freedom: accepts multiple 405 nm resins, provided the user calibrates exposure, supports, retraction and post-curing.
- Consumables: cheaper and more varied, including domestic and imported resins.
- Learning: a steeper curve. It requires controlling temperature, resin batch, cleaning, exposure times, orientation and supports.
- Examples: Elegoo, Anycubic, Phrozen, Creality, UniFormation, HeyGears/Consumer and some workflows with the Formlabs Form 4B in open-material mode.
Validated / hybrid system
- Hardware: mid to high range, approximately R$ 18,000 to R$ 80,000+.
- Profile: the brand supplies tested materials and parameters, but may allow third-party materials through a controlled library.
- Advantage: reduces trial and error without tying the professional completely to a single manufacturer.
- Caution: software validation does not replace clinical protocol, batch traceability and correct post-curing.
- Examples: Formlabs Form 4B, Asiga MAX 2/Ultra, Ackuretta SOL, and some laboratory workflows with certified profiles.
Closed system
- Hardware: high, frequently R$ 35,000 to R$ 120,000+ when it includes washing, curing, support and licences.
- Lock-in: tends to accept only its own, chipped or partner resins, with less parameter freedom.
- Consumables: a higher cost per litre or per part, but with more predictable support and protocols.
- Convenience: a workflow closer to plug and play, though still dependent on cleaning, curing, orientation and correct indication.
- Examples: SprintRay, Dentsply Sirona Primeprint, and some Straumann/DMG/Saremco packages validated by their ecosystem.
1.1FDM / FFF — fused filament
Uses a spool of plastic filament (PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU) melted by an extruder nozzle. It does not use light, but heat and mechanical movement. It has improved greatly in speed and automation, but it is still not the standard for dental parts requiring fine fit.
Hardware price: R$ 1,200 to R$ 12,000 (Creality Ender/K1, Bambu Lab A1/P1/X1, Prusa).
Caution: it barely serves precision dental prosthetics. It can be useful for prototypes, organisers, tray holders, teaching models and non-clinical auxiliary parts. For marginal fit, guides, occlusal devices and restorations, photopolymer resin remains far superior.
1.2SLA — laser stereolithography
The pioneering technology. A UV laser beam polymerises the resin point by point. It delivers a good surface and precision, but print time increases with the area to be drawn. It coexists today with MSLA/LCD and DLP in faster workflows.
Technical detail: smooth surface, good energy control, lower throughput on large batches.
Hardware price: open or older systems, R$ 8,000 to R$ 20,000; validated or closed systems, R$ 25,000 to R$ 70,000+.
1.3DLP — digital light processing
Uses a light projector with a DMD chip. The whole layer is cured at once, with pixels projected in a stable manner. It is common in professional dental printers and in systems with greater process control.
Technical detail: good speed, high repeatability and less dependence of layer time on part size.
Hardware price: open or consumer systems, R$ 3,500 to R$ 9,000 (Anycubic Photon Ultra/D2); professional systems, R$ 25,000 to R$ 120,000+ (SprintRay Pro 2, Asiga, Dentsply Sirona Primeprint).
1.4MSLA / LCD — masked SLA
Uses a monochrome LCD screen that masks a matrix of UV LEDs. It cures the whole layer at once. This is the technology that popularised the low-cost open workflow in dentistry, especially for models, guides, occlusal devices and clinical prototyping.
Technical detail: excellent value. 8K, 12K and 14K resolutions exist, but “K” alone does not guarantee fit: light uniformity, Z-axis stability, thermal control and the resin profile are decisive.
Hardware price: R$ 1,800 to R$ 12,000 (Mars 5 Ultra, Saturn 4 Ultra, Phrozen Mighty/Revo, Anycubic M7/M5, UniFormation GKtwo).
1.5LFD — Low Force Display (Formlabs)
Proprietary LCD-masked photopolymerisation architecture used by Formlabs Form 4/4B. It combines illumination, optics and layer release. SprintRay Pro 2 and Asiga use DLP and should not be classified as LFD.
