Institute of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland;
Department of Oral Maxillofacial Diseases, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, Finland

With career of more than 30 years in dental care Dr. Pirkko-Liisa Tarvonen has worked both as a clinician and in several leading posts. She has a specialist degree in Dental Public Health from the University of Turku, Finland, and a PhD degree from the University of Eastern Finland. She acts as Dental Marketing Director at Rayo 3D-Toothfill Ltd and as University Lecturer at the University of Helsinki and at the University of Eastern Finland. Voluntarily working as project coordinator for over ten years she has had a remarkable contribution in the support of primary dental care and dental education in the Democratic People's Republic Korea.

Speech Title: Promoting Public Health and Sustainability by Rayo 3DToothFill

Abstract: Oral diseases form the fundamental reason for the major health challenges globally affecting vital oral functions as well as overall health and well-being. Composite resin restorations have replaced amalgam as primary direct filling material. However, this practice is not trouble-free, especially large restorations in posterior teeth are challenging. Most restorations need repetitive repair or replacement within a couple of years due to fractures, wear and secondary caries. This burden for individuals, dental professionals and health care services as well as for the environment may be prevented by using more durable and more fitting alternatives. Indirect restorations are used to overcome the challenges linked with direct restorations. Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing has gained foothold along with the expanding role of digitalization. Milling technology is widely in use to manufacture restorative appliances chairside. 3D printing is a quickly emerging technique and may be used to pass challenges linked with milling technology. High accuracy makes it suitable for manufacturing of several dental applications. Dental 3D printing market is expected to grow fast in the coming years.

RAYO 3DToothFill is a novel technique utilizing digital imaging and 3D printing to fabricate tooth fillings and other dental restorations. Based on the in vitro study, the accuracy of 3D printing technique overcomes that of milling technique in the fabrication of dental inlay and onlay fillings. The chairside fabrication process is planned to be fast and suitable for one appointment. The technique has been developed by a team of dental professors and experts from Finland. International patent pending.

Keywords: 3D printing, CAD/CAM, Restorative dentistry