What are the Different Types of 3D Printers for Digital Dentistry?
The digital revolution in dentistry is in full swing, and 3D printing sits right at its core. From creating accurate aligner models and surgical guides to producing crowns and splints, dental 3D printers are transforming how clinics and labs deliver treatments—faster, more precisely, and cost-effectively.
At Oblu Healthcare, we provide Prosthodontists and Orthodontists with the most advanced 3D printing technology available, empowering them to bring dental manufacturing in-house and stay ahead of the curve. In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of dental 3D printers that are shaping modern clinical workflows—and which ones are available at obluhc.com.
Why Dentists are Switching to 3D Printing
Digital dentistry is all about precision, customization, and speed. With 3D printing, clinics can:
- Manufacture trays, aligners, splints, and models in-house
- Accelerate treatment planning and reduce chair time
- Lower the cost of outsourcing lab work
-
Deliver same-day appliances for a superior patient experience
The right 3D printer can elevate your clinical capabilities, whether you’re a prosthodontist, orthodontist, or part of a high-output lab.
The Primary Types of Dental 3D Printers
When it comes to dental applications, there are two key types of 3D printing technologies that dominate the space:
- LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
-
DLP (Digital Light Processing)
Each of these technologies offers distinct benefits depending on your needs. Let's explore them one by one—along with the top models available from Oblu Healthcare.
1. LCD 3D Printers (Masked Stereolithography)
How it Works: LCD printers use a UV light source behind an LCD panel to cure resin layer by layer. Each layer is projected as a mask on the screen, hence the term Masked Stereolithography. This technology is popular among orthodontists for its excellent speed-to-cost ratio and reliable accuracy.
Ideal For:
- Aligner model production
- Surgical guides
- Diagnostic models
- Splints & retainers
-
Crown & Bridges
Benefits:
- High resolution prints
- Fast production of multiple models
- Budget-friendly
-
Perfect for clear aligner workflows
Top LCD Printer’s Brands Available at Oblu Healthcare:
- Phrozen
- Elegoo
- Ackuretta
- Formlabs
- Uniz
These printers are widely used in clear aligner production due to their precision, speed, and large build volumes.
Recommended For:
Orthodontists, prosthodontist, and dental labs looking to produce high volumes of models efficiently.
2. DLP 3D Printers (Digital Light Processing)
How it Works: DLP printers use a digital light projector to flash an entire layer of resin at once. This makes it faster than SLA, while maintaining excellent resolution and reliability.
Ideal For:
- High-speed aligner model production
- Surgical guides
- Temporary crowns
-
Custom trays and splints
Benefits:
- Lightning-fast print speeds
- Great detail and accuracy
- Efficient resin curing
-
Excellent for chairside or lab environments
Available DLP Printer’s Brand at Oblu Healthcare:
- Asiga
Comparison Table: Dental 3D Printer Technologies at Oblu Healthcare
|
Printer Type |
Print Speed |
Precision |
Best For |
Brands |
|
LCD |
★★★★☆ |
★★★★☆ |
Aligner models, splints, trays |
Phrozen, Uniz, Elegoo, Ackuretta |
|
DLP |
★★★★★ |
★★★★☆ |
Fast production of models & appliances |
Asiga |
How to Choose the Right 3D Printer for Your Dental Practice
Here are a few important points to help guide your decision:
1. Type of Work You Do
- Orthodontics? ➝ Choose LCD (Phrozen, Formlabs, Uniz) for aligners and models
-
Prosthodontics/Implants? ➝ Go for LCD (Ackuretta) or DLP (Asiga) for precision appliances
2. Volume of Production
- High-volume model production ➝ Phrozen Sonic Mighty Revo 14K or Formlabs
- Smaller clinics ➝ Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K or Uniz UBEE
-
Multi-application lab ➝ Ackuretta SOL
3. Material Compatibility
We offer a wide range of dental resins—including biocompatible Class I and II materials—for:
- Surgical guides
- Gingiva masks
- Aligner models
- Crowns and bridges
-
Splints and trays
4. Post-Processing Setup
Pair your printer with efficient post-processing solutions like:
- Ackuretta Clean – Automated resin cleaner
- Ackuretta Curie Plus – Compact, fast UV curing unit
- Phrozen Wash & Cure - Economical & Good For Aligner Models
-
Formlab’s Form Wash & Cure - Advanced, Effortless
This ensures proper curing, safety, and precision of every print.
5. Support & Training
At Oblu Healthcare, we go beyond sales:
- Onsite/virtual installation
- Clinical training on workflows
- Software onboarding (e.g., Maestro, 3Shape)
-
Lifetime technical support
Embrace the Future of Dentistry with Oblu Healthcare
With the right 3D printer, your clinic or lab can:
✅ Eliminate lab wait times
✅ Produce in-house aligners and restorations
✅ Increase treatment accuracy and patient satisfaction
✅ Reduce long-term operational costs
At Oblu Healthcare, we’re not just about selling products—we’re your partner in building a fully digital dental workflow.
Browse Dental 3D Printers at obluhc.com
Explore the full range of LCD and DLP 3D printers at obluhc.com, along with materials, software, and support designed specifically for dental professionals.
Want a free consultation or product demo? Reach out to us—we’re here to help you find the perfect match for your clinic or lab.
Digital Dentistry Starts Here – with Oblu Healthcare.
