An update of additive manufacturing (3D printing) technology in dentistry

Abstract

Background: The development of procedures known as additive manufacturing, which aim to produce more complex items with a lower overall material consumption compared to processes known as subtractive manufacturing. In addition, in recent years there has been a significant rise in the quantity of dental materials that are produced via the use of these techniques. As a consequence of this, scientific research has been concentrating more and more on such technologies, particularly in order to shed light on the methodology, indicators, and boundaries of the emerging technology.

Methods: The purpose of this paper is to provide a narrative assessment of the state-of-the-art in the area of these popular additive manufacturing methods, as well as the appropriate dental applications, by using scientific literature analysis and references to the authors’ clinical experience. In addition, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the appropriate dental applications.

Results: The end result was a tremendous amount of data, most of it is conflicting, is now available for viewing. In tests conducted both in vitro and in vivo, the following additive manufacturing procedures were shown to be effective: Milling results in a number of negative side effects, including the loss of material, increased costs associated with equipment maintenance, and wasted production time. Additive manufacturing, often known as 3D printing, allows for the production of prostheses and models at a quicker rate and with less waste material.

Conclusions: In order to successfully manufacture complex component geometries, CAM configuration and process design must be carefully considered. As a consequence of this, the speed at which the process is carried out is of equal importance to the interaction between the individual components. When dealing with geometry that is more complicated, 3D printing beats CAM.