1.6DPS — Digital Press Stereolithography
SprintRay Midas combines pressurised capsules and patterned exposure to print highly viscous photopolymer composites. It is a proprietary process with specific materials and post-processing.
1.7PolyJet — photopolymer jetting
Printheads deposit material and support droplets, with layerwise UV curing. Material and colour combinations depend on the printer. J5 DentaJet with TrueDent is one example of a monolithic denture workflow.
The ranges on this site are approximate for the Brazilian market in 2026. Distributor, exchange rate, taxes, warranty, wash-and-cure bundles, training, licensing and support can change the final figure considerably. For a purchase, request a formal quotation and confirm that the intended indication is validated, both technically and in regulatory terms, for the chosen material.
Resolution, calibration and process variables
Speed and quality depend not only on the machine, but on fluid physics, the equipment's optics, mechanical stability and correct parameterisation for each resin.
- XY resolution and Z axis
-
XY resolution (pixel): the size of the smallest point of light. On modern 8K to 14K
printers it ranges roughly from 16 to 35 µm, depending on screen area. A smaller pixel helps, but does not
replace good optics.
Z resolution (layer): defines the print slice. The common dental standard is 50 µm (0.05 mm). Layers of 100 µm speed up simple models; layers of 25 µm greatly increase time and do not always deliver a proportional clinical gain. - Light spectrum
- Most MSLA/LCD printers operate at 405 nm. Professional systems may also use 385 nm, useful for certain photoinitiators and biocompatible materials. The resin must be compatible with the wavelength and with the actual energy of the equipment.
- Flow dynamics
- Motion: speeds and separation must match the material profile and printer mechanics.
Rest Time: an independent wait. Light-off Delay: CHITUBOX’s legacy mode includes lift, wait and retract; firmware interpretation can vary. CHITUBOX Docs - Essential calibration
- Every resin has an exposure window. On open equipment, the time can range from about 1.5 s to more than 4 s, depending on power, layer height, colour, temperature and batch. Under-exposure: failures, loose supports, delamination and incomplete detail. Over-exposure: the part swells, loses fit and rounds off fine margins. Use calibration tests and validate on a real part, not only on a visual benchmark.
- Resin temperature
- Filled dental resins become more viscous on cold days. Printing in a controlled environment, often between 25 °C and 35–40 °C, improves flow but may require a new exposure time. Temperature without recalibration can produce dimensional error.
- Orientation and supports
- Orientation is not aesthetics; it is biomechanics and dimension. It affects peel force, layer lines, resin accumulation, internal fit, strength and time. Insufficient support saves resin but loses the part. Excessive support increases post-processing and marks critical areas.
Resins by clinical application
Prices and yields vary with manufacturer, packaging, regulatory indication, importation and workflow waste. The values below reflect dental resins used in real workflows, including domestic, imported, premium and closed-system materials.
