Modern 3D printer printed from metal powder. Concept progressive additive DMLS, SLM, SLS 3d printing technology

Introduction to 3D Printing in Dentistry

What Is Dental 3D Printing?

The integration of 3D printing in dentistry has ushered in a new era of innovation, offering transformative solutions across various domains of dental care. 3D printing allows for a revolution in personalized dental devices, prostheses, and appliances production, offering efficient and precise solutions. The potential of 3D printing in dentistry has been widely recognized, with research highlighting its impact on patient care, education, and treatment customization.

The adoption of 3D printing in dentistry has significantly enhanced patient care through the production of patient-specific surgical guides, dental models, and orthodontic appliances, offering innovative solutions for dental treatments and procedures. Furthermore, 3D printing applications in educational contexts have demonstrated potential, enabling the development of 3D-printed models for dental education hands-on work sessions. The developments in 3D printing have shown promise in dental workflow optimization, production cost reduction, and more predictable treatment customization.

Moreover, 3D printing has opened new frontiers in the dental industry, enabling the production of dental implants, connectors to breathing devices, and oral stents for head and neck radiotherapy, demonstrating its versatility and impact on patient care. The technology’s potential for enhancing patient care and improving workflow efficiency has positioned it as a valuable tool in advancing dental practices and treatments.

Understanding the Role of 3D Printing in Dentistry

Developments in 3D printing have significantly impacted dentistry, offering a wide range of applications and benefits. It has been widely acknowledged for its potential to ameliorate oral healthcare in research, clinical treatment, and education in dentistry Oberoi et al. (2018). Dental 3D printing technology has been instrumental in personalized oral soft tissue regeneration, allowing the production of patient-tailored grafts. (Nesic et al., 2020). Additionally, 3D printing has found applications in various dental procedures, including manufacturing working models and main applications in prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oral implantology (Tian et al., 2021). Its applications in dentistry include the production of maxillofacial implants, dentures, and other prosthetic aids (Bhargav et al., 2017). Furthermore, 3D printing has been utilized in endodontics, with a focus on the production of 3D printed objects and the operation of haptic simulators (Shah & Chong, 2018). The technology has also been instrumental in undergraduate conservative dentistry training, with studies investigating the educational benefits of 3D printed models in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery (Richter et al., 2021). Moreover, 3D printing has significantly impacted pediatric dentistry, offering child-friendly practice tools and customizing dental practice for children (Shopova et al., 2022; Marty et al., 2018). It has also been instrumental in overcoming pitfalls in endodontic practice, showcasing its benefits in various dental specialties (Gupta et al., 2023). Overall, 3D printing has emerged as a promising digital technology in dentistry, offering a wide range of applications and benefits across different dental specialties.

Adoption of 3D Printing Technologies in Dental Practices

The adoption of 3D printing technologies in dental practices has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to revolutionize various aspects of dentistry. 3D printing has been applied in dentistry for manufacturing working models and in the fields of prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral implantology, and regenerative dentistry (Tian et al., 2021; Nesic et al., 2020). It has been shown that 3D printing can be used in dental laboratories and practices at present, offering the benefits of saving materials and treatment time (Schweiger et al., 2021; Alageel, 2022). Furthermore, 3D bioprinting has been driving major innovations in regenerative medicine, giving the field of regenerative dentistry a significant boost (Ma et al., 2018).

The technology has also influenced teaching and management of cases involving implant, craniofacial, maxillofacial, orthognathic, and periodontal treatments, with the development of 3D printers and printed teeth gaining importance for teaching dental students (Shah & Chong, 2018; Höhne et al., 2020). Additionally, 3D printing has been utilized for manufacturing simulation models in quantities required for dental hands-on courses, proving to be a suitable tool for dental education (Kröger et al., 2016; Höhne & Schmitter, 2019). Moreover, the use of 3D printing in dental medicine has expanded to include the printing of various dental implants, prosthetics for dental restorations, and temporary restorations using polymer materials (Ab, 2021; Milkov & Dzhendov, 2020).

