NextDent Base Materials from 3D Systems receive FDA Approval

3D printing technology is continuously revolutionizing various industries, including dentistry. A recent example of this development is the launch of 3D Systems‘ NextDent Base Material, which recently received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the production of denture bases.

This material, which has also been approved by Health Canada and carries the CE mark 1639, marks the company’s third generation of denture base materials for 3D printing and boasts excellent mechanical properties, such as high fracture resistance and precise and repeatable printability.

NextDent Base is in no way inferior to conventional denture materials and offers patients durable, impact-resistant dentures. Another advantage is the availability in four colors that match common gingival shades and thus improve aesthetics. The integration of NextDent Base into 3D Systems’ digital dental workflow promises to set new standards in terms of speed, productivity, efficiency and precision, while offering the opportunity to improve the patient experience.

Steven Campbell, RDT FCGDent, with Nexus Dental Laboratory (Harrogate, United Kingdom) has been running trial tests with the material and stated, “This new material is truly amazing! No support bar across the heels, lovely delicate supports which are easy to remove, and the fit of the teeth to denture and denture to bar show just how stable this is. We have just started trials with it, but already I can see the strength of this is going to make it an incredible material to keep an eye on. We are so confident in the strength we see on early prints that we are going to run some test partials with it.”

The use of 3D printing for prosthetic purposes is steadily increasing, but still holds considerable potential. According to 360 Research Reports, the global market for 3D printed dental prosthetics was estimated at over 1 billion US dollars in 2021 and is expected to reach more than 2 billion US dollars by 2028. Digital workflows, such as the dental solution offered by 3D Systems, include the NextDent Base Material and NextDent 3D printing technology. This results in a complete workflow, including post-processing, to ensure the best possible product.

Additionally, Dr. Kunal Lal, DDS, MS, Board Certified Prosthodontist, at LAL Dental (New York, New York) said, “I really enjoyed testing the NextDent Base material. It is pink, flexible in thinner sections, and can be used for same-day interim RPD fabrication. Some of the other properties worth noting are minimal mixing, cleaning of residual material on the surface is easier, and improved strength.”

“Our goal is to ensure we are addressing our customers’ needs with our solutions, and this is yet another step in achieving that goal,” said Chuck Stapleton, vice president and general manager, dental, 3D Systems. “With the clearance of NextDent Base, we continue to add to our portfolio of dental 3D printing materials that are enabling dental laboratories and clinics to address a wide range of applications. These offerings are helping our customers accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing as part of their workflows and drive new levels of speed, productivity, efficiency, and precision while also providing opportunities to improve the patient experience.”

NextDent Base adds 30 unique NextDent resins to 3D Systems’ portfolio – the largest selection offered by any dental 3D printing material provider. The material is available in four colors and can be ordered now.