How 3D printing has changed medicine

If there is one thing changing the way we look at medicine, it has to be 3D printing. What started as something interesting has revolutionized more than one area of the medical fraternity. If you have never done it or have never considered the possibility, now would be a good time to delve into it and explore its endless possibilities? Here are some of the things that 3D printing currently does.

Definition of 3D printing

One of the questions most people have is what is 3D printing? Simply put, it is when a machine to print out 3D objects often done in plastic. The pieces were created to look like a replica of the model that was printed. Since it falls under the custom CNC machining, it has made it easy for hospitals to mass-produce some of the pieces below. Here are the uses of 3D printing in medicine.

Anatomical models

Practicing surgery is one of the scariest things, especially for new surgeons. There is the fear that one might hit the wrong nerve or cut out an area they are not meant to do. The thing with anatomical models is, you get all the parts and can even have the diseased areas added to the model. It makes great test subjects for new surgeons and even those that just want to try out new surgical procedures.

Make better braces

Wearing braces might have seemed like such a hassle in the past, but this is slowly changing. With the new braces, there are now almost invisible braces with no wires, and those are the ones most people prefer. Dentists prefer the braces as well because they do not stain easily, and the patients can easily take care of them.

Better prosthetics

Losing a limb is something that many people struggle to deal with. The cost of prosthetics is very high, and so many amputees struggle to come to terms with this issue. In the past, prosthetics were not only expensive but also painful. Now thanks to prosthetics, patients can get new limns that not only work but also cost less. They can also be adjusted as a patent grows to ensure they have limbs that stay functional and looks good.

Medical equipment

Another area in that prosthetics has come in handy is in making medical equipment. Most of this equipment needs to be made with precision, and a small shift in the measurements can be fatal for the patient. There is also some equipment that gets reused, and it can lead to cross-infection. Since 3D printing is a cheap option, some of this equipment does not have to be reused. Patients can still get quality medical care without needing the hospital to cater for anything extra.

The future of medicine is in 3D printing. Soon enough, most hospitals can get their own printers and print what they need to use in the hospital. It will cut down the cost of running these hospitals and make healthcare more accessible.