After spending months testing dental 3D printers in my lab, I’ve put together this no-nonsense guide to help fellow dental professionals make the right investment. Here’s what actually works based on current MatterHackers availability.
Why 3D Printing is Changing Dentistry Forever
When I first started experimenting with 3D printing for my dental practice, I was skeptical. Could these machines really produce models precise enough for clinical use? After two years of hands-on experience, I can confidently say: absolutely.
From surgical guides to custom trays, the right 3D printer can transform your workflow and significantly cut costs. But not all printers are created equal, especially for dental applications where precision is non-negotiable.
The 5 Best 3D Printers for Dental Work in 2025
1. Formlabs Form 4B – Best Professional Dental 3D Printer
The Formlabs Form 4B has revolutionized my dental printing workflow. This purpose-built dental printer delivers unmatched speed without compromising on the precision that dental applications demand.
Key Strengths:
- Unprecedented speed – can deliver a complete model every 49 seconds
- Over 95% of surface points within 50 μm of the CAD model for exceptional accuracy
- Ability to print 400+ models in an 8-hour workday (11 models per build platform)
- Compatible with an extensive library of dental resins for everything from surgical guides to permanent restorations
- Professional support package with access to dental experts and replacement parts
I’ve found this printer transforms production capacity in a way that makes in-house fabrication viable even for busy practices. The Form 4B has paid for itself through efficiency improvements alone.
>>>Request a quote from MatterHackers <<<
2. Formlabs Form 4BL – Best High-Volume Production Option
For larger dental labs or practices with high-volume production needs, the Formlabs Form 4BL offers extraordinary capacity without sacrificing the precision that made the Form 4B exceptional.
Why It Excels:
- Massive build platform that’s 2.7 times larger than the Form 4B
- Capacity to print up to 32 models in a single build
- Maintains the same accuracy standards with 95% of surface points within 50 μm
- Compatible with 10+ dental-specific resins, including biocompatible options
- Optional Open Material Mode for using third-party resins
What makes this printer unique is its ability to reduce the number of print sessions needed, minimizing labor costs and increasing overall throughput for high-production environments.
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3. ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X – Best Value Large-Format Option
The ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X offers exceptional value for practices wanting a large-format printer without the premium price tag. What impressed me most was the printer’s generous build volume and consistent detail reproduction.
Why It Works:
- 6K monochrome LCD screen delivers crisp detail for complex dental structures
- Spacious build volume (197mm x 122mm x 245mm) accommodates multiple models in one print
- UV cooling system prevents overheating during extended print sessions
- Remote monitoring capabilities through dedicated app
- Open-source material compatibility gives flexibility with resin selection
I’ve found this printer particularly valuable for practices that need to batch-produce models or larger appliances while maintaining tight margins on material costs.
>>>Check current pricing on MatterHackers <<<
4. Formlabs Form 4L – Best for Versatile Laboratory Applications
While not exclusively dental-focused, the Formlabs Form 4L offers exceptional versatility for dental labs that also produce non-dental items or need maximum build volume for specialized cases.
Technical Advantages:
- Massive 353×196×350mm build volume for exceptionally large prints
- Low Force Display technology ensures consistent accuracy despite large format
- Most prints complete in under 6 hours regardless of size
- Compatible with Formlabs’ extensive materials library
- Optional Open Material Mode for specialty third-party resins
This printer excels in laboratory environments where multiple applications beyond standard dental models are required, providing flexibility without compromising on quality.
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5. Refurbished Phrozen Sonic XL 4K
– Best Budget-Friendly Dental Option
For practices just beginning their digital journey, the refurbished Phrozen Sonic XL 4K presents an excellent entry point with dental-specific capabilities at a reduced price point.
What Makes It Special:
- Specifically designed for dental applications with appropriate build volume
- 8.3″ build area and 20 cm Z-axis on precision linear rails
- High level of repeatability crucial for creating consistent dental models
- Print speeds up to 90mm per hour for efficient production
- Significant cost savings with refurbished units while maintaining core functionality
I recommend this option for dental students, new practices, or as a secondary printer for established offices looking to expand capacity without significant investment.
