Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

3D Printing in Dentistry: Fundamentals, Workflows and Clinical Applications

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Advances in Dental Implantology using Nanomaterials and Allied Technology Applications

Abstract

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. Currently, additive manufacturing has been utilized industrially for the fabrication of motorcycle chassis by BMW and brake calipers by Bugatti. This exemplifies that the additive manufacturing workflow through a digital platform presents numerous desirable qualities. Moreover, the performance of additive manufactured high-performance vehicle components demonstrates that this fabrication process delivers functionality.

The health sciences have also seen a vast expansion of 3D printing. The development of unique materials and regulatory approvals has resulted in several patient-specific 3D printed structures restoring form and function.

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.

This chapter will explore the exciting advancement of 3D printing and its applications to industry and medicine, with an in-depth presentation of its application to dentistry. A glimpse into the past, a review of what is current, and a look into the future of 3D printing, will be presented.

The objectives of this chapter are for the reader to appreciate the fundamentals of 3D printing, understand the workflow and current materials, and identify clinical applications of 3D printing.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Shahrubudin N, Lee TC, Ramlan R. An overview on 3D printing technology: technological, materials, and applications. Procedia Manuf. 2019;34:1286–96.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Szykiedans K, Credo W. Mechanical properties of FDM and SLA low-cost 3-D prints. Procedia Eng. 2016;136:257–62.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Gregurić L. History of 3D printing: when was 3D printing invented? Munich: All3DP. 2018.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Redwood B. The advantages of 3D printing. 3D Hubs. Available from: https://www.3dhubs.com/knowledge-base/advantages-3d-printing/.

  5. Naftulin JS, Kimchi EY, Cash SS. Streamlines, inexpensive 3D printing of the brain and skull. PLoS One. 2015;10(8):e0136198.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Brugnami F, Caleffi C. Prosthetically driven implant placement. How to achieve the appropriate implant site development. Keio J Med. 2005;54(4):172–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Charangowda BK. Dental records: an overview. J Forensic Dent Sci. 2010;2(1):5–10.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Revilla-León M, Besné-Torre A, Sánchez-Rubio JL, Fábrega JJ, Özcan M. Digital tools and 3D printing technologies integrated into the workflow of restorative treatment: a clinical report. J Prosthet Dent. 2019;121(1):3–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Cascón WP, Revilla-León M. Digital workflow for the design and additively manufacture of a splinted framework and custom tray for the impression of multiple implants. J Prosthet Dent. 2018;120(6):805–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Groth CH, Kravitz ND, Jones PE, Graham JW, Redmond WR. Three-dimensional printing technology. J Clin Orthod. 2014;48(8):475–85.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Dilag J, Chen T, Li S, Bateman SA. Design and direct additive manufacturing of three-dimensional surface micro-structures using material jetting technologies. Addit Manuf. 2019;27:167–74.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. D’Aveni RA. The 3D printing playbook. Harv Bus Rev. 2018;96(4):106–13.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Tappa K, Jammalamadaka U. Novel biomaterials used in medical 3D printing techniques. J Funct Biomater. 2018;9(1):17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Devadiga A. What’s the deal with dental records for practicing dentists? Importance in general and forensic dentistry. J Forensic Dent Sci. 2014;6(1):9–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Chen YJ, Chan LY, Yao CC. Clear aligner treatment with “in-office” virtual model set-up and 3D printing. J Dent Oral Care. 2017;3(1):21–5.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Colombo M, Mangano C, Mijiritsky E, Krebs M, Hauschild U, Fortin T. Clinical applications and effectiveness of guided implant surgery: a critical review based on randomized controlled trials. BMC Oral Health. 2017;17:150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Ahmady E, Berger F, Dibadin M, Khojasteh SM, Tichenoff E. Comparing conventional complete dentures and implant-supported overdentures with respect to quality of life: a systematic review of the literature. Dissertation, University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Zarb GA, Bolender CL, Boucher CO, Carlsson GE. Boucher’s prosthodontic treatment for edentulous patients. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Dentca Inc. Dentca impression manual. Dentca. 2014. Available from: http://dentca.com/system/files/staticpage/Impression%20Manual%20DENTCA%20PDF_1.pdf. Cited 2 Jan 2020.

