It’s been a busy day for Shining 3D Dental, as they’ve just announced three exciting new products to add to their portfolio.
In a launch event just yesterday, on the 7th of March 2023, Shining 3D unveiled the FabWash 3D printing wash unit, the MetiSmile 3D facial scanner, and Aoralscan 3 Wireless - Shining 3D’s first-ever wireless intraoral scanner, and the 2nd wireless scanner to come from China!
Below you will find a summary of everything we learnt so far about what Shining 3D has released.
Shining 3D - Aoralscan 3 Wireless
As mentioned, the Aoralscan 3 Wireless is Shining 3D's first-ever wireless intraoral scanner. It looks almost exactly the same as the wired Aoralscan 3, but now with the option of wireless. This does not seem to be a completely new scanner, but rather a option on a previous generation that works well. Similar to Medit i700 Wireless and i700.
A lot of the conversation around wired vs wireless scanners really comes down to preference. If you like being free from constraints of wires - this could be a great option for you.
Aoralscan 3 Wireless can scan for up to 2 hours continuously on one charge, comes with three batteries and utilizes Wi-Fi 6 technology to provide a fast scan experience with stable data transmission, so says the company.
Much like the wired Aoralscan 3 - it comes with two different tip sizes. One for adult use and one for pediatric use. The scan tips are long and slim and help you avoid unnecessary contact with the wand during the scan process.
The scan tips also come with fast heating function for anti-fogging purposes. The company says the mirror inside the scan tips can be heated up in about 40 seconds - greatly reducing the chairside preparation time to ensure optimal performance.
The AI software identifies and eliminates miscellaneous data automatically and seamlessly stitches images with consistent accuracy - allowing you to scan a single arch in around 20 seconds.
The scanner comes with a heap of great software applications as well, such as Orthodontic Simulation, Model Creator, Temp Design, Indirect Bonding Tray Design, Oral Health Report, and Data Track.
We’ll have more details on this scanner soon, but for now, you can read our review on the wired version of the Aoralscan 3.
Shining 3D - MetiSmile 3D Facial Scanner
The MetiSmile is a highly advanced facial 3D scanner that's specifically designed for dental applications.
3D facial scanners are becoming an integral part of digital dentistry. They are primarily utilized in clinical treatment, aesthetic restorations, occlusal reconstruction, and more.
The fact that Shining 3D have put what I assume are a lot of resources into developing this 3D facial scanner shows that there could be a big boom in the digital dentistry space - similar to what we’re going through now with IOS.
From the launch event and video the face scanner's speed seemed impressive, as it can construct a 3D facial data model in just 10 seconds by taking photos of patients from multiple angles. This - unlike the RayFace - is a handheld face scanner.
Equipped with three data acquisition cameras and one 5.0 MP HD texture camera, MetiSmile delivers scan accuracy within 50μm the company says.
The 3D facial scanner uses Aoralscan's Ortho Simulater in the software, which allows you to integrate the Aoralscan's intraoral scan data and align it with the 3D facial data.
Additionally, the scanner captures elevated details of the teeth, and the software aligns the facial and intraoral scans, producing a comprehensive display of the patient's facial and oral information.
The MetiSmile scanner can be used in a fixed mode or handheld mode, as indicated in the images below.
It’s the very first 3D facial scanner developed by Shining 3D, so we’re excited to give it a try.
Check out Shining 3D’s demonstration video below.
Shining 3D - FabWash Washing System
FabWash is a fully-automated (printing) part release and washing system that completes the AccuFab 3D printing ecosystem.
The FabWash is great for anyone who’s using 3D printing in their dental clinic, as it focuses on providing ease of use, consistency, speed, and cleanliness. It can be used with any printer.
According to Shining 3D, if you’re clinical staff can use a smartphone, they can use the FabWash with very minimal training. It’s designed to run an extremely quick cycle because we all know, dentists are really pressed for time.
The FabWash automatically releases washes, and dries your printed parts. Once finished, it lifts the parts and builds the platform out of the solvent. This is similar to the Formlabs wash system.
Navigating and selecting preset material profiles looks to be simple and intuitive. You can program customize profiles for expanded compatibility and you'll receive push updates to the material library from Shining 3D.
Shining 3D says that the FabWash was designed with a lot of input from the dental community, so it looks like they've been able to create a product that’s tailor-made for a lot of dentists’ 3D printing needs.
Interestingly, it's been designed to provide 'instant part release', so you don’t have to use any traditional removal tools and risk damaging your prints.
Shining 3D has equipped the FabWash with Wi-Fi capability, allowing for over-the-air updates to that will deliver the latest firmware and material library.
If you're looking for a quote on pricing, just reach out to Shining 3D.
What are your thoughts on these new releases from Shining 3D? Leave a comment below.
I have personally reviewed the Aoralscan 3 and found it to be one of the best low-cost scanner options on the market.
Very interesting times ahead as all these different companies compete for market share.