What are the benefits of 3D Metal Printed RMEs? Q&A With DB Digital Solutions Dental Laboratory Manager Atiq Zaman
DB Digital Solutions Dental Laboratory Manager Atiq Zaman talks all things 3D Metal Printed Appliances, and answers some of your most asked questions about the RME, Leaf RME, and TAD based / MARPE appliances.
What are the benefits of 3D Metal Printed RMEs?
These cutting-edge appliances remove the need for molar bands; reducing the number of appointments and chair time, and make the process more comfortable for the patient as separators are also no longer required. The orthodontist benefits from the certainty of an easy-to-fit precision appliance due to the precise nature and full customisation of the 3D design and printing process.
How can I send scans?
We are compatible with platforms including iTero, 3Shape, Dentsply Sirona and Medit. Additionally, we accept scans via email attachment, WeTransfer and Dropbox.
How do I order an RME and submit my specifications?
Send an upper stl file, upper impression or model, along with our prescription form which can be found online at https://www.dbdigitalsolutions.co.uk/forms
We can accommodate a wide variety of different case customisation so please indicate on your prescription form any specific design requirements, including the addition of buccal tubes if required. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Being based here in the UK we are easily accessible and always happy to help.
What is the workflow for an RME?
After sending your scan/impression or model you will be informed that we have received your case. For RME cases we can share the design with you prior to print via a link to the viewer software where the design can be reviewed (the more familiar you become with the process you may wish to omit this step). Once approved the appliance will be ready to ship within 5 working days and we will inform you of the despatch day.
Does the process differ for TAD Based RME?
Yes! The steps do differ depending on which TAD system you are using. If you are using a system which requires the TADs to be first inserted (such as Forestadent™ or BENEfit™) we would require a scan with the TADs in situ. The appliance would then be made based on this location and would essentially follow the process above with a mandatory validation step prior to printing the appliance.
If using the Infinitas Mini Implant System this has been designed for a single office protocol (both mini-implant’s and RME placed in a single visit) therefore we require a scan prior to mini-implant/TAD insertion. Please indicate on the prescription form and/or patient model where the implant will be inserted. If you are sending impressions or digital files our team will be in touch to discuss and determine the placement of the mini-implants.
Regardless of the type of TAD being used we are essentially providing an eyelet as part of the design to connect to the TAD to the expander.
Do you recommend a stent if using Infinitas based RME?
Yes a stent can be provided for the Infinitas Mini implant users and we would certainly recommend this as the eyelets provide the location of insertion but not the 3-Dimensional direction of insertion. The clinical process would be that the RME would first be adhered into position, next the stent would be fit and has been designed to fit over the RME and finally the mini-implants would be placed through the stent and eyelets of the RME.
*Please note that we are unable to provide stents for any system other than Infinitas.
Which Infinitas mini-implants would you recommend for this application?
The green Infinitas mini implants should be used which have a 2mm body diameter, 9mm in length and a longer neck length.
What adhesive should be used?
We recommend a GIC light cured band cement such as Band-it from DB Orthodontics.
What is the turnaround time?
3D Metal Printed appliances have a turnaround of 7 working days. Once we receive the case, within the first 2 working days we’ll send an email with the appliance design. The email will include a link to the viewer software where the design can be reviewed. As soon as you approve this design, the appliance will be despatched in 5 working days.
What expanders do you offer?
We offer standard, Leaf Expanders, and TAD based expanders. The leaf expander looks like a rapid palatal expander with the addition of Nickel Titanium MEMORIA® leaf springs, which release controlled and continuous force and doesn’t require patient compliance, further information on this innovative product can be found at www.leafexpander.com
Which expander should I use?
This is a decision for the clinician to make, however we would recommend that for cases where the patient is 15 or over to use either the standard RME or TAD based RME rather than the Leaf Expander.
How much expansion is achieved per turn?
The expansion value per turn is 0.2mm. Therefore, every 5 turns equates to 1mm of expansion.
What are the best methods to remove the 3D printed RME?
The 3D Printed RME and MARPE can be removed using the following methods:
- Buccal Tubes – Tubes can be added on U6’s buccally to perform further treatments in the future. These tubes can also be used as a holding device to place the band removal plier to remove the appliance.
- Raised mesio-buccal area – A raised area can be created on U6’s mesio-buccally which can be used as a holding device during removal of the framework. Some clinicians prefer to section the raised area vertically using a slow hand-piece and remove it accordingly.
- Band removal plier - To aid removal, the buccal and palatal edges of the RME shell are kept 1mm clear of the patients’ gingival margins during the designing stage. This enables band removal pliers to be utilised.
Get in touch to learn more
Take the next step and revolutionise your RME protocols today with 3D Metal Printed appliances. Call Atiq and the team on 01535 656999, or email sales@dbortho.com.