| Application | Examples | Price range | Estimated yield | Realistic comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Models Working, study, aligners |
Cosmos Model, PriZma Model, Yller Model, Anycubic Dental Model, Phrozen Dental Model, Formlabs Model | R$ 130–700 1 kg/L or cartridge |
~20 to 35 hollow arches | The most predictable application. The biggest error usually comes from orientation, base, aggressive washing or an unnecessarily solid model. |
| Surgical guides Implant / gingiva |
PriZma Bio Guide, Yller Guide, NextDent SG, Formlabs Surgical Guide, SprintRay Surgical Guide, KeyGuide | R$ 700–2,300 500 g to 1 kg |
~12 to 28 guides per kg | Requires biocompatibility, the sterilisation protocol indicated by the manufacturer and dimensional control of the sleeves. |
| Provisional crowns Mock-ups, temporary veneers |
Cosmos Temp, dima Print C&B, Smart Print Bio, NextDent C&B MFH, SprintRay Crown, Formlabs Temporary CB | R$ 300–1,400 250 g to 1 kg |
~120 to 250 single crowns | Good for provisionals and mock-ups, but finishing, polishing, minimum thickness and cementation remain decisive. |
| Long-term crowns Ceramic-filled / hybrid |
Voxelprint Ceramic, BEGO VarseoSmile Crown Plus, Graphy CrownTec, Rodin Sculpture, Formlabs Permanent Crown, SprintRay Ceramic Crown | R$ 1,500–4,500 250 g to 1 kg |
~60 to 160 single crowns | The most sensitive indication. It requires respecting thickness, post-cure, polishing, characterisation, batch records and printer compatibility. |
| Complete and removable prostheses Base and teeth |
Cosmos Denture, Yller Denture, Kulzer dima, NextDent Denture 3D+, Formlabs Denture Base/Teeth, Lucitone Digital Print | R$ 700–2,800 250 g to 1 kg |
~6 to 14 complete bases per kg | A promising workflow, but it requires control of basal fit, base-to-tooth bonding, finishing and a characterisation protocol. |
| Occlusal devices Protection and occlusal control |
PriZma Bio Splint, KeySplint Soft, Formlabs Dental LT Comfort, SprintRay NightGuard Flex/Firm, BEGO Splint E, NextDent Ortho Rigid | R$ 800–3,200 500 g to 1 kg |
~12 to 30 devices | Comfort, wear, water sorption and stability depend heavily on the material. Not every occlusal-device material behaves the same in the long term. |
| Aligners Direct print |
Graphy TC-85, shape-memory aligners, thermo-active direct-print materials | R$ 2,000–5,500 500 g to 1 kg |
Variable; depends on arch and thickness | An innovative area, but still more restricted in availability, regulatory indication, training and clinical validation than thermoformed aligners. |
| Artificial gingiva Implant models |
Flexible gingival resins from Formlabs, NextDent, Asiga, SprintRay and equivalents | R$ 600–2,000 500 g to 1 kg |
High; small parts | Useful for implant and emergence models, but it does not replace validation of the analogue, the interface and torque on the model. |
1. Shaking is mandatory. Dental resins, especially long-term and provisional materials, may contain ceramic or inorganic fillers that settle at the bottom of the bottle. Without vigorous shaking before use, you print a less filled fraction of the material, with poorer mechanical and dimensional behaviour.
2. Do not leave it in the vat. Unlike ordinary resins, many biocompatible materials settle quickly. At the end of the day, filter the resin and return it to the original bottle, protected from light. Leaving it in the vat creates sediment at the bottom, changes local viscosity and can block or scatter light on the next print.
3. Shelf life and batch. Record batch, expiry, time in use and the number of sterilisation cycles where applicable. In dentistry, traceability is not bureaucracy: it is part of risk control.
Technical and clinical literature
The literature supports the use of 3D printing in several applications, but with a consistent message: performance depends on technology, material, orientation, washing, post-curing, ageing and indication. 3D printing is not automatically superior to milling or to the conventional method; it is a tool with advantages and limitations.
- Model accuracy
- Recent reviews and studies show that models printed by SLA, DLP or LCD can
reach clinically acceptable accuracy for many purposes, but the result varies with printer, resin,
orientation and post-processing. The realistic description is “usable when validated”, not
“always better”.
3D printed full-arch versus digital reference dental models · Accuracy of 3-Dimensionally Printed Full-Arch Dental Models - Low-cost printers
- Affordable equipment can produce useful models, but should not be treated
as equivalent to professional systems across all indications. Low cost demands stricter local validation
and does not remove the need for process control.
An Evaluation of the Performance of Low-Cost Resin Printers - Marginal fit of provisionals
- Comparative studies indicate that printed provisional
restorations can achieve fit similar to or better than subtractive techniques in certain scenarios. The
result depends on the material, the design, the thickness and the post-printing protocol.
Marginal fit of milled versus different 3D-printed materials - Post-curing and mechanical properties
- Post-curing influences degree of conversion,
microhardness, colour stability and biological safety. More time or more heat does not always mean a better
result; the protocol should follow the manufacturer's indication and, where possible, independent
evidence.