>>>View refurbished availability on MatterHackers <<<
Best Dental Resins Currently Available
MatterHackers PRO Series Dental Model Resin – Best Premium House Brand
After testing dozens of materials, I’ve found MatterHackers’ own PRO Series Dental Model Resin to be an exceptional value given its performance characteristics. This professional-grade material yields consistently reliable results for my practice.
What Makes It Special:
- Specifically engineered for both patient models and thermoforming applications
- Allows efficient workflow by combining different patient jobs in a single print batch
- Excellent dimensional accuracy essential for proper-fitting appliances
- Streamlined workflow with optimized settings for MatterHackers’ printers
I’ve been particularly impressed with this resin when creating thermoforming bucks for aligners, where both surface quality and dimensional stability are critical to treatment success.
>>>View current availability on MatterHackers <<<
Liqcreate Dental Model Pro Series – Best for Enhanced Detail Visibility
When I need to highlight specific anatomical features, the Liqcreate Dental Model Pro Series (available in gray and beige) has become my material of choice. Its unique properties make it ideal for educational and complex treatment planning cases.
Why I Use It:
- Matte finish enhances visualization of critical anatomical details
- Low shrinkage ensures exceptional accuracy for complex dental structures
- Maintains integrity at high temperatures (up to 250°C) without deformation
- Broad compatibility with SLA, MSLA, and DLP printer technologies
The gray variant especially excels at accentuating depth and detail, providing perfect visualization of undercuts and margin lines that can be difficult to see with other materials.
>>>Find it on MatterHackers<<<
MakerJuice WaxCast Resin – Best for Casting Applications
For labs doing crown, bridge, or removable prosthetic work requiring casting, MakerJuice WaxCast Resin has revolutionized my workflow. This specialized material bridges the gap between digital design and traditional laboratory techniques.
Technical Advantages:
- Contains high-quality natural waxes for exceptional casting properties
- Allows easy modification with standard dental waxes for adjustments
- UV reactive coloring provides visual confirmation of proper curing
- Clean burnout with minimal residue for precise castings
This resin simplifies the transition to digital workflows for labs that still rely on casting techniques for certain applications, providing the best of both worlds.
>>>Available on MatterHackers<<<
Real-World Considerations When Choosing Your Dental 3D Printer
After helping three local dental practices set up their 3D printing workflows, I’ve noticed several practical factors that often get overlooked in typical reviews:
Print Accuracy: This is non-negotiable in dentistry. The Formlabs Form 4B excels here with over 95% of surface points falling within 50 μm of the CAD model – a level of precision that ensures properly fitting appliances and reliable surgical guides.
Production Speed vs. Build Volume: For high-volume practices, the Form 4B’s ability to print a complete model every 49 seconds can be more valuable than a larger build volume on a slower printer. Consider your daily output needs rather than just maximum capacity.
Material Versatility: The ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X’s open-source compatibility gives flexibility with third-party resins, while Formlabs offers a comprehensive library of validated dental materials with optimized settings.
Total Cost of Ownership: Factor in resin costs, maintenance requirements, and workflow efficiency. More expensive printers often include support packages that can significantly reduce downtime and troubleshooting.
Making the Right Choice for Your Practice
Every dental practice has unique needs. The solo practitioner focusing on restorative dentistry will have different requirements than a large orthodontic office or dental laboratory.
For practices producing high volumes of models, the Formlabs Form 4B delivers unmatched throughput. For labs requiring large parts or batch production on a budget, the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X offers an excellent balance of build volume and affordability.
The materials you choose are equally important – MatterHackers PRO Series Dental Model Resin provides excellent value for everyday model work, while specialized materials like Liqcreate Dental Model Pro and MakerJuice WaxCast address specific clinical needs.
Whether you’re creating surgical guides, dental models, or custom prosthetics, investing in the right 3D printing ecosystem can fundamentally transform your workflow and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
This guide represents my personal experience with products currently available from MatterHackers. Your specific needs may vary, but these options provide an excellent starting point for any dental professional looking to incorporate 3D printing into their practice.