The potential of 3D printing in dentistry has also been recognized in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where a study aimed to understand the knowledge and opinions regarding the use of 3D printing in dental medicine among general dentists, prosthodontists, and other specialists (Alnafisah et al., 2022). Furthermore, a survey in Saudi Arabia aimed to provide baseline data and identify gaps that may facilitate understanding and further action to plan, implement, and evaluate practice toward 3D printing technology among dental practitioners (Suganna et al., 2022).

Digital Dentistry and Its Impact on Dental Care

The integration of 3D printing and digital technologies in dentistry has significantly impacted various aspects of dental care. These technologies have been widely adopted in dentistry, offering personalized solutions, saving time, and improving patient outcomes Tian et al. (2021). The potential of 3D printing in dentistry has been recognized in various fields, including periodontology, prosthodontics, and oral soft tissue regeneration, where it has shown enormous potential to ameliorate oral health care in research, clinical treatment, and education (Oberoi et al., 2018; Nesic et al., 2020). Furthermore, the introduction of digital equipment such as conebeam computed tomography (CBCT), 3D intraoral and facial scanners, 3D printers, and integrated processing software has revolutionized the field of dentistry, impacting dental education, clinical procedures, and patient care (Sharab et al., 2022; Lin et al., 2019; Khurshid, 2023). The rapid development and utilization of 3D printing technologies have also been observed in dental education, with the implementation of digital technology becoming more common in the everyday practices of dentists (Dharaneesh et al., 2021). Additionally, studies have provided insight into the current state of digital technology adoption in dental practices, highlighting the impact of these technologies on dental care (Zande et al., 2015). The use of 3D printing in undergraduate conservative dentistry training has shown promising results, indicating the potential for enhancing dental education and training (Richter et al., 2021). Moreover, the benefits of 3D printing in specific dental practices, such as endodontics, have been acknowledged, emphasizing the positive impact on dental procedures (Gupta et al., 2023). Overall, the development of digital dentistry has enhanced clinical and administrative procedures within dental practice, leading to a transformation in oral health care and dental education (Eaton, 2022).

How Is 3D Printing Used in Dentistry?

The integration of 3D printing technologies in dental practices has significantly impacted the fabrication of clear aligners, revolutionizing the field of orthodontics. The use of 3D printing for the production of clear dental aligners has been extensively researched, focusing on various aspects such as mechanical properties, material research, and clinical applications.

Studies have investigated the mechanical and geometric properties of 3D printed clear dental aligners, highlighting the potential to enhance the predictability of treatment outcomes Jindal et al. (2019). Additionally, the utilization of 3D printing for the fabrication of clear aligners has been recognized as a transformative technology, offering the advantage of increased precision and decreased variation in thickness, potentially improving clinical utility (Lee et al., 2022).

Furthermore, the development and testing of 3D printable materials for intraoral use in orthodontics, such as Dental LT Clear Resin, have been investigated, demonstrating the potential for direct printing of aligners (Goracci et al., 2023). The application of 3D printing in orthodontics has also been extended to the production of orthodontic retainers, with advancements in digital manufacturing technologies enabling the direct fabrication of dental and orthodontic appliances from 3D models (Cole et al., 2019).

Moreover, the implementation of 3D printing in prosthodontics has shown potential for improving the quality of dental prostheses, including the production of orthodontic laboratory appliances and retainers (Alageel, 2022). The use of 3D printing technologies has also been explored in the context of orthodontic distalizers, demonstrating the potential for individualized 3D printing of orthodontic appliances with comparable clinical efficiency (Thurzo et al., 2021).

The Future of Dentistry: How 3D Printing is Changing the Industry

The future of 3D printing in dentistry holds significant promise, with ongoing advancements in materials, technologies, and applications. The development of new materials and technologies is expected to be a key trend, driving the future of 3D printing in dentistry, with a bright outlook for its continued growth and innovation Tian et al. (2021). Additionally, the ongoing viability of traditional dental laboratory services and manufacturing processes is being examined, indicating the potential for continued evolution and integration of 3D printing in digital prosthetic dentistry (Schweiger et al., 2021).

In the field of dental education, future investigations are anticipated to map pre- and post-questions to the correlative Bloom Taxonomy level, aiming to further elucidate the type of learning improved with student exposure to 3D prints, indicating a potential shift towards enhanced educational methodologies (Lim et al., 2015). Furthermore, the use of 3D printing technologies for processing polymers in implant dentistry is expected to continue to expand within digital workflows, offering new possibilities for dental prosthesis manufacturing (Revilla‐León et al., 2019).

