3D printing adds bite to Bant Dental’s new Macclesfield lab

Embracing the latest additive manufacturing technology has accelerated a family-run dental laboratory’s move to a state-of-the-art facility in Macclesfield. Bant Dental, founded by husband-and-wife team Steve and Susan Bant in 1990, has enjoyed a major surge in business after switching from analogue to digital technology, tapping into the capabilities of the Stratasys J5 DentaJet™. Supplied and installed by UK Platinum Partner SYS Systems, the 3D printer allows the lab to print fully customisable, full-colour monolithic dental parts, including dentures, surgical guides and models.

Bant Dental can now print multiple components in a single run, with dentures produced offering realistic depth and translucency, removing labour-intensive steps and reducing potential errors.

“When I started back in 1990, everything was analogue based,” states co-founder Steve Bant. “However, as time went on, digital started to creep in and, as it stands today, we’re 95% digital at our new lab on Beech Lane, Macclesfield. Initially, the J5 DentaJet™ could produce models, implant models, guides and special trays, which made us a lot more efficient as a business. Then SYS Systems received approval for its groundbreaking TrueDent™ CE-marked resin in the UK, and this opened up a whole new range of possibilities, including 3D printing full-colour monolithic dentures.”

He continues: “The ability to print in colour is next level. We can alter the colour of the gingiva, can give it depth and add translucency on the tips of the teeth. They’ve actually got real depth and, importantly, look fantastic.”

Part of advanced technology specialist Carfulan Group, SYS Systems has been a trusted partner throughout Bant Dental’s digital journey. From initial introduction to the available solutions, the company’s 3D printing experts have provided expert guidance and technical assistance to Steve and his team, ensuring the lab gets the most from its investment in Stratasys technology.

“The speed and the accuracy of the J5 DentaJet™ is simply next level and has transformed our workflow,” reveals Dan Bant, Digital Lab Manager and son of Steve and Susan. “In the simplest terms, the volume of work we produce digitally today would necessitate the need for at least three times the number of staff we currently have. The investment we’ve freed up has been poured back into making Macclesfield one of the most advanced dental labs in the country.”

He adds: “We first met SYS at the Dental Technology Showcase and, from day one, it got our business and where we wanted to head. Technical specialists walked us through the solutions and we eventually settled on the J5 DentaJet™. The support we’ve had with the printer and how we integrate the TrueDent™ resin has been second to none. Its made an unbelievable difference to our performance at the lab and, more importantly, for patients who are receiving even higher quality and more flexible dentures.”

Chris Fulton, Managing Director of SYS Systems, picks up the story: “Embracing digital dentistry has been a gamechanger for Bant Dental and helped it set the foundations for the next thirty-five years in business. The family-run company is a great example of how our revolutionary 3D printing technology isn’t just for the big laboratories but can also be deployed to offer real quality and efficiency savings for fast-growing, innovative labs.”

SYS Systems, which has been a Stratasys UK platinum partner since 2012, delivers a complete turnkey solution, including installation, service, maintenance, training and technical support. From its £2.5 million Innovation Centre near Derby, the company has seen sales in the dental market soar by 350% over the past 12 months with the installation of one J5 DentaJet™ every two weeks, as more laboratories and clinics come round to its speed, functionality and aesthetic performance.