What is the purpose of a vacuum former in dental procedures?

The purpose of a vacuum former in dental procedures is to create custom trays. This is achieved by using the vacuum former's heating element to soften thermoplastic sheets. Once the material is soft, it is placed over a model of the patient’s teeth and then drawn down into the shape of the model using a vacuum. This process allows for the creation of highly accurate and personalized trays that can be used for a variety of dental applications, such as for whitening treatments, impressions, or orthodontic devices.

The custom trays produced by a vacuum former provide a better fit and comfort for patients, which is essential for the effectiveness of various treatments that require precise positioning of materials around the teeth and gums.