Advancements in 3D printing of biomaterials are expected to drive progress in tissue engineering, with identified limitations serving as motivation for future research to advance this field of advanced manufacturing, indicating a continued focus on innovation and overcoming challenges (Chia & Wu, 2015). Moreover, the future prospects of 3D printing in endodontics and prosthodontics suggest exciting possibilities for creative applications within modern dental concepts, indicating a potential for transformative applications in these specialized areas of dentistry (Anderson et al., 2018).

The future of 3D printing in dentistry also extends to the development of modular digital and 3D-printed dental models with applicability in dental education, reflecting the need for adaptation to expanding medical knowledge and new advancements in digital technologies, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous adaptation to advancements (Petre et al., 2023). Additionally, the potential for antibiotic impregnated hardware to be custom printed for delivering therapeutic doses of medication tailored to the individual is a prospective application, indicating the potential for personalized treatment solutions (Ballard et al., 2018).

In Saudi Arabia, insight into the shifting trends of three-dimensional printing for patient management among new generation dentists is being explored, highlighting the importance of understanding and further action to plan, implement, and evaluate practice toward 3D printing technology among dental practitioners, indicating a growing interest and potential adoption of 3D printing in dental practices (Alnafisah et al., 2022).

Benefits and Applications of 3D Printing in Dental Care

3D Printing in Digital Denture Fabrication

The future of 3D printing in digital denture fabrication is promising, with ongoing research focusing on various aspects such as materials, clinical performance, and cost-effectiveness. Studies have shown that the incorporation of CAD/CAM technology into complete denture design and fabrication streamlines clinical and laboratory processes, providing improved physical properties that enhance denture quality Baba et al. (2021). Additionally, the use of 3D printing for denture artificial teeth has the potential to minimize patient discomfort and reduce long-term residual bone resorption, indicating more efficient clinical adaptation (Chung et al., 2018). Furthermore, the digital fabrication of immediate complete dentures has been explored, demonstrating the potential for a completely digital workflow or a combination of conventional and digital processes, offering flexibility in fabrication methods (Jurado et al., 2020). Economically, digitally produced dentures have shown cost-saving benefits, making them a promising option for treating edentulous patients, especially in remote areas where skilled technicians are rare (Smith et al., 2021). Moreover, studies have compared the retention and denture base adaptation between conventional and 3D-printed complete dentures, with comparable satisfactory retention values observed for both fabrication methods (Emera et al., 2022). The effect of build orientation on the dimensional accuracy of 3D-printed mandibular complete dentures has also been investigated, highlighting the importance of manufacturing techniques in ensuring dimensional accuracy (Gao et al., 2021). Overall, the future of 3D printing in digital denture fabrication holds significant potential for continued innovation, improved clinical outcomes, and cost-effective solutions, with a focus on materials, clinical performance, and manufacturing techniques.

Utilizing 3D Printing for Dental Implants and Appliances

Based on the provided references, the utilization of 3D printing in dental implants and appliances has shown significant potential for transforming various aspects of dentistry. The applications of 3D printing in dentistry extend to the production of dental implants, orthodontic appliances, surgical guides, and prosthetic devices, offering personalized and efficient solutions.

The incorporation of 3D printing technologies in implant dentistry has enabled the digital production of dental implants, surgical models, and copings and frameworks for implant and dental restorations Dsouza (2020) Huan et al., 2017). Additionally, the use of 3D printing for the fabrication of drill guides for dental implants has demonstrated the potential for precise and minimally invasive insertion of dental implants (David et al., 2017). Furthermore, the development of 3D-printed titanium implants with pre-mounted dental fixtures has shown promise for mandible reconstruction, highlighting the potential for personalized and innovative treatment solutions (Park et al., 2020).

In the field of orthodontics, 3D printing has facilitated the digital production of dental models, aligners, retainers, nightguards, occlusal splints, indirect bonding trays, and surgical guides for implant placement, offering customized and efficient orthodontic appliances (Goracci et al., 2023; Arcila et al., 2020). Moreover, the use of 3D printing for the production of polymeric clear aligners has demonstrated the advantage of esthetic, compatible, and efficient orthodontic appliances (Yu et al., 2022).