  20. Mak A, Chio A. A full digital workflow with 3D-printed temporary restorations. GC Get Connected. 2018. Available from: https://getconnected-europe.gc.dental/media/articles/JSeHBXezsATaqYZwUMwreoRLWFE1uCnY4VFtvp4k.pdf?topic=documents&id=409. Cited 2 Jan 2020.

  21. Molinero-Mourelle P, Canals S, Gómez-Polo M, Solá-Ruiz MF, Del Río Highsmith J, Viñuela AC. Polylactic acid as a material for three-dimensional printing of provisional restorations. Int J Prosthodont. 2018;31(4):349–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Abduo J, Lyons K, Bennamoun M. Trends in computer-aided manufacturing in prosthodontics: a review of the available streams. Int J Dent. 2014;2014:783948.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Kalman L, Estafanos L. Implant provisionals utilizing a novel abutment: assessing quality, efficiency and stability. Int J New Technol Sci Eng. 2017;4:37–47.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Kalman L. 3D printing of a novel dental implant abutment. J Dent Res Dent Clin Dent Prospects. 2018;12(4):299–303.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Renishaw. AM 400: flexible additive manufacturing for professional use in a wide range of metals. Available from: https://www.renishaw.com/en/am-400%2D%2D35456.

  26. Stefano G, Thompson VP, Ferencz JL, Silva NR, Bonfante EA. A new classification system for all-ceramic and ceramic-like restorative materials. Int J Prosthodont. 2015;28(3):227–35.

    Google Scholar 

  27. cthornsberry. 3D printing advantages. 3SPACE. 2019. Available from: https://3space.com/blog/3d-printing-advantages/.

  28. Jackson B. Bugatti prepares 3D printed brake caliper for series production. 3D Printing Industry. 2019. Available from: https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/watch-bugatti-prepares-3d-printed-brake-caliper-for-series-production-146163/.

  29. Chang B. Bugatti’s new $3.9 million hypecar broke a world record for going over 300 miles per hours—now it’s for sale. Maxim. 2019. Available from: https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/bugatti-will-sell-worlds-fastest-car-hits-300-mph-2019-9-1028513987.

  30. Alexandrea P. BMW incorporates 3D printed parts onto their new motorcycle. 3D Natives. 2018. Available from: https://www.3dnatives.com/en/bmw-3d-printing-motorcycle030520184/.

  31. 3D Printing Progress. Volkswagen uses 3D printing for mass production. 2018. Available from: https://www.3dprintingprogress.com/articles/15362/volkswagen-uses-3d-printing-for-mass-production.

  32. Market Watch. Global 3D printing market insights by size, share, future growth and forecast from 2018–2025. 2019. Available from: https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/global-3d-printing-market-insights-by-size-share-future-growth-and-forecast-from-2018-2025-2019-10-17.

  33. Shafiee A, Atala A. Printing technologies for medical applications. Trends Mol Med. 2016;22(3):254–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Cancer patient receives 3D printed rib cage. Available from: https://www.csiro.au/en/Research/MF/Areas/Metals/Lab22/Sternum-and-ribs.

  35. Coffey L. St. Pete man receives first ever 3D printed finger bone. Tampa Bay Inno. 2019. Available from: https://www.americaninno.com/uncategorized/st-pete-man-receives-first-ever-3d-printed-finger-bone/.

  36. Lee SJ, Lee JB, Park YW, Lee DY. 3D bioprinting for artificial pancreas organ. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2018;1064:355–74.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Restorative Dentistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada

    Les Kalman

Authors
  1. Les Kalman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, Matunga, Mumbai, India

    