“This technology will completely revolutionize the way orthodontic appliances are made and delivered,” said Darren Buddemeyer, President of DynaFlex®

Darren Buddemeyer, president of DynaFlex®, has never been more excited or enthusiastic about the present and future of his orthodontic laboratory division. That excitement is centered around the company’s decision to move into digital orthodontics. “We are at the beginning of a complete transformation of the way in which orthodontic appliances are fabricated,” said Buddemeyer. “Every orthodontist has been contemplating digital scanners for model storage and/or analysis for some time now. What most have been waiting for is an affordable way not only to remove plaster models from their practice but also alginate. That time has finally arrived.”

The time is here and now due to the exclusive partnership DynaFlex® has formed with 3Shape® in the orthodontic industry. 3Shape® is the leading international digital scanning company in the dental industry with several thousand units in the field. DynaFlex® partnered with 3Shape® because of their expertise in dental digital software and long-term commitment to technology development. In fact, 3Shape® has more than 80 computer programmers with advanced degrees, including many with PhDs, on staff. DynaFlex® now has the capability to provide an orthodontic practice with the TRIOS®, a touch-screen intraoral scanner that is used to scan each arch. That scan provides a full 3-D rendering of the upper and lower arch. With a few clicks of the mouse, the orthodontist can email the stereolithography file (.stl) to DynaFlex®, where it is uploaded and printed on their Objet 3D rapid prototyping printer (the same technology used in the manufacture of fighter jets and automobiles).

Once the model is printed, it is sent to the laboratory for appliance fabrication—the same way it was done in the old days with plaster. “The accuracy and ease of use are overwhelming,” said Buddemeyer. “This technology will completely revolutionize the way orthodontic appliances are made and delivered. That is because we have eliminated one of the most dreaded processes in the orthodontic office: taking impressions and pouring models. With a few passes of the intraoral scanning wand, the assistant has created a 3-D rendering of the patient’s upper and lower arch that is accurate to 20 microns. This file is then uploaded to DynaFlex®. Once we receive the file, we can store it long term for the practice, print the model for appliance fabrication, and send the appliance back on a perfect working model.”

DynaFlex® is so enthusiastic about the future of this technology they have opened a new division called 3D.Ortho to handle distribution and sales of digital-model storage, digital-model scanners, and digital-model appliance fabrication. The technology will be the focal point at the DynaFlex® booth (#4219) at the AAO meeting in Chicago. Buddemeyer concluded, “It’s difficult in such a short article to explain all of the benefits this technology will provide to the laboratory, the orthodontic staff, and especially the patient. The best way to learn more will be to visit us at the AAO in Chicago.”

Contact DynaFlex® at 1-800-489-4020 or email for more information at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ashley Johnson is a freelance writer specializing in the medical device industry.