Effects of post-curing conditions on degree of conversion, microhardness, and stainability - Printed occlusal devices
- 3D printing simplifies the production of occlusal devices, but the
literature still points to a need for greater control over durability, mechanical properties and behaviour
in prolonged use.
Narrative review on 3D-printed occlusal devices · Effect of storage on mechanical properties - Medical models and SLA/SLS technologies
- A general reference on additive manufacturing and
dimensional accuracy in models. It should be read as broad technical support, not as isolated validation of
every dental indication.
Dimensional Accuracy in 3D Printed Medical Models
Post-processing
A poor post-processing workflow destroys a perfect print. With biocompatible materials, post-processing stops being finishing and becomes part of the part's clinical performance.
Washing
The aim is to remove liquid resin without saturating the part.
- Solvent: solvent, concentration and duration specified in the instructions for use. Do not substitute concentrations or extend washing without checking the material protocol.
- Method: a tank with an agitator, gentle ultrasound, controlled brushing or a two-bath protocol. Avoid cross-contamination between ordinary and biocompatible resin.
- Time: generally 2 to 5 min, but it varies. Long baths can weaken, crack, cloud or alter the fit.
Drying and supports
Never cure a part that is wet, glossy or holding solvent.
- Drying: clean compressed air is useful before curing to remove alcohol and residual resin from cavities, guides and internal surfaces.
- Support removal: ideally before the final cure, where the manufacturer allows, because the resin is less rigid and chips less. On restorations, protect margins and fit areas.
- Inspection: check for bubbles, loose layers, supports in critical areas and distortion before moving on.
Post-curing
Light, time, heat and optical access define conversion and stability.
- Improvised chambers (not recommended for clinical parts): R$ 300 to R$ 900. Nail lamps or LED strips produce heterogeneous curing and do not guarantee biocompatibility.
- Entry-level chambers: R$ 1,000 to R$ 4,000. They can serve for models and prototypes, but must be compatible with the clinical resin.
- Professional chambers: R$ 4,000 to R$ 25,000+. Control of time, intensity, rotation, atmosphere or temperature improves standardisation.
Support list — pharmacy, supermarket and bench
- Disposable nitrile gloves
- Protective mask for organic vapours
- Safety goggles
- Solvent at the concentration specified in the resin IFU
- Spray bottle with clean alcohol
- Neutral detergent for the final clean where indicated
- Plastic container for the pre-bath
- Soft-bristle toothbrush
- Microbrush for cavities and guides
- Lint-free gauze
- Cuticle nipper or support nipper
- Precision scalpel
- Roll of PVC film to protect the LCD and the bench
- Paper or mesh filter for resin
- Silicone or metal funnel
- Labels for batch, date and resin use
- Container for contaminated waste
- Callipers or a simple gauge for checking
Temperature control
Temperature is not a trick; it is a process variable. It alters viscosity, molecular mobility, polymerisation speed, shrinkage stress and degree of conversion. Thermal control can improve predictability, but it must be combined with calibration of exposure time and the indicated post-cure.
During printing — up to ~40 °C
- Heats the resin inside the printer, where the machine or enclosure allows stable control.
- Reduces viscosity, easing flow between layers and lowering the risk of delamination.
- Can accelerate the reaction and allow shorter times, but this requires recalibration.
- Increases the success rate on cold days and with heavily filled resins.
During post-curing — up to ~60 °C or the manufacturer's protocol
- Heats the curing chamber and favours the mobility of radicals and residual monomers.
- Can increase degree of conversion and mechanical stability, but excess heat can distort or yellow some materials.
- For clinical parts, follow the resin's specific protocol. More curing is not automatically a better part.
