The world of dentistry is changing—and changing fast. In the past, dental clinics relied on messy impressions and fragile plaster models that took days to produce. Today, thanks to advanced 3D modeling for 3D printing, dental professionals can create highly accurate, durable, and reusable models using a 3D printer. These 3D printed models are transforming how dentists diagnose, plan, and treat patients, making care faster, more personalized, and much more precise.
Whether you’re preparing for a complex surgical procedure or simply want to present treatment options clearly to your patients, a 3D printed dental model can help. These models aren’t just useful—they’re becoming essential in modern dental workflows. In this article, we’ll walk you through what 3D printed dental models are, how they work, why they’re better than traditional ones, and how BioDent Laboratory can help your clinic get the most out of this digital innovation.
What Is a 3D Printed Dental Model?
A 3D printed dental model is a physical representation of a patient’s mouth, teeth, or jaw structure, created using a digital scan and produced with a 3D printer. Unlike traditional gypsum models that are fragile and time-consuming to make, 3D models are fast, accurate, and highly durable.
Using 3D modeling for 3D printing, dental labs create exact replicas based on intraoral scans. These models are made with advanced materials like biocompatible resins and can achieve incredible precision—up to 50 microns!
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 3D printing in dentistry enhances accuracy and reduces errors, especially in complex treatments.
3D printed dental models are a modern alternative to traditional stone models, offering more accuracy, better materials, and a faster turnaround. They’re already becoming the new standard in clinics that value speed and precision. If your practice hasn’t switched to digital yet—this might be the time.
How Dentists Actually Use 3D Printed Models (And Why They’re So Handy)
Alright, let me break it down for you like I would to a friend over coffee. These 3D printed dental models aren’t just some fancy new tech gadget—they’re super practical and can make a real difference in your daily work at the clinic.
Here’s how dentists are using them:
- For diagnosis: You can use these models to really study a patient’s bite, tooth alignment, or spot anything unusual. It’s like having a zoomed-in, physical version of what’s going on in their mouth.
- For surgery planning: If you’re placing implants, for example, a 3D printed surgical guide is a game-changer. It helps you plan exactly where everything should go, down to the millimeter. So it’s not just more precise—it’s also safer for the patient.
- For orthodontics: These models make it easier to design braces or clear aligners. You can test things out, make adjustments, and really see how the teeth will move over time. Super helpful for both you and the patient.
- For showing patients their future smile: Let’s say someone’s getting a crown or a full set of veneers—you can print out a model that shows what the final result will look like. People love this because they can see what they’re investing in.
- For explaining complex stuff: Instead of just waving your hands and showing X-rays, you can hand them a model of their actual mouth. It makes everything click for them way faster, and it builds trust.
And the cool part? Every single model is custom-made based on the patient’s real scan. No guessing, no “close enough” stuff—just accurate, personalized tools that save time and help you do better work.
So whether you’re doing surgery, straightening teeth, or just trying to explain a treatment plan in plain English, these models are like your right hand. Once you start using them, it’s honestly hard to go back to the old way.
Why 3D Printed Models Just Make Sense (Seriously, They’re That Good)
Okay, let’s be real—switching to 3D printed models isn’t just about keeping up with tech trends. There are some very real reasons why more and more dental clinics are going digital. Here’s why it makes so much sense:
- Crazy Accurate:
These models are super precise—like, down to 50 microns. That means when you’re making crowns, aligners, or surgical guides, they fit better right from the start. Less adjusting, less grinding, and fewer remakes. Basically, it saves you (and your patients) a lot of hassle. - Speed You Can Count On:
Remember when you had to wait days for plaster models to be ready? That’s over. With a digital scan and a 3D printer, you can have a model ready in just a day or two. So if you’re on a tight schedule—or have an anxious patient waiting for their next step—this speed really makes a difference. - Easy to Reprint:
Let’s say you lose a model or the dog eats it (it happens!). No big deal. The original file is saved digitally, so you just hit “print” again and boom—new model. No need to take another impression or start from scratch. - Saves Time and Money:
You’re not dealing with messy impressions, you don’t have to ship anything back and forth, and you’re not wasting time on models that need fixing. Everything runs smoother, and that means fewer delays and more happy patients. - No More Stacks of Plaster:
Forget those shelves full of dusty stone models. Everything’s saved in your system. It’s clean, organized, and way easier to manage. You only print what you need, when you need it.
And here’s something patients will love too: digital models are more comfortable for them. No more gagging on goopy trays. Just a quick scan, and you’re done. Faster, cleaner, and way less awkward.
So yeah—3D printed models don’t just make your job easier. They also make the whole experience better for your patients. And when they’re happy, they keep coming back.
