Researchers from Beni-Suef University, Egypt, the University of Huddersfield and 3M BIC are pioneering personalised 3D-printed dental implants. These bespoke implants use advanced imaging and smart materials to provide improved fit, reduced procedure time and enhanced patient care. The project aims to revolutionise tooth replacement with affordable, efficient and custom 3D-printed solutions.
Dental health issues often start with the loss of a single tooth, which can lead to further tooth loss due to shifts in jaw alignment and structure. While dental implants have been available for decades, there is a need to improve their coating, design and customisation to enhance performance and accessibility.
Researchers from Beni-Suef University’s Faculty of Dentistry in Egypt partnered with the University of Huddersfield and the 3M BIC to address these challenges. Their goal was to create implants that are more effective, affordable and tailored to individual patients.
Through cutting-edge 3D printing technology, the team is developing personalised dental implants that are custom designed to fit each patient’s unique dental anatomy and morphology. Unlike traditional implants, which come in standard sizes, these new implants are engineered to be a perfect fit, offering a superior alternative to existing solutions.
The personalised dental implants offer enhanced customisation and convenience, combining the strengths of traditional implant design with modern advancements. These implants are not only easier to fit but also more cost-effective and comfortable for patients. By streamlining the procedure, the team has reduced treatment time to just 5–10 minutes – similar to a routine filling – while delivering significantly better long-term outcomes.
Using digital scans and dental X-rays, the team can produce bespoke implants via 3D printing. This approach enables the immediate removal of a damaged tooth and its replacement with a perfectly fitting implant, providing an efficient and highly effective solution for patient care.
The use of smart materials further enhances the precision and fit of the implants. By pre-cooling the implant to shrink its size before insertion, the procedure becomes simpler and less invasive. Once warmed to body temperature inside the mouth, the implant expands to achieve a secure, snug fit, ensuring both durability and comfort.
The project is currently in the clinical trial phase, with trials scheduled to begin in Egypt in March/April 2025. Initial testing will ensure safety and effectiveness before moving to human trials.
Initial implants are 3D-printed in titanium at the 3M BIC, with plans to explore magnesium implants based on parallel research. The implants can also be coated with various materials to suit different types of teeth.
Once approved, the technology could revolutionise the dental implant market, by making tooth replacement faster, more accessible and affordable for all, offering a game-changing solution for patients worldwide.
This collaboration between Beni-Suef University, the University of Huddersfield and the 3M BIC demonstrates the potential of combining advanced manufacturing techniques with dental expertise to transform oral healthcare.
“Our research is focused on transforming dental care by combining advanced 3D printing technology with personalised design. By creating implants that perfectly fit each patient’s anatomy, we aim to make tooth replacement faster, more accessible and more affordable – ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life for patients worldwide.”
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