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ADVANCES IN 3D PRINTING IN DENTISTRY

M. Duta, A. Caraiane

Abstract

Introduction: 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), refers to processes used to create a three-dimensional object in which successive layers of material are formed under computer control. 3D printing technology started in other industries (art and design, defense, aerospace) for rapid tooling and rapid prototyping, and has been adapted to work with dental. The outcome: single, personalized objects were manufactured. The aims of this paper are to provide an overview of recent advances of 3D printing in dentistry. Methods: A literature review on the topic was performed. Results: When searching on PubMed online database using the keywords for the last 5 years, 249 references were found. We observe an emergent interest in this area: if there were 12 scientific articles on the subject 5 years ago, there are 37 items in 2014, 2015: 68 items, 2016: 77 items, and in the first half of 2017 there are 55 items. 3D printing process involves two components - materials and printer technology required to actually turn those materials into usable items. Conclusions: Uses of 3D printing include the production of drill guides for dental implants, the production of physical models for prosthodontics, orthodontics and surgery, the manufacture of dental, craniomaxillofacial and orthopaedic implants, and the fabrication of copings and frameworks for implant and dental restorations. One of the benefits of intraoral scanning and CAD/CAM is a tighter collaboration between clinician and lab. Integrating a 3D printer helps labs be more productive and fully advanced in digital dentistry. By combining oral scanning, CAD/CAM design and 3D printing, dental labs takes the efficiencies of digital design to the production stage. There are some remaining challenges: 3D printers are sold independent of either the design software and/or the post processing thatВ’s needed to create some sort of device or restoration; and the need for the 3D materials for final dental restorations. The technology needs to be developed and perfected before itВ’s used to produce restorations right in the dental office.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgemsocial2017/33/S12.007

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