The advancements in 3D printing technology have significantly transformed the field of dentistry, particularly in the customization and production of dental restorations. This technology enhances precision, reduces production times, and allows for patient-specific designs, ultimately improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. The following sections outline key aspects of these advancements.
Customization and Efficiency
• 3D printing enables the creation of tailored dental prosthetics and orthodontic appliances, enhancing fit and comfort.
• Digital workflows streamline the production process, minimizing material waste and errors, and facilitating on-demand manufacturing.
Material Innovations
• Recent developments in 3D-printed ceramic-reinforced composites (CRCs) show promise, although they currently exhibit lower mechanical strength compared to traditional materials.
• Advances in photopolymer resin materials have improved mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and aesthetics, broadening their clinical applications[[5]].
Challenges and Future Directions
• Despite the benefits, challenges such as material limitations and regulatory hurdles persist, particularly affecting smaller clinics.
• Ongoing research aims to enhance material properties and integrate artificial intelligence for optimized designs, indicating a promising future for 3D printing in dentistry[[4]].
While 3D printing offers numerous advantages, traditional methods still hold relevance, particularly for high-stress restorations where established materials may provide superior durability and performance.
1. Diznab, F., Oskouei, H., Dehghan, F., Dehghan, M., Golrokhian, M., Rafighi, A., & Shenasa, N. (2024). The Role of 3D Printing in Customizing Dental Prosthetics and Orthodontic Appliances. Galen Medical Journal, 13(SP1), e3719. https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.v13isp1.3719
2. Yüceer, Ö. M., Öztürk, E. K., Çiçek, E. S., Aktaş, N., & Güngör, M. B. (2025). Three-Dimensional-Printed Photopolymer Resin Materials: A Narrative Review on Their Production Techniques and Applications in Dentistry. Polymers, 17(3), 316. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17030316
3. Duarte, S., & Phark, J. (2024). Advances in Dental Restorations: A Comprehensive Review of Machinable and <scp>3D</scp>‐Printed Ceramic‐Reinforced Composites. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. https://doi.org/10.1111/jerd.13371
4. Diznab, F., Oskouei, H., Dehghan, F., Dehghan, M., Golrokhian, M., Rafighi, A., & Shenasa, N. (2024). The Role of 3D Printing in Customizing Dental Prosthetics and Orthodontic Appliances. Galen Medical Journal, 13(SP1), e3719. https://doi.org/10.31661/gmj.v13isp1.3719
