The Applications of 3D-Printing Technology in Prosthodontics: A Review of the Current Literature

Abstract

Prosthodontics has become increasingly popular because of its cosmetic attractiveness. 3D printing has revolutionized prosthodontics, enabling the creation of high-quality dental prostheses. It creates detailed restorations, such as crowns, bridges, implant-supported frameworks, surgical templates, dentures, and orthodontic models. In addition, it saves production time but faces challenges such as elevated expenses and the requirement for innovative materials and technologies. This review gives insights into the uses of 3D printing in prosthodontics, presenting how it has significantly changed clinical practices. This article discusses different materials and techniques. Additionally, it showcases the capacity of 3D printing to improve prosthodontic practice and proposes prospects for future investigation.

Keywords: 3d printing; additive manufacturing; dental implants; dental prosthesis; prosthodontics.

Figure 1. Traditional impression steps.

We used the Canva application to create the figures. The included figures were published under a Creative Commons license.

Figure 2. 3D-printing technologies.

A refers to selective laser sintering printers, B refers to electron beam melting 3D printers, C refers to stereolithography printers, D refers to fused deposition modeling printers, and E refers to direct metal laser sintering printers. We used the Canva application to create the figures. The included figures were published under a Creative Commons license.