The application of 3D printing in prosthodontics has extended to the fabrication of complete dentures, immediate dentures, and orthodontic laboratory appliances, offering cost-effective and personalized solutions for edentulous patients and orthodontic treatment (Graf et al., 2021). Additionally, the use of 3D printing for the production of splints has shown potential for obtaining predictable and optimized dental appliances using digital technologies (Vasques & Laganá, 2018).

The future prospects of 3D printing in dentistry also encompass the development of novel digital workflows for nasoalveolar molding, postoperative nasal stents, and immediate teeth in fibulas for cleft lip and palate treatment, indicating the potential for innovative and patient-specific treatment approaches (Carter et al., 2022; Williams et al., 2020).

Enhancing Dental Restorations with 3D Printed Crowns

To enhance dental restorations, 3D printing technology has been extensively explored and has shown significant potential for transforming various aspects of dentistry. The application of 3D printing in dental restorations encompasses the fabrication of crowns, bridges, and other prosthetic devices, offering personalized, efficient, and innovative solutions.

The use of 3D printing for dental restorations has been investigated in various studies, demonstrating its potential to improve the fabrication of provisional crowns and bridges, all-ceramic crowns, metal crowns, and resin crowns. Research has shown that 3D-printed crowns provide a higher level of precision, accuracy, and trueness compared to conventionally cured crowns, milled crowns, and crowns fabricated using CAD/CAM systems. Additionally, 3D-printed crowns have been found to exhibit superior marginal accuracy and internal fit, indicating their potential for achieving optimal clinical performance. Furthermore, 3D printing has been utilized to fabricate resin crowns, temporary crowns, and interim restorations, demonstrating the technology’s versatility and potential for various dental applications.

The potential of 3D printing in dental restorations extends beyond the fabrication of crowns, as it has also been employed in the production of surgical guides for crown lengthening surgery and in the development of tooth preparations for teaching and learning in preclinical fixed prosthodontics courses. Moreover, 3D printing has been utilized to create personalized dental models for invisible orthodontics, clear aligners, and tooth preparations, offering innovative solutions for orthodontic and prosthodontic treatments.

Advancements in Surgical Guides Using 3D Printing Technologies

Based on the provided references, the advancements in surgical guides using 3D printing technologies have shown significant potential for transforming various aspects of dentistry. The application of 3D printing in surgical guides encompasses the fabrication of guides for dental implants, orthognathic surgery, endodontic surgery, and maxillofacial surgery, offering personalized, efficient, and innovative solutions.

The use of 3D printing for surgical guides has been investigated in various studies, demonstrating its potential to improve the precision, accuracy, and trueness of surgical guides compared to conventional methods. Research has shown that 3D-printed surgical guides provide superior accuracy and fit, indicating their potential for achieving optimal clinical performance. Furthermore, 3D printing has been utilized to fabricate surgical guides for various dental and maxillofacial procedures, demonstrating the technology’s versatility and potential for various surgical applications.

The potential of 3D printing in surgical guides extends beyond the fabrication of guides for dental implants, as it has also been employed in the production of guides for orthognathic surgery, endodontic surgery, and maxillofacial surgery. Moreover, 3D printing has been utilized to create personalized surgical guides for various dental and maxillofacial procedures, offering innovative solutions for surgical treatments.

Production of Dental Models and Appliances with 3D Printing

Based on the provided references, the utilization of 3D printing for the production of dental models and appliances has demonstrated significant potential for transforming various aspects of dentistry. The application of 3D printing in dentistry encompasses the fabrication of dental models, orthodontic appliances, surgical guides, and prosthetic devices, offering personalized, efficient, and innovative solutions.

The use of 3D printing for dental models and appliances has been investigated in various studies, demonstrating its potential to improve the precision, accuracy, and trueness of dental models and appliances compared to conventional methods. Research has shown that 3D-printed dental models and appliances provide superior accuracy and fit, indicating their potential for achieving optimal clinical performance. Furthermore, 3D printing has been utilized to fabricate a wide range of dental models and appliances, including orthodontic models, clear aligners, retainers, nightguards, occlusal splints, surgical guides, and prosthetic devices, demonstrating the technology’s versatility and potential for various dental applications.