Intraoral scanners
Having a printer without a scanner, or without consistent access to digital files, underuses the workflow. The scanner replaces the physical impression in many indications and delivers STL, PLY, OBJ or proprietary files for CAD, planning and printing. Even so, scan quality depends on strategy, retraction, moisture control, a visible margin, the software and the computer's hardware.
| Brand | Line | Note | Estimated range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medit | i600 / i700 / i700 Wireless / i900 / i900M | A strong line in value and software. Medit Link stands out for not requiring a mandatory subscription in many configurations. The i900 and i900M focus on ergonomics, mobility and simpler integration. A good option for a clinic seeking an open workflow and laboratory integration. | R$ 45,000–110,000 |
| 3Shape | TRIOS 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 | A mature ecosystem, with strong laboratory integration and 3Shape Unite. TRIOS 5 is a reference in ergonomics and hygiene; TRIOS 6 adds diagnostic features and a further software layer. Assess subscription, app package and support cost. | R$ 80,000–180,000+ |
| iTero | Element 5D Plus / Lumina | Very strong in orthodontics and Invisalign. The 5D introduced NIRI; Lumina widened the field of view and improved visual quality for communication and restorative and orthodontic workflows. The real value depends on the Align/Invisalign package and the contract. | R$ 100,000–220,000+ |
| Dentsply Sirona | Primescan / Primescan 2 | Known for speed, good arch acquisition and integration with CEREC and DS Core. Primescan 2 moves towards a cloud-native workflow and greater mobility. It makes sense when the practice uses the Sirona ecosystem. | R$ 150,000–280,000+ |
| Shining 3D | Aoralscan 3 / Aoralscan Elite Wireless | A competitively priced line. The Aoralscan Elite adds intraoral photogrammetry for All-on-X cases, which reduces the need for separate equipment in some workflows. Confirm indications and laboratory integration. | R$ 45,000–140,000 |
| Straumann | Virtuo Vivo | A pen-grip scanner associated with the Straumann/ClearCorrect workflow. It may suit clinics focused on implants and aligners within that ecosystem. Assess availability, support and integration in Brazil. | R$ 55,000–120,000 |
| Carestream | CS 3700 / CS 3800 | Options with a history in imaging and the CS ScanFlow software. They can serve orthodontics, prosthetics and guides, but require analysis of local support and integration. Check whether the model is current with the distributor. | R$ 70,000–150,000 |
| Alliedstar / Panda | AS 200E / AS 260 / Sensa / Panda P3 | Brands competing in the entry and mid-range segments, frequently at aggressive prices. They can be useful for digitising a practice, provided support, warranty and export quality are properly assessed. Run a clinical test before buying. | R$ 35,000–90,000 |
Scanners require high-performance computers. The scanner is normally sold bundled with a suitable laptop, or it requires compatible GPU, CPU, RAM, USB-C/Thunderbolt and power. Check the official requirements before buying. On laptops, prefer a dedicated GPU, good cooling and the correct ports; a poor USB-C adapter can render an excellent scanner unusable.
Benchtop scanners
Intraoral scanners solve the clinical input. Benchtop scanners remain relevant for models, articulators, wax-ups, complete dentures, implant models with scan bodies and laboratory checking. In many laboratories, the most stable workflow combines an intraoral scanner for the clinic and a benchtop scanner for control and prosthetic design.
3Shape E series / F8
Robust laboratory scanners with strong integration into Dental System. Suited to laboratories with high volume and multiple prosthetic indications.
Medit T-Series
T310, T510 and T710 are common in laboratories with an open workflow. A good balance of price, speed and export to various CAD packages.
Shining 3D AutoScan
A broad line, from entry level to laboratory, with a good presence in open workflows. Useful for models, articulators and prosthetic work.
DOF / imes-icore / Zirkonzahn
Laboratory options that tend to appear in more specialised prosthetic workflows. The choice should consider software, library, support and type of production.
CAD/CAM, DICOM and auxiliary modelling
Between scanning, tomography, planning and printing there are different software layers. CAD designs occlusal devices, crowns, guides, models, wax-ups and prostheses. DICOM/CBCT viewers analyse tomography, segment structures, register STL/PLY files and support anatomical planning. The right choice depends on the main indication.
9.1Dental CAD/CAM and part design
A category aimed at designing restorations, models, occlusal devices, guides, wax-ups, prostheses and production workflows.
