3D Printing in Dentistry: Technologies and Applications

Three-dimensional printing offers numerous advantages in the realm of process engineering, finding diverse applications within the field of dentistry. These applications span across various dental specialties, including prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral implantology, orthodontics, endodontics, and periodontology. A comprehensive and scientifically grounded overview of 3D printing technologies is presented in a publication featured in the "Scanning" Journal. The authors emphasize the influence of several factors on the quality of printed products, encompassing printer process parameters, material composition, and postprocessing techniques. These factors significantly impact crucial aspects such as accuracy, processing time, and material properties, including ultimate tensile stress, elasticity modulus, yield strength, impact strength, and induced residual stress.
Furthermore, the article acknowledges the existence of various defects that can affect product performance. One notable example is the anisotropy resulting from the layer-by-layer superposition principle, which leads to different mechanical properties in different directions and poses limitations on the long-term usability of intraoral instruments. Additionally, the utilization of 3D printing in dentistry faces certain challenges, including high process and material costs, as well as time-consuming postprocessing requirements. Moreover, the shortage of adequately trained operators may impede the widespread adoption of 3D printing in the medical treatment domain.
To advance the application of 3D printing technology in dentistry, it is crucial to strive for cost and production time reduction, optimize surface quality, and enhance process reliability. Moreover, a focus on improving the gradient performance of materials is paramount to achieving the desired outcomes in this evolving field.