Dental 3D printing 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 orthopedic implants, and the fabrication of copings and frameworks for implant and dental restorations. The term 3D printing is usually defined as a manufacturing approach that constructs objects one side at a time then adding a number of layers to create complete object. This method is more precisely referred to as rapid prototyping and can be defined as additive manufacturing.

When we talk about dental additive manufacturing, it is important to understand that several technologies are involved, whether it is fused deposition modeling, photopolymerization or laser sintering, the choice will depend on the type of application at stake.

Dental 3D printers display highly accurate results with the most common technologies including stereolithography and digital light processing. Resins vary depending upon the type of application. Specialized resins are created for 3D printers. 3D printers bring out a new level of speed and replace old procedures effortlessly. Researchers from the King Abdullah University of Science & Technology in Saudi Arabia are developing “smart 3D printed braces”. The aim of these braces is to align and straighten the teeth faster, thanks to LED lights. These semi-translucent 3D printed braces put a battery on each tooth, in order to power the light, because the energy actually helps the teeth to move faster.

Transparent aligners and night guards are the most common applications of 3D printing. Aligners replace braces and highly popular because of their invisibility. The process starts by scanning the patient’s teeth and using software to generate a 3D model of their teeth. Now, the model is essentially adjusted towards the patient’s teeth to create an aligner.

3D printing is a rapidly growing industry that promises huge success in dental applications. Most of the companies are getting involved in creating such innovative dental products.