3D Printing in Dentistry

Austin Yan, Emory University

Introduction

As humanity has evolved, technology has consistently advanced at an accelerated pace, spanning from the development of computers to the emergence of machine learning. Today, there is a new player in the game: 3D printing. This technology enables dentists to create three-dimensional objects using digital designs, essentially bringing them to life. By leveraging computer-aided design (CAD) files, 3D printers construct physical objects layer by layer, revolutionizing industries once confined to traditional manufacturing methods. Initially used for industrial settings, 3D printing has now found itself in fields such as architecture, art, and manufacturing. However, it is in the field of dentistry that 3D printing has made significant strides, reshaping approaches to orthodontics, and endodontics.

Benefits of 3D Printing

By bridging the gap between digital design and physical objects, 3D printing is revolutionizing the traditional dental workflow, offering benefits such as cost reduction, increased speed, and improved usability. The seamless transition of digital technologies into clinics, including intraoral scanners and 3D printers, has simplified workflow, minimized errors, and generated significant time and cost savings for dental practices and patients. With the development of 3D printers, dental practices can effortlessly create surgical guides and splints on-site, eliminating the dependence on external labs and significantly reducing waiting times for patients. When used alongside intraoral scanners, 3D printing guarantees newfound precision, decreasing the need for multiple appointments. As 3D printing technology evolves, it will become more user-friendly, thus increasing its accessibility. 

Orthodontics

3D printing has ignited a significant shift in orthodontics, particularly in the production of clear aligners. Before 3D printing, clear aligners have been manufactured through a thermoforming process utilizing thermoplastic materials. However, this thermoforming procedure, along with the intraoral environment, could alter the material properties, harming overall performance. Implementing direct 3D printing enables the creation of more precise clear aligners with digitally designed, soft edges for the entire set of treatment aligners. This approach offers a superior fit, enhanced efficacy, and reproducibility. With direct 3D printing, the thickness of the aligner can be precisely controlled, allowing for better management of the force primarily involved in tooth movement.

Endodontics

Along with orthodontics, the introduction of 3D printing has brought serious advancements to the field of endodontics, improving the way root canal treatments are performed. This innovative technology has empowered endodontists to create highly accurate and patient-specific tools such as surgical guides, templates, and models, elevating the precision and efficiency of procedures. By taking advantage of 3D printing’s advantages, endodontists can create custom-made guides that enhance the placement of instruments during root canal treatment, improving cleaning and shaping of the intricate root canal system. Moreover, 3D-printed models play a crucial role in treatment planning, as they help snap a more accurate photo of tooth anatomy and complex root canal structures. The high level of customization and precision 3D printing provides has significantly enhanced the success rates and overall outcomes of endodontic procedures, providing patients with treatments that are not only more predictable but also more effective and transformative.

Takeaways 

With its long list of benefits and transformative capabilities, 3D printing has firmly established its place within dentistry. The profound impact it has made on the field, improving approaches to prosthodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics, is a testament to its presence and significance. By harnessing the power of 3D printing, dentists can now navigate uncharted territories, unlocking new levels of precision, efficiency, and customization in their practice.

Here’s to a new era of dental care, where 3D printing makes the impossible possible.