ADA Expands Classification of Ceramic Materials: What it Means for 3D Printing

In News by Hans Mengler

A Win for 3D Printed Final Restorations

Next-generation restoration means saying a definitive yes to permanent crowns. Following recent ADA amendments, dental professionals now have the ability to seek reimbursement for 3D-printed ceramic crowns containing >50% inorganic refractory compounds—marking a major milestone in the evolution of 3D printing for restorative dentistry.

Next-Generation Restoration

With this update from the ADA, 3D printed crowns containing predominantly inorganic refractory compounds can be reimbursed using CDT codes previously reserved for zirconia or lithium disilicate. Simply put, dental 3D printing is here to stay. And now, with insurance catching up to the needs of technologically savvy dental professionals, the future of 3D printing just got even brighter.

Defining a New Dental Landscape 

In the past, “Ceramic” was defined as: “…pressed, fired, polished or milled materials containing predominantly inorganic refractory compounds including porcelains, glasses, ceramics and glass-ceramics.” The new definition eliminates “pressed, fired, polished or milled materials”. The deletion of the manufacturing criteria from the definition of porcelain/ceramic opens the door to permanent restorations printed with predominantly inorganic refractory compounds.

Increasing ROI. Advancing Profitability.  

Dental 3D printing, which is one of many new applications within the widening sector of additive manufacturing, just got more profitable. 

New ADA amendments mean that a crown that costs just under $10 in materials will be considered eligible for reimbursement as a definitive ceramic restoration. An incredible feat in an already highly profitable industry. Increased ROI is just one of the many benefits the new insurance protocol has in store for digital dentists. 

A Turning Point for 3D Printing 

By validating the principal materials in 3D printed permanent restorations, the ADA has helped define how 3D printing technology meets the standards for permanent restorations. Dental 3D printing workflows are becoming synonymous with same-day care, where a patient can receive complex treatment in a single appointment. 

Same-day dentistry brings multiple advantages to the in-house production of definitive 3D printed crowns, most prominently: 

  • Restorations created in one visit for greater efficiency and convenience to patients
  • Optimal appointment scheduling that accompanies same-day 3D printed crowns
  • Onsite workflows that reduce cross-contamination risks
  • Patient-specific customizations allow for superior fit and accuracy 

As the needs of dentists have evolved, so have the ever-changing needs of patients. As material and technological advancements continue to converge, same-day treatment options for patients, powered by 3D printing, are not slowing down.   

Ahead of the Curve, On Top of the Game

At SprintRay, we solve problems by addressing the source. Our products are always created with one eye toward the symbiotic harmonies of the entire digital dentistry ecosystem and frictionless workflows. For us to stamp the SprintRay name on something, it has to functionally stand on its own as well as enhance the overall workflow of dental professionals. We constantly seek to understand the unique needs of dental professionals and our pride is to deliver products that make workflows really flow.

SprintRay is riding high off the back of our most innovative year ever, which saw us pushing the boundaries of materials science and artificial intelligence – in what we like to call, “chemistry for dentistry.” But we’re just getting started. SprintRay will continue to shape the new frontier of chairside dentistry in 2023, helping dental professionals deliver more smiles to more patients than ever before. Stay tuned!