Dental 3D printing isn't a single program — it's a chain of 4-5 different ones. Scanner outputs STL, CAD program designs the construction, MeshMixer or Blender refines details, slicer cuts into layers, printer prints. If software at any stage isn't set up properly — the entire chain breaks.
Stage 1 — scanning (getting STL)
Everything starts with a scan. 3Shape TRIOS, Medit i700, Carestream CS 3700, Shining3D Aoralscan — any of these scanners outputs an STL. Scan quality determines everything: holes, blurry margins, saliva artifacts — no subsequent software can fix this.
Stage 2 — design (CAD)
STL loads into Exocad DentalCAD, 3Shape Dental System or inLab CAD/CAM. For implant surgical guides: Exoplan, RealGUIDE, coDiagnostiX. Output — another STL with the finished construction.
Stage 3 — model refinement
Sometimes STL needs manual tweaks: adding supports, merging files, smoothing roughness. Tools: Autodesk MeshMixer, Blender4Dental, Materialise 3-matic. For simple models — skip this stage.
Stage 4 — slicing
Finished STL is cut into layers. CHITUBOX Dental — universal for LCD/DLP printers (Anycubic, Elegoo, Phrozen, Creality). Formlabs PreForm — only for Formlabs (Form 3+, Form 4). Asiga Composer — for Asiga. You set orientation, layer thickness (50-100 μm), exposure parameters for the specific resin.
Stage 5 — printing and post-processing
Printing from 30 minutes to 4-6 hours. After — isopropyl alcohol wash, UV curing in a chamber. Without post-processing, the model stays sticky and inaccurate.
Typical software chains in labs
Dental lab: TRIOS → Exocad → CHITUBOX → Anycubic Photon. In parallel for milling: Exocad → MillBox → mill.
Implantology clinic: scan + CBCT → coDiagnostiX → guide STL → CHITUBOX or PreForm → Formlabs Form 3B.
Where the chain breaks
Most problems at transitions between programs: STL doesn't open in slicer (version), slicer doesn't see printer (driver missing), "layered" model (wrong exposure). It's not the program itself, but its configuration for specific hardware.
What to choose for a start
Minimum: Exocad DentalCAD base + CHITUBOX Dental. In a year add Exoplan and Blender4Dental. On CAD comparison — article «Which CAD/CAM to choose in 2026». System requirements — «Exocad system requirements».
We'll install the software stack tailored to your hardware in an hour. Message us on Telegram @keys_helper or WhatsApp.
