L. Kalman
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, has technologically exploded in the last few years. Improved accuracy, increased efficiency, lower cost, smaller units and novel materials have significantly changed the fabrication landscape. Dentistry is currently experiencing a trend toward 3D printing. Implant dentistry was one of the first disciplines to experience 3D printed guides for predictable surgeries. A revolution in materials and technologies has resulted in further evolution, including the printing of prosthodontic frameworks, dentures and implant components. Recent advances in industrial metal printers and materials have resulted in a surge in the applicability of metal additive manufacturing applications for dentistry. This presentation will explore the exciting advancement of metal AM, including the AM process, established and novel workflows, and applications. Specific applications will be presented, including the novel workflow for dental abutment fabrication and reverse engineered only restorations. The objectives are for the participant to appreciate fundamentals of 3D printing, understand the workflow and current materials and identify clinical applications of 3D printing.
3D printing has been hailed as a disruptive technology which will change manufacturing. Used in aerospace, defence, art and design, 3D printing is becoming a subject of great interest in surgery. The technology has a particular resonance with dentistry, and with advances in 3D imaging and modelling technologies such as cone beam computed tomography and intraoral scanning, and with the relatively long history of the use of CAD CAM technologies in dentistry, it will become of increasing importance. 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 orthopaedic implants, and the fabrication of copings and frameworks for implant and dental restorations. This paper reviews the types of 3D printing technologies available and their various applications in dentistry and in maxillofacial surgery.
