3D Printing in Dentistry: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing (additive manufacturing) is a new breakthrough in the modern dentistry that is more accurate, customized, and effective than traditional methods. Initially developed as an industry-scale prototyping system, 3D printing has evolved in a very short time into a digital dentistry core product with imaging, computer-aided design (CAD), and biocompatible material developments. Its applications have since been distributed to a variety of dental specialties, such as in prosthodontics, orthodontics, implantology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics and endodontics. Crowns, bridges, dentures, surgical guides, aligners and tissue scaffolds can be manufactured using 3D printing in clinical practice and increase predictability of treatment outcome and patient satisfaction significantly. Moreover, the implementation of chairside 3D printing has reduced the dependence on the laboratory, reduced the time of treatment, and optimized the workflow. Recent progress, in bio-printing and regenerative therapies, also promises opportunities in the use of 3D printing in synthesis of scaffolds and biomaterials in bone and periodontal regeneration, and a future of biologically integrated applications. Scattered with its impressive potential, problems can still be pointed out, such as the high start-up cost, lack of long-term statistics on the performance of materials and the fact that regulatory and educational structures are necessary to facilitate safe implementation. Comparison with the literature in the past shows consistent evidence of accuracy and efficiency, and highlights current limitations in material science and standardization. In general, 3D printing is a paradigm shift in dental care, and ongoing technological and scientific advancements bring the industry to the next stage of fully personalized, cost-effective, and regenerative treatment options.