Nailing first impressions: Digital scanner to 3D printer

Senior Airman Pamela Valdez, 18th Dental Squadron orthodontic dental assistant, uses an intraoral scanner on U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Colin Casey, 18th DS dental laboratory technician at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 9, 2021. The intraoral scanner is used to create a digital impression of a patient’s teeth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Nailing first impressions: Digital scanner to 3D printer

Senior Airman Pamela Valdez, 18th Dental Squadron orthodontic dental assistant, uses an intraoral scanner on U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Colin Casey, 18th DS dental laboratory technician at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 9, 2021. The 18th DS recently began using digital scanners to create orthodontic models with 3D printers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Nailing first impressions: Digital scanner to 3D printer

Senior Airman Pamela Valdez, 18th Dental Squadron orthodontic dental assistant, reviews a patient’s digital teeth scan at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 9, 2021. Traditional dental impressions are obtained by placing dental putty in the mouth of a patient, which can be more time-consuming and less accurate compared to a digital impression. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Nailing first impressions: Digital scanner to 3D printer

Senior Airman Eric Jacobson, 18th Dental Squadron dental laboratory technician, processes a digital impression at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 9, 2021. After processing the impression, it is sent to a 3D printer to create an orthodontic model. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Nailing first impressions: Digital scanner to 3D printer

3D printers assigned to the 18th Dental Squadron create orthodontic models at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 9, 2021. A resin 3D printer is a machine that holds a vat of photosensitive liquid resin and exposes it to UV LED light beams layer-by-layer to harden the resin into a plastic 3D model. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Nailing first impressions: Digital scanner to 3D printer

Senior Airman Eric Jacobson, 18th Dental Squadron dental laboratory technician, holds a newly printed orthodontic model at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 9, 2021. After being printed, the models must be submerged in alcohol for 20 minutes, hung to dry for 30 minutes and cured to ensure the 3D prints reach the highest possible strength and become more stable. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Nailing first impressions: Digital scanner to 3D printer

Senior Airman Eric Jacobson, 18th Dental Squadron dental laboratory technician, holds an orthodontic model at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 9, 2021. Dentists use orthodontic models to study the size and relationship of the teeth, gums and dental arches in order to provide better oral healthcare. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Nailing first impressions: Digital scanner to 3D printer

Published Dec. 14, 2021
By Airman 1st Class Yosselin Perla
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --