3D Metal / SLS Bands

Created by Olivia Koehler, Modified on Mon, 14 Apr at 9:39 PM by Olivia Koehler

3D Metal / SLS (Selective Laser Sintered) bands are a premium option, that are available for selection on any fixed appliance. These bands are designed directly on the intraoral scan, and direct-printed in premium stainless steel. Because bands are designed without interproximal interference, spacers are not required to place them!

https://neolab.com/3d-metal/

How It Works

3D Metal bands and appliances are designed directly on the provided intraoral scan. They are designed to include as much of the appliance framework as possible, to eliminated welded joints and potential breakage points.

3D Metal bands are laser sintered. This processes uses a pinpoint laser to weld together metallic powder, building physical bands and frameworks according to the digital design. See the printing process here: https://youtu.be/HvPznC-ATy8

3D Metal bands are bonded to the tooth, rather than cemented, and hold to the tooth through chemical retention only. See the bonding procedure here: https://youtu.be/Qj8PK5V0n4A

What It Includes

3D Metal bands can be added to any fixed appliance, and can be designed in a number of different configurations. Bands can include one tooth or multiple.

Some appliances can be fully designed and printed in a singular piece. These appliances feature special pricing:

Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE): Includes bands, buccal tubes, framework, rests, and screw for one price.
Nance: Includes bands, buccal tubes, framework, rests, and acrylic for one price.
Transpalatal Arch (without loop): Includes bands, buccal tubes, framework, rests, and acrylic for one price.
Lingual Arch (without loops): Includes bands, buccal tubes, framework, and rests for one price.
Band and Loop: Includes band, buccal tube, framework, and rest for one price.

All other appliances are billed a la carte by component.

Who It's Meant For

3D Metal Bands are ideal for patients who:

Cannot tolerate spacers. Bands are designed without interproximal interference, meaning that there is no need to create space before bands are placed. Spacers are not required for 3D Metal treatment!
Have teeth that are not fully erupted. Bands are designed without subgingival interference, meaning that bands will simply hold to the tooth surface available at the time of treatment.
Have a higher risk of breakage. 3D Metal appliances are often printed with lower need for welded joints, lowering the number of points of potential breakage.
Have had a digital scan taken.

Who It's Not Meant For

3D Bands are not meant for patients who:

Cannot tolerate a bonding procedure. 3D Metal bands must be bonded to the tooth, and must maintain a dry field through the procedure. 3D Metal bands may not be ideal for pediatric patients.
Have had a traditional impression taken.

How Does This Solution Fix My Problem?

3D Bands feature a number of solutions and alternatives to a traditional fixed appliance workflow.

Saved appointments:
- 3D Metal bands do not require spacers and can skip at least one appointment at the beginning of treatment. If doctors are fitting their own bands, they may be able to skip two appointments.
- Spacers are often reported as the most uncomfortable part of treatment, and 3D Metal bands offer patients are more comfortable experience.
Faster Turnaround Time: 3D Metal bands feature an accelerated turnaround time, needing only 7-10 business days in the lab.
Stainless Steel. Most labs print their appliances in chromium cobalt. This wire is naturally nickel-free, but is extremely rigid, and will break if adjustments are attempted. Stainless steel allows:
- Chairside flexibility, perfect for adjusting or contouring bands at insertion.
- An ideal bonding environment, ideal for most orthodontic cements on the market.
- Superior welding. When welding is required, stainless steel (buccal tubes, screws, etc.) bonds best with other stainless steel.
- Natural etching for better adhesion. The layered printing process results in a rigid inner band texture, allowing bands and cements to hold more firmly.
Earlier Treatment Start. Teeth do not need to be fully erupted to be banded with 3D bands. The design process avoids subgingival interference, meaning that the bands will simply hold to whatever tooth surface is available.
Custom fit. While mass manufactured bands provide a "close-enough" fit, 3D bands provide a perfectly individualized fit that can be measured in microns.