- Exocad DentalCAD 3.3 Chemnitz
- One of the most complete CAD packages for laboratories and advanced clinics. Modular, broad and widely used for crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, veneers, provisionals, removables, models, bars, implants and libraries. Licensed through a reseller, with modules and an update contract. Excellent for those doing volume or complex work; overkill for someone who only wants to print simple models.Indicated forlaboratory, high-volume clinic and biocompatible applications with a traceable protocol.
- Exocad ChairsideCAD
- A chairside-oriented version. It focuses on same-day restorations and integration with mills and printers.Indicated fordigital restorative practice, single crowns, inlays/onlays and provisionals.
- Exoplan
- Software from the exocad family focused on implant planning and surgical guide design. Its value lies in the integration of DICOM, STL, implant and sleeve libraries, and reverse prosthetic design.Indicated forguided surgery, reverse planning, edentulous cases and integration with up-to-date libraries.
- 3Shape Dental System 2025
- A robust laboratory CAD integrated with TRIOS and 3Shape Unite. Strong in prosthetics, automation and the laboratory-clinic workflow. Licence, module and support costs can be significant.Indicated forstructured laboratories, TRIOS workflow and prosthetic production with a trained team.
- 3Shape Unite / Implant Studio / Splint Studio
- A clinical ecosystem with apps for planning, communication, implants, occlusal devices and laboratory integration. Useful when the practice uses TRIOS and wants to reduce operational friction.Indicated forpractices with a 3Shape scanner, integrated planning and digital communication.
- inLab CAD / CEREC Software
- Software from the Dentsply Sirona ecosystem. Robust for restorations, prostheses and integration with Primescan, Primemill, Primeprint and DS Core.Indicated forclinics or laboratories already invested in the Sirona environment.
- BlueSkyPlan
- Widely used for guided surgery and orthodontics. It allows free planning and charges for certain export types, especially guides. A strong option for starting in implants without a heavy initial licence, but it requires anatomical command and verification of the guide.Licensingfree for general use, with charges on specific exports. Requires anatomical judgement and careful checking of the guide.
- coDiagnostiX / DTX Studio Implant
- Implant planning software with a strong presence in guided workflows. They fit contexts involving tomography, libraries, reverse planning and guide production.Indicated forguided implant dentistry needing stronger support, libraries and documentation.
9.2DICOM/CBCT visualisation, segmentation and diagnosis
These programs do not replace prosthetic CAD. They serve to analyse tomography, produce multiplanar reconstructions, register STL/PLY with DICOM, segment anatomical structures, plan implants, surgery and orthodontics, and document cases.
- Dolphin Imaging / Dolphin 3D
- A classic package in orthodontics, cephalometry, orthognathic planning, facial simulation, documentation and 3D/CBCT analysis. Strong for diagnosis, communication and interdisciplinary planning, not for prosthetic CAD design.Indicated fororthodontics, orthognathic surgery, cephalometrics, facial planning, airway assessment and clinical documentation.
- OnDemand3D
- A CBCT/DICOM viewer and analysis platform with multiplanar reconstructions, implant planning, TMJ assessment, airway analysis, mandibular canals, reports and integration with STL files.Indicated forclinical CBCT analysis, implant dentistry, radiological documentation and planning with DICOM + STL.
- 3D Slicer / SlicerDental
- A free, open platform for DICOM visualisation, segmentation, image registration, 3D models and research. Very powerful, but it requires training; it is not a plug-and-play dental solution.Indicated forresearch, anatomical segmentation, advanced planning, DICOM/STL integration and academic workflows.
- ITK-SNAP
- Free software focused on segmenting anatomical structures in medical images. Useful for creating masks and volumes from CBCT, CT or MRI, but it was not designed as a complete dental package.Indicated forsegmentation, research, anatomy, volume validation and auxiliary model export.
- Invivo / Anatomage
- A well-known solution for 3D dental and maxillofacial analysis, with features for CBCT, implants, airways, orthodontics, surgery and visual communication with the patient.Indicated forimaging centres, orthodontics, implant dentistry, surgery and interdisciplinary planning.
