3D Printing Technologies for Removable Dentures Manufacturing: A Review of Potentials and Challenges

The aim of this review is to investigate the use of 3D printing technologies for removable denture fabrication with a focus on the advantages, potentials, disadvantages and barriers. Methods: An electronic search of the English language literature from 1970 to March 2020 was carried out in databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases with applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search was performed using a variety of keywords including 3D printing, rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, dentures/complete dentures. Results: A total of 412 publications were retrieved. After applying the inclusion criteria and excluding the studies on CAD/CAM, studies on 3D printed crown and bridge and studies on 3D printed metal framework, 18 articles were identified for reading and analyzing in details. The results have outlined the main 3D printing advantages such as saving working time, satisfying clinical results and securing patients records. The detected disadvantages were the strength, esthetics and material biocompatibility. Conclusion: Denture fabrication by 3D printing technology is becoming more common in dental clinics. However, there is still a lack of information about biocompatibility and clinical performance of 3D printed dentures and further studies are essential.