How We Do 3D Printing at BioDent (Step by Step, No Secrets)
Let me walk you through exactly how we do things at BioDent. We’ve fine-tuned our 3D printing process to make sure every model we send out is spot-on. It’s a smooth, fully digital workflow that keeps things fast, clean, and reliable—from start to finish.
Here’s how it goes:
- We Start With a Digital Scan
No more uncomfortable, gooey impression trays. We work with high-quality intraoral scans that give us a super accurate image of the patient’s mouth. Whether you scan in-house or send it to us, this is where the magic starts. It’s faster, cleaner, and way more pleasant for everyone involved. - Our Tech Team Builds the Model
Once we have the scan, our CAD (computer-aided design) specialists get to work. They take that raw scan and turn it into a precise 3D model, adjusting every little detail to make sure it fits exactly how it should. Think of it like digital sculpting—but way more accurate. - We Print It in High Resolution
Now it’s time to bring the model to life. We use top-tier printers like the NextDent 5100 and Formlabs Form 3B+, along with biocompatible, medical-grade resins. The resolution is so sharp you can see even the tiniest features. The end result? A model that’s strong, clean, and fits like a glove. - We Double-Check Everything
Before anything leaves our lab, we put it through quality control. We check the accuracy of the print, the structure, and the fine details. If something’s even slightly off—it doesn’t go out. Simple as that.
From the moment we get your scan to the second your model ships out, everything is done digitally and with precision. We don’t cut corners. And when you hold the final model in your hands, you’ll notice the difference—the fit is better, the finish is smoother, and the whole process just works.
Why So Many Clinics Stick With BioDent (And Why You Might Want To, Too)
If you’re wondering why dental practices all over the U.S. keep coming back to BioDent for their 3D printed models, let me explain it to you like I would to a colleague or a friend. It really comes down to four simple things: great tech, skilled people, fast turnaround, and easy collaboration.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- We Use Top-Notch Equipment
We don’t cut corners when it comes to printers. We use some of the best in the business—like Asiga and Formlabs. These machines aren’t just fancy—they deliver super high-resolution prints that look great and fit even better. When your equipment is this good, the results speak for themselves. - Our Team Knows Their Stuff
Our technicians are trained in both the “old school” analog methods and the latest digital workflows. That means they understand how things are supposed to work—not just on screen, but in real-world applications. So whether it’s your first digital case or your hundredth, you’ve got people on your side who know how to make it work right. - We Don’t Make You Wait
Time matters, especially when patients are waiting on results. That’s why we keep our turnaround tight—most models ship within 24 to 48 hours, no matter where you are in the U.S. Need something fast? We’re ready. - We’re Easy to Work With
You can send us cases fully remotely, or we can connect directly with your in-clinic scanner setup. Whatever works best for you—we’ll meet you there. We’re all about keeping things smooth and stress-free.
At the end of the day, we’re not just a lab—we’re a partner. We’re here to make sure your clinic can deliver top-tier results with speed and confidence. And once you’ve seen the difference a good 3D model makes—for your workflow and your patients—you’ll understand why so many dentists trust us with their digital work.
Real Cases and Results
We’ve helped hundreds of dental professionals get faster, better outcomes using 3D printed models.
Before/After Case Studies
Crowns, bridges, aligners, and implant planning—all improved with digital accuracy.
Visual Results
We provide screenshots and real photos of our 3D printer 3D model output so you can see the difference.
Client Feedback
Dentists tell us their workflow has improved and patients are happier—because results are faster and more predictable.
Real success stories speak louder than any ad. From before-and-after examples to glowing reviews from dentists across the country, our 3D printed dental models have proven themselves in real-world cases—and we’re just getting started.
FAQs About 3D Printed Models
Are 3D printed dental models suitable for all cases?
Yes! Whether it’s for implants, orthodontics, or diagnostics, we can print models for all clinical needs.
What kinds of scans do you accept?
We accept STL files from all popular intraoral scanners (iTero, 3Shape, Medit, etc.).
How fast can I get my model?
Typically, within 24–48 hours after we receive your scan!
Send Your Scan – Get a 3D Printed Model
Ready to upgrade your dental workflow?
➡ Send us your digital scan.
➡ We’ll design your 3D model for 3D printer use.
➡ Receive your custom-printed model in no time.
📞 Contact us for a free consultation or upload your scan today. At BioDent, we make high-quality 3D printable designs simple, fast, and reliable.
If you’re not using 3D printed dental models yet, now’s the time to make the switch. They’re more accurate, cost-effective, and better for both dentists and patients.
Let BioDent Laboratory help you bring your clinic into the digital era—with speed, precision, and care.
