Beyond just providing a highly tailored custom fit, 3D-printed dentures have the potential to deliver specific treatments to support patients, as researchers from the State University of New York at Buffalo have proven.
Researchers have developed a set of 3D-printed dentures that can actually treat the fungal infections that plague the many people who wear the artificial replacements for natural teeth and gums. While there are antiseptic mouthwashes and ways to disinfect dentures that generally require their removal from the mouth, this innovative 3D-printed device is filled with anti-fungal medication to prevent and treat oral infections. Specifically, researchers filled the 3D-printed dentures with microscopic capsules of the anti-fungal medication Amphotericin B in order to better the support oral health of patients who are highly susceptible to infection.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- 3d-printed Dentures
- Opportunity to customize dentures for specific treatments and improve patient oral health.
- Infection-fighting Medication
- Potential to incorporate medication into 3D-printed dental devices to prevent and treat oral infections.
- Tailored Dental Treatments
- Advancement in 3D-printing technology allows for personalized treatment options for dental patients.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Dental Technology
- Incorporating 3D-printing technology and medication into dentures creates opportunities for innovation in the dental industry.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Development of specialized medication for oral health and integration into dental products is a potential disruptive innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Healthcare
- Improved oral health and specialized treatment options for dental patients contribute to advancements in the healthcare industry.
