3D Printing in Contemporary Dentistry

Three-dimensional printing is an innovative technique which is offering advantages in engineering in terms of modeling and processing, even shapes and geometries which are complex and are difficult to be manufactured with other methods. This novel digital technology provides advantages in production process of an individualized 3D object when compared to subtractive computer numeric controlled methods and conventional dentistry techniques. Applied digital work-flow in dentistry embraces data acquisition with intraoral scanning, object design in CAD software and 3D printing with corresponding materials on adequate 3D printer. With the utilization of the 3D techniques, it is possible to make adequate digital models and to reproduce them with enough precision, which led to a transformation in dentistry practice and a wide range of present and possible future applications. An important benefit regarding 3D printing in dental practice is the fact that various materials can be used, such as polymers, resins, metals, ceramics etc., even multiple different materials during one production process, if needed. On the other side, there is a handful of available AM techniques depending on the model geometry complexity and desired accuracy. Implementation of 3D technologies proved to be beneficial in laboratory and clinical settings, surgical and restorative dentistry, and continues to expand in research and dental education. The aim of this article was to give one perspective and to review the techniques, materials and current applications of 3D printing in dentistry. As well, significance of waste and recycling of materials used for printing in this area is pointed out.