Mayra Vasques: “The Key Is The Development And Improvement Of Materials For Intraoral Use”

Dr. Mayra Vasques is founder of iNNOV3D, an EdTech company focused on supporting and training teachers and universities in Healthcare for the innovative and efficient use of 3D Technologies. 

The company was founded based on the belief that the best innovative solutions in healthcare will emerge from professionals that are raised familiar with technology and for this, the institutions must be prepared for these professionals. She started in the additive manufacturing field in 2015, during her PhD Fellow at School of Dentistry at the University of Sao Paulo, where she led a project in additive manufacturing for the development of occlusal splints for patients with orofacial pain. 

Since then she has been involved in several AM research projects and as panelist in conferences. She is deeply involved in creating a positive and more accessible local ecosystem in Brazil for digital technology and AM, working for local community building associated with international organizations such as ”Women in 3D Printing” and “3DHeals”.

Nora Toure: Mayra, could you let us know about your background and what brought you to 3D printing in the first place? 

Mayra Vasques: I´m a dentist and I started looking into additive manufacturing during my PhD Fellow in 2015. I was looking for a technology that could help turning the treatment of orofacial in a less painful and more precise procedure. One of the most used treatments is the use of oral splints, and I heard about the use of additive manufacturing for medical devices, so I decided to test clinically the viability of this technique, printing the oral splints.

Nora Toure: Can you describe your very first experience with 3D Printing? 

Mayra Vasques: When I decided to start 3d printing the splints, there were practically no equipment in Brazil to do it. The companies launching the specific materials for long-term intraoral use are in the US and Europe and there was no perspective to be launched one the Brazilian market anytime soon. 

This was a challenge for me to continues the project. First I studied as much as possible about all the technologies available and then I decided to go to the US to buy a printer and all the supplies necessary. I was already in love with all the possibilities of 3D printing.

Nora Toure: What are some of the dentistry applications for 3D Printing? Out of which materials? 

Mayra Vasques: There are a lot of dental applications for 3D printing. Considering the traditional techniques, most of them could be replaced by 3D Printing. In Dentistry, we focus on precision, reproducibility and customization, and these are some of 3D printing’s strengths. To achieve the best potential for 3D printing in dentistry, the key is the development and improvement of materials for intraoral use, especially the polymers and ceramic material.

Read more at Women in 3D Printing