The potential of 3D printing in dental models and appliances extends beyond the fabrication of models and appliances for orthodontics, as it has also been employed in the production of dental implants, maxillofacial implants, and various prosthetic restorations. Moreover, 3D printing has been utilized to create personalized dental models and appliances, offering innovative solutions for dental treatments and procedures.

Disrupting Orthodontics With Clear Aligners

The integration of 3D printing technologies in dental practices has significantly impacted the fabrication of clear aligners, revolutionizing the field of orthodontics. The use of 3D printing for the production of clear dental aligners has been extensively researched, focusing on various aspects such as mechanical properties, material research, and clinical applications.

Studies have investigated the mechanical and geometric properties of 3D printed clear dental aligners, highlighting the potential to enhance the predictability of treatment outcomes Jindal et al. (2019). Additionally, the utilization of 3D printing for the fabrication of clear aligners has been recognized as a transformative technology, offering the advantage of increased precision and decreased variation in thickness, potentially improving clinical utility (Lee et al., 2022).

Furthermore, the development and testing of 3D printable materials for intraoral use in orthodontics, such as Dental LT Clear Resin, have been investigated, demonstrating the potential for direct printing of aligners (Goracci et al., 2023). The application of 3D printing in orthodontics has also been extended to the production of orthodontic retainers, with advancements in digital manufacturing technologies enabling the direct fabrication of dental and orthodontic appliances from 3D models (Cole et al., 2019).

Moreover, the implementation of 3D printing in prosthodontics has shown potential for improving the quality of dental prostheses, including the production of orthodontic laboratory appliances and retainers (Alageel, 2022). The use of 3D printing technologies has also been explored in the context of orthodontic distalizers, demonstrating the potential for individualized 3D printing of orthodontic appliances with comparable clinical efficiency (Thurzo et al., 2021).

Impact of 3D Printing on Dental Professionals and Practices

Adoption and Integration of 3D Printing in Dental Workflow

Based on the provided references, the adoption and integration of 3D printing in dental workflow have shown significant potential for transforming various aspects of dentistry. The application of 3D printing in dentistry encompasses the fabrication of dental prostheses, surgical guides, orthodontic appliances, and personalized devices, offering efficient, precise, and innovative solutions.

The use of 3D printing in dental workflow has been investigated in various studies, demonstrating its potential to improve the precision, accuracy, and trueness of dental prostheses and appliances compared to conventional methods. Research has shown that 3D-printed dental prostheses and appliances provide superior accuracy and fit, indicating their potential for achieving optimal clinical performance. Furthermore, 3D printing has been utilized to fabricate a wide range of dental devices, including surgical guides, orthodontic appliances, and personalized prostheses, demonstrating the technology’s versatility and potential for various dental applications.

The potential of 3D printing in dental workflow extends beyond the fabrication of prostheses and appliances, as it has also been employed in the production of surgical guides for dental implant placement, orthognathic surgery, and maxillofacial surgery. Moreover, 3D printing has been utilized to create personalized dental models and appliances, offering innovative solutions for dental treatments and procedures.

Utilizing 3D Printing for Customized Dental Devices

The integration of 3D printing in dentistry has revolutionized the production of customized dental devices, offering efficient, precise, and innovative solutions. The application of 3D printing in dentistry encompasses the fabrication of dental models, orthodontic appliances, surgical guides, and prosthetic devices, providing personalized and accurate solutions. Scientific research has highly focused on implants and bio-manufacturing, and more medical preoperative models are made using 3D printing for patient treatment. The technology’s versatility and ability to produce personalized and accurate dental models and appliances make it a valuable tool for advancing dental prosthetics and improving patient care. Furthermore, 3D printing has been utilized to fabricate a wide range of dental devices, including surgical guides, orthodontic appliances, and personalized prostheses, demonstrating the technology’s versatility and potential for various dental applications. In conclusion, the adoption and integration of 3D printing in dental workflow have demonstrated significant potential for enhancing clinical outcomes, precision, and efficiency in dentistry.

