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Review
. 2019 Jul-Sep;9(3):179-185.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2019.04.004. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

Current status and applications of additive manufacturing in dentistry: A literature-based review

Mohd Javaid  1 , Abid Haleem  1
Affiliations
Review

Current status and applications of additive manufacturing in dentistry: A literature-based review

Mohd Javaid et al. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res. 2019 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

Objective: To study the current status and applications of additive manufacturing (AM) in dentistry along with various technologies, benefits and future scope.

Methods: A significant number of relevant research papers on the additive manufacturing application in dentistry are identified through Scopus and studied using bibliometric analysis that shows an increasing trend of research in this field. This paper briefly describes various types of AM technologies with their accuracy, pros and cons along with different dental materials. Paper also discusses various benefits of AM in dentistry and steps used to create 3D printed dental model using this technology. Further, ten major AM applications in dentistry are identified along with primary references and objectives.

Results: Additive manufacturing is an innovative technique moving towards the customised production of dental implants and other dental tools using computer-aided design (CAD) data. This technology is used to manufacture elaborate dental crowns, bridges, orthodontic braces and can also various other models, devices and instruments with lesser time and cost. With the help of this disruptive innovation, dental implants are fabricated accurately as per patient data captured by the dental 3D scanner. The application of this technology is also being explored for the precise manufacturing of removal prosthetics, aligners, surgical templates for implants and produce models that for the planning of treatment and preoperative positioning of the jaws.

Keywords: 3D scanning; Additive manufacturing (AM); Applications; Dentistry; Implants.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Additive manufacturing applications in dentistry: Year-wise publications (Source: Scopus).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Major additive manufacturing applications in dentistry.
  1. •

    3D printed dental implants: During dental implant surgery, AM plays an essential role to provide the best solution for creating a template of 3D model which is helpful for the replacement of missing tooth. It improves the accuracy of the surgery as compared to the traditional method. This technique is economical and comfortable in which the dental model gets an excellent surface finish., , ,

  2. •

    Repair/replacement of damaged tooth: Dentist easily scans patient mouth and creates a 3D image of teeth and gums. CAD software helps in the digital design of teeth and print model with the help of AM technologies., ,

  3. •

    Surgical Guides: This technology produces surgical guides with a high degree of precision. Scanning of patient teeth in CAD form, which is easily printable. It improves the overall reliability of the process and has improved patient outcomes., , ,

  4. •

    Create an orthodontic model: AM easily create a model that is used for the treatment of irregularities in the teeth and jaws. The dentist can now first scan teeth, then design an orthodontic appliance and finally print by AM technologies.,

  5. •

    Printing of aligner: Printing of aligner which is the type of braces used for correcting teeth alignment. This technology manufacture customised aligner as per requirement of a patient.,

  6. •

    Research and Development: It has a vital role in for research and development of medical and dentistry. By using the 3D scanner and designing software, up-gradation in tools undertaken as per the requirement of the dentist., ,

  7. •

    Fabricate crowns, dentures: This technology is used to fabricate crown rapidly. Patient teeth are scan and crown is directly printed that save time, and further can also be modified. It prints complete denture with gum and teeth. Multi-material is used to print and all kinds of dental implants and models. It uses explicit material for the printing process., ,

  8. •

    Custom dental mould: AM has the potential to fabricate customised model. This model can also be used as a mould. Manufacturing of customised and complex geometry implants made in short time with different types of material., ,

  9. •

    Design and development of surgical tools: It enables efficient design of surgical tools as per the requirement of the dentist. 3D printing drill guides is also possible by this technology.,

  10. •

    Education and training: It is important to train medical students for performing various clinical trial and practices. Product manufactured by this technology provide a better demonstration, as model fabricated by this technology is colourful, so it is useful in dentistry for teaching., , ,

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References

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