Chongqing—BMF Precision Tech Inc. in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area has developed the world’s first dental veneer using 3D printing technology that does not require teeth grinding. China’s National Medical Products Administration has approved it.
According to Yang Fei, Senior Vice President of BMF, this marks a significant step in the company’s growth in the Chinese market. The veneer also continues to expand into other global markets.
Yang explained that dental veneers serve as teeth masks and are used for whitening and restoration. However, the trade-off is that they require removing a small amount of healthy, irreplaceable tooth enamel.
The challenge is producing ultra-thin veneers. Yang noted that reducing thickness has been a persistent obstacle despite the dental veneer industry's established ecosystem.
Traditional veneers are manufactured using precision machining tools operated manually, resulting in thicknesses ranging from 200 to 400 microns. Yang added that to ensure the wearer's teeth remain aesthetically pleasing and comfortable, dentists must grind away portions of the outer layers of the teeth to accommodate these thicknesses.
However, BMF has overcome this manufacturing challenge through advancements in 3D printing technology. BMF's 3D-printed dental veneers are typically 80 to 100 microns thick, thinner than those produced using traditional methods.
This innovation allows BMF's veneers to adhere directly to the surfaces of the teeth without requiring enamel removal. Yang stated that this not only minimizes damage to the teeth but also ensures a safer and more comfortable experience for patients undergoing dental restoration.
Yang stated that BMF primarily focuses on selling micro-precision 3D printers with a printing accuracy of up to 2 microns. Yang stated that these printers have gained international recognition, with exports to 40 countries and partnerships with leading companies such as Apple, Johnson & Johnson, and 3M.
"Since 2023, BMF has pivoted to expand beyond its equipment sales business, venturing into the production of high-precision downstream products. Dental veneers have become one of the flagship offerings in this new direction," Yang added.
BMF's breakthrough in dental veneer production technology is paving the way for its expansion into international markets. Yang highlighted that the non-invasive nature of BMF’s veneers, which do not require teeth grinding, offers a unique advantage in Japan.
"Japan's market is highly sensitive to teeth grinding due to health concerns," Yang explained. "At the same time, the country's aging population drives significant demand for dental restoration solutions." These market characteristics position BMF’s non-invasive veneers as a standout option in Japan's dental market.
According to Yang, BMF has already authorized 14 dental clinics in Japan to use the dental veneer, and more clinics are currently undergoing the application process. "There's a consumer bias in Japan against tooth grinding, so when we first introduced our non-invasive veneers to Japanese dentists, many were skeptical and dismissed the idea," Yang shared. However, after personally experiencing the product, they were convinced of its quality and are now enthusiastic about promoting it in the Japanese market."
Expanding into the Japanese market has served as a springboard for BMF's global ambitions. Yang noted that recognition from Japan carries weight, aiding their efforts to enter markets like Singapore and eventually paving the way for expansion into Europe and America. He stated that the veneers had already received FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) registration, strengthening their credibility for international growth.