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Published on: March 22, 2013
The Use of 3D Printed Tooth Preparation to Assist in Teaching and Learning in Preclinical Fixed Prosthodontics
Piriya Boonsiriphant1, Zeina Al-Salihi1, Julie A Holloway1
1Department of Prosthodontics, University of Iowa, College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics, Iowa City, IA.
Abstract:
Tooth preparation for fixed dental prostheses is not an easy procedure to understand spatially, especially for first-year dental students. This technical report describes an innovative technique for assisting learning in preclinical fixed prosthodontics courses. Ideal full-contour tooth preparations are digitally scanned and 3D printed to the exact specifications of the ideal preparation. Students and faculty use these printed tooth preparations as teaching and learning tools to facilitate in 3D visualization for fixed prosthodontics courses.
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