The final steps to prepare your models for printing
Exporting generates and saves all the stage models for printing. Before exporting, there are a few items you want to make sure are set so the software can automatically prepare each model.
Trimming
Trimming cuts the models height down, reducing the amount of resin required for printing as well as shortening the print time.
How to trim the models
- Click on one of the yellow dots located on the left side behind both arches.
- Drag down the green bar to adjust the height.
- Tilt the trimming plane using the quarter circles.
- Click away to hide the trimming plane and set your trim height.
Note: The model will not immediately appear trimmed. However, when exported, the models are trimmed to the set height.
Aligner Numbering
Aligner numbers help you and the patient keep track of which model and aligner tray is which. Automatically placed on the molars (or the next tooth is available) of each arch is the current aligner number. During treatment planning in the software, this number displays as 00. Once exported, the software generates the individual aligner number. This raised number gets embossed on the aligner when vacuum formed.
The aligner number repositions like an attachment.
Clicking on the 00 brings up a dot and semi-circle. Clicking and dragging the dot allows you to move the number on the tooth or a different tooth. The semi-circle rotates the number. Clicking on anything else saves the position of the aligner number.
Export Options
In Settings, there are a variety of Export Options that affect how your models get generated and then printed. These options include model orientation, hollowing, and labeling.
You can find a detailed list of all export options here.
For a quick and simple print, set the model to print Horizontal, Solid, and label on the gum.
If you'd like to print more models at once, you can print the models vertically.
Export
Once you have trimmed your models, set aligner numbers, and chosen your export options, you can click Export.
When you are ready to generate all your models, click Export. In the export window that appears, select the destination for saving, and then click Export.
Tip: Create a folder to save to, since the software generates a model for every stage.
Once the software has finished writing all the files, you can click Done.