Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF), a leader in advanced manufacturing solutions for ultra-high precision applications, announced it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for its innovative UltraThineer™ material used to create the world’s thinnest cosmetic dental veneer. The new 3D printed veneers use projection micro stereolithography (PµSL), a technology that allows for greater resolution, accuracy and precision, to custom-manufacture veneers that are three-times thinner than traditional veneers. Further, UltraThineer requires significantly less preparation for dental professionals, allowing preservation of the patient’s original enamel with a more realistic final appearance.
UltraThineer-vs.-Regular-Veneer. Image Credit: LAURA GALLOWAY
“We are thrilled to hear that the UltraThineer veneer has received FDA 510(k) clearance. This is a significant milestone for our industry as having the ability to 3D print veneers in Zirconia is a game changer for dental technology. This breakthrough allows us to offer patients high quality veneers that require minimum prepping. This is just the beginning of our journey to revolutionize dental care, and we look forward to working with BMF to begin offering the UltraThineer to dental patients across the country.” — Dany Karam, President, Advanced Dental Technologies
UltraThineer veneers are the world’s thinnest veneers and feature advanced material, a production workflow, and the finishing process to deliver more comfortable and less invasive options in cosmetic dentistry. Developed in collaboration with Peking University, dental labs can now offer this highly precise alternative to traditional veneers for dental practices across the U.S., powered by BMF’s unique, micro-scale printing technology. Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is already proven across multiple dental applications including orthodontic aligners, mouthguards, drill guides, and dentures due to need for on-demand, personalized, and custom solutions.
“After refining this process, technology and material for the last year, we’re incredibly encouraged by the FDA’s expedient review of the UltraThineer material so we can quickly bring it to consumers looking for a more streamlined veneer solution. With the same durability as traditional veneers, dental labs across the U.S. can now deliver an improved veneer option that isn’t as invasive for the patient, minimizing tooth reduction and improving the overall appearance of teeth,” said Professor Sun Yuchun, Peking University School of Stomatology.
BMF has begun to partner with dental labs in the U.S. and expects to have the products commercially available in the second half of 2024. The UItraThineer material represents the latest innovation delivered by BMF as the company looks to explore and establish new applications where its technology can reduce production time and cost.
“We’ve continued to innovate our solutions and explore end-use applications that can be uniquely enabled by the PµSL process in dentistry and the life sciences. We are very pleased with our recent 510(k) clearance and the progress we’ve made towards commercializing this technology to offer more options for patients considering cosmetic dentistry,” stated John Kawola, CEO-Global, BMF.
In addition, BMF is developing complementary cosmetic dentistry offerings in international markets to support both direct-to-patient and provider-enabled access to thinner veneers.