Digital Workflow Improves Surgical Guide Manufacturing Process
“Our 3D printed models are the bridge between a good treatment plan and an excellent surgical result” – Dr. Maria Ester Hidalgo, Protaico LTDA
Hitting the Spot
One of the most important concerns plaguing the implant dentistry business is pre-surgical determination of the optimum location, angulations and depth to place an implant. Dental surgical guides are used to carefully study such important decisions prior to dental surgery.
The Challenge
Protaico is a dental lab based in Latin America that provides surgical guides based on research and intelligence of a patient’s underlying bone anatomy. Using a comprehensive treatment plan, Protaico’s surgical guides provide the most precise and detailed aid for placing implants. They have developed a process that improves presurgical preparation by revealing and studying all characteristics of the patient’s anatomy to guide the drilling process with extreme care.
In an effort to grow the business, Protaico sought after a faster throughput without having to compromise its high standards and without an expensive hiring of new staff.
The Solution
With the help of the Objet Eden260 3D Printer from Statasys, Protaico was able to develop surgical guides to help with presurgical planning and provide interoperative positioning verification. These 3D printed surgical guides are fully compatible with traditional CT scanners as well as new low-radiation, conebeam CT scanners. Once the scan is complete, the data is then converted into an STL format for preparation.
The Objet 3D printer produces models that are both exceptionally accurate in detail and provide a high quality surface finish. This helps to ensure a high degree of accuracy, leading to great customer satisfaction.
The Results
Protaico’s in-house fabricated surgical guides are now created through a completely digital workflow. Their surgical guide offerings include: customized oral and maxillofacial surgery, dental trauma, oral pathology, dental reconstruction, correction dental deformity and dental implants. The company no longer has to reject or outsource select inquiries because Stratasys’ 3D printing solution has allowed them to fulfill every customer order.
Their 3D printer has brought the company both higher revenues and reduced operating costs, resulting in a quick return on their investment. Protaico’s technicians have increased their productivity to allow short delivery times at competitive prices on appliances and models for their customers. With the help of the company’s new 3D printer, new business opportunities are flourishing.