- Romexis / CS 3D Imaging / Ez3D-i
- Viewers tied to CBCT manufacturers such as Planmeca, Carestream and Vatech. They are usually a practice's first contact with DICOM, reconstructions, reports and anatomical measurements.Indicated forday-to-day use with the practice's own CBCT unit: reports, measurements, reconstructions and basic communication.
- RadiAnt / Horos / OsiriX
- General DICOM viewers, useful for opening, checking and navigating scans. Good for inspection and documentation, but they should not be treated as complete packages for CAD, surgical guides or advanced planning. Horos and OsiriX are more common on macOS.Indicated forreading and checking DICOM studies, triage, teaching and communication. Horos and OsiriX are more common on macOS.
- Materialise Mimics / Simpleware
- Advanced solutions for segmentation, biomedical engineering and 3D planning. More expensive and more common in research, hospitals, industry and custom cases than in general practices.Indicated forcomplex segmentation, biomodels, advanced surgical planning, research and development.
9.3Auxiliary modelling, orthodontics and STL meshes
Tools useful for adjustments, bases, repairs, set-ups and model manipulation. Some are dental; others are general tools adapted to the digital workflow.
- Blender for Dental
- Paid modules on top of Blender, which is free software. Low cost and great flexibility, but it requires a learning curve and should not be sold as a universal replacement for professional dental CAD.Indicated formodels, occlusal devices, adjustments, open workflows and clinicians willing to learn 3D modelling.
- Meshmixer / Blender / Netfabb
- Mesh tools for cutting, bases, repairs, booleans and adjustments. Meshmixer is legacy software and still used, but it is not a complete dental CAD. Blender and Netfabb are broader.Indicated forSTL preparation, mesh repair, model trimming and auxiliary support work.
- Nemotec / NemoStudio
- A reference in orthodontic planning, orthognathic surgery, facial analysis, airway analysis and multimodal integration. More useful in orthodontic and surgical centres than in basic prosthetics.Indicated fororthodontics, orthognathic cases, facial planning and image-integrated treatment.
- Archform / SureSmile / Maestro / OnyxCeph
- Digital orthodontic software for set-up, aligner planning and analysis. They range from closed platforms with an associated service to more flexible solutions for clinics and laboratories.Indicated foraligners, orthodontic set-up, tooth-movement planning and documentation.
Each package has specific requirements for processor, RAM and graphics card. It is essential to consult each developer's official specification before buying a computer, since CAD, DICOM segmentation, aligner and rendering software demand high graphics performance. On Windows, prioritise a recent CPU, 32 GB of RAM where possible, an NVMe SSD and a dedicated NVIDIA GPU for complex CAD/CBCT workflows.
Choosing by usage profile
Reasonable combinations, and what to avoid, at each stage of digital maturity.
| Profile | Reasonable combination | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Entry and learning | A scanner with good STL/PLY export + an open MSLA printer + model resin + mesh and model software. | Starting with a long-term crown, a surgical guide or a clinical occlusal device without validation. |
| Restorative practice | A reliable scanner + restorative CAD + a printer validated for provisionals and models, or a mill for ceramics. | Promising a long-term printed restoration without command of thickness, polishing, post-curing and the material's indication. |
| Guided implant dentistry | CBCT + intraoral scanner + planning software + biocompatible guide resin + sleeve and sterilisation control. | Using a guide without checking seating, offset, stability and its relationship with critical anatomy. |
| Orthodontics and aligners | A fast scanner + set-up software + accurate printed models or an aligner platform. | Confusing a good-looking model with biologically planned orthodontic movement. |
| Advanced laboratory | A benchtop scanner + full CAD + a validated high-throughput printer + professional post-curing + traceability. | Economising on post-processing and losing dimensional and mechanical consistency. |
Educational content. The choice of equipment, materials and software must take into account regulatory registration, the manufacturer's instructions, workflow validation, training, maintenance and the clinical responsibility of the dentist and the laboratory.