What is 3D Printed Dentistry?
3D printed dentistry in Darlington uses a digital scan of your teeth and advanced 3D printing to create restorations designed specifically for your smile. Instead of traditional moulds, your treatment is planned on screen, so you can see the proposed result before anything is made. Each restoration is then printed with a high level of precision for a close, comfortable fit. At Grace Dental Care, we use Veneprint™ to create veneers, crowns and bridges.
What Can We 3D Print?
Veneers: Thin, custom shells bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their colour, shape and symmetry. 3D printed veneers usually need little or no preparation of your natural teeth.
Crowns: A crown covers and protects a tooth that is weakened, heavily filled, cracked or root-treated, restoring its strength and appearance.
Bridges: A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by attaching a replacement tooth to the teeth either side of the gap, restoring your smile and helping you chew comfortably.
At your consultation, we’ll assess your teeth and explain which option is best for you, including whether a 3D printed or a traditional laboratory-made restoration is most suitable.
*Representative example: Cash price £550. Borrowing £550 over 60 months. Representative 14.5% APR (fixed). 60 monthly payments of £12.69. Total amount payable £761.40. Also available over 12 months at 0% APR: 12 monthly payments of £45.83, total amount payable £550. Credit subject to status. Finance provided by [lender name]. [Your FCA status wording, e.g. “Grace Dental Care is a trading name of GUL Cosmetic Clinic Limited, which acts as a credit broker, not a lender.”]
How does it work?
From digital scan to your finished smile, step by step.
Consultation and Digital Scan
We begin with a full check of your teeth, gums and bite to make sure treatment is right for you. We then take a detailed digital scan of your teeth, with no messy impressions, and talk through what you'd like to achieve.
Design and Preview
Your veneers, crown or bridge are designed digitally to suit your bite, your tooth proportions and the look you want. Where appropriate, you can preview the design and ask for changes before anything is made.
Printing and Fitting
Once the design is approved, your restoration is 3D printed for a precise fit. We then bond it carefully in place, check your bite and polish it for a smooth, natural finish, and give you aftercare advice to help it last.
FAQs
Are 3D printed crowns and veneers as strong as traditional ones?
3D printed restorations are made from specialist dental materials designed for use in the mouth. The most suitable material depends on the tooth, your bite and what the restoration needs to do, and we’ll recommend the right option for you at your consultation.
How long does treatment take?
Because the process is digital, treatment is often quicker than with traditional laboratory-made restorations. The exact number of visits depends on your treatment, and we’ll explain your timeline before you begin.
How long will my restoration last?
This depends on how well you look after it, including good oral hygiene, regular check-ups, and avoiding habits such as grinding or biting hard objects. We’ll give you personalised aftercare advice.