Future of Dental Crowns: DMLS Technology

Dental technology has evolved greatly and incredibly over the last few years. One such development is DMLS technology, which can be used to make dental crowns. So, what is DMLS? Why is it a game-changer in dentistry? Read on to see how this technology is changing the way smiles are restored.

What is DMLS?

DMLS stands for Direct Metal Laser Sintering. It is a type of 3D printing where metal powder is used to create solid objects. This technology is used in multiple fields, and it presents a very useful option in the dental crown industry. In simple words, DMLS means the melting and welding together of metal powders, layer by layer, using a laser to build up an accurate dental crown.

Why are DMLS Dental Crowns Used in Dentistry?

DMLS produces precisely fitting dental crowns. The laser can craft incredibly detailed crowns and an accurate and customised fit. It limits the number of visits, possibly reducing the chair time.

Strength:

The crowns developed through DMLS have immense strength. DMLS mainly uses metals such as titanium or cobalt-chrome, which are designed to provide strength and durability.

Aesthetics:

Modern DMLS crowns can be designed to look like natural teeth by layering tooth-coloured ceramic over the metal. The crowns can be created in colour and shape to match your existing teeth's colours and shapes, giving a seamless and aesthetic finish to your look.

Efficiency:

DMLS technology speeds up the production time. There are stages involved with traditional methods, such as casting multiple alloys and making manual adjustments. DMLS cuts through this time to allow for faster turnaround.

How Does DMLS Work?

After the scan is done, a 3D model is prepared. The dental crown is then designed using a CAD system. Now, since the designed crown is ready, the DMLS machine can start working on it.

Preparation of Metal Powder:

A thin metal powder is uniformly spread on a build platform in the DMLS machine.

Laser Sintering:

The laser scans the powder and then melts it, but as per the digital design of the crown. It does this layer-by-layer until the crown has been fully constructed.

Post-Processing:

Once the crown is built, the product must then be cooled and further processed to meet the standards of a finished dental crown. Often, this post-processing involves polishing and final adjustments.

Benefits of DMLS Crowns:

Custom Fit:

Each DMLS crown is specifically designed to fit your mouth. It is designed to provide comfort and give efficient long-term performance.

Long Life:

DMLS crowns are made from materials that will last. They cannot wear away, rust, or get damaged. That means it withstands forces for a very long time.

Less preparation on the natural tooth:

As with any crown, there is always some preparation required of your natural teeth. With a DMLS crown, less preparation is required. More tooth structure is left intact.

Biocompatibility:

Materials for DMLS are biocompatible in nature, meaning that allergic reactions are not likely to occur.

Procedure to Obtain a DMLS Crown:

Consultation:

The dentist analyses your teeth and decides if a DMLS crown is suitable for you. Impressions or even digital scans are taken to create a model of your teeth.

Design:

Once the model of the teeth is created, the crown is designed. It is then sent to the DMLS machine for production.

Creation:

The DMLS machine builds the crown exactly like the digital model of the crown. The creation of one crown takes less than 10 minutes.

Fitting:

After your crown becomes ready, your dentist will first measure its fit, then make any kind of adjustments for proper fit, and then put the crown on your tooth in a secure manner.

Final Fit:

Here, your crown should be cemented onto your tooth. Your dentist will refine it so as to have proper bite coordination.

Care of Your Crown:

The DMLS crown should last like any natural tooth if you care for your oral health. You should brush and floss regularly. Its longevity can be improved by avoiding hard or sticky foodstuffs.

Comparing DMLS to Conventional Crowns:

These crowns are mostly made up of materials like porcelain or metal alloys. Although these are effective, traditional methods usually include a lot more procedures and take more production time. DMLS simplifies and accelerates the process, hence offering a more precise and quicker solution.

Cost of DMLS Crowns:

The cost of DMLS crowns is determined by the location and complexity of the crown structure. Although DMLS crowns are more expensive than standard crowns, they may be worth the extra money spent because of the other benefits they come with. It offers strong, accurate, and cosmetically appealing crowns lasting many years. The cost of DMLS dental crowns in India can vary from INR 5000 to INR 35000.

The Future of Dental Crowns:

More examples of advances in dental technology exist. The more technology grows, the more innovations will be seen in the dental care industry. DMLS crowns are a giant leap towards providing quality, long-lasting restorations to patients.

DMLS technology changes the game when it comes to the production of dental crowns. Its precision, strength, and efficiency make it a superior option for restoring your smile. Discuss your options with your dentist if you are considering getting a dental crown. This technology might just be the one that makes a difference in terms of fit and durability by offering you a faster solution. A DMLS dental crown is an investment in the future of dental health. It is rapidly moving towards being a more precise, stronger, and beautiful option for restoring your teeth.