Improving Efficiency in Dental Lab through 3D Printing

To enhance efficiency in dental labs through 3D printing, numerous studies have highlighted the potential benefits and advancements in this area. For instance, (Anadioti et al., 2020) discussed the potential of 3D printing to modernize and streamline denture fabrication techniques, materials, and workflows (Anadioti et al., 2020). Similarly, Joda et al. (2016) emphasized the major benefits of 3D printing in reducing production costs, improving time-efficiency, and satisfying patients’ perceptions of a modernized treatment concept in fixed implant prosthodontics (Joda et al., 2016). Furthermore, Schweiger et al. (2021) provided an overview of recent developments in additive manufacturing, discussing future perspectives and the ongoing viability of traditional dental laboratory services and manufacturing processes (Schweiger et al., 2021).

In addition, 3D printing has been utilized to create personalized dental models and appliances, offering innovative solutions for dental treatments and procedures. For example, Shah & Chong (2018) highlighted the use of 3D printing to fabricate surgical guides for dental implant placement, orthognathic surgery, and maxillofacial surgery, demonstrating the technology’s versatility and potential for various surgical applications (Shah & Chong, 2018). Moreover, the adoption and adaptation of recent advances in digital technology, such as three-dimensional (3D) printed objects and haptic simulators, in dentistry have influenced teaching and/or management of cases involving implant, craniofacial, maxillofacial, orthognathic, and periodontal treatments (Shah & Chong, 2018).

Enhancing Patient Care with 3D Printed Dental Products

The integration of 3D printing in dentistry has significantly enhanced patient care through the production of customized dental devices. Research has demonstrated the potential of 3D printing to improve the precision, accuracy, and trueness of dental models, prostheses, and appliances compared to conventional methods Jeong et al. (2018) Chia & Wu, 2015; Kim et al., 2022). This technology has been widely used to produce patient-specific surgical guides, dental casts, temporary or permanent restorations, orthodontic brackets, metal frames for partial dentures, and complete dentures, offering personalized and efficient solutions (Park et al., 2022). Additionally, 3D printing has been utilized to create personalized dental models and appliances, offering innovative solutions for dental treatments and procedures (Yu et al., 2022).

Furthermore, 3D printing has been instrumental in the production of dental implants, surgical guides, and prosthetic devices, leading to improved patient-specific prostheses in a cost-effective and time-saving manner (Kwon et al., 2021). The technology has also been applied to produce patient-specific dental splints, connectors to breathing devices, and oral stents for head and neck radiotherapy, demonstrating its versatility and impact on patient care (Cavallo et al., 2020; Shepard et al., 2017; Wilke et al., 2017). Moreover, 3D printing has been used to fabricate dental models for protective dental splints during general anesthesia, highlighting its potential to enhance patient safety and care (Park et al., 2022).

Exploring New Frontiers in Dental Industry with 3D Printing

The integration of 3D printing in the dental industry has opened new frontiers, revolutionizing various aspects of dental care. The technology has shown significant potential for enhancing patient care, improving workflow efficiency, and advancing treatment customization. Research has highlighted the benefits of 3D printing in dentistry, including the production of customized dental devices, prostheses, and appliances Oberoi et al. (2018) Park et al., 2018; Lin et al., 2019). Furthermore, 3D printing has been instrumental in the development of patient-specific surgical guides, dental models, and orthodontic appliances, offering innovative solutions for dental treatments and procedures (Marty et al., 2018; Park et al., 2022; Ab, 2021).

The technology has also demonstrated potential in educational settings, enabling the creation of 3D-printed models for hands-on work sessions in dental education (Marty et al., 2018). Additionally, 3D printing has been utilized to produce patient-specific dental casts, restorations, and protective dental splints, contributing to improved patient care and safety (Park et al., 2022). Moreover, 3D printing has been recognized for its potential to optimize dental workflows, reduce production costs, and provide more predictable treatment customization (Ab, 2021).

The adoption of 3D printing in dentistry has also paved the way for new applications, such as the production of dental implants, connectors to breathing devices, and oral stents for head and neck radiotherapy, demonstrating the technology’s versatility and impact on patient care (Cavallo et al., 2020; Shaikh et al., 2021). Furthermore, 3D printing has enabled the development of innovative techniques, including the use of 3D-printed colored models for the fabrication of full ceramic restorations, signifying new frontiers in dental technology (Schweiger et al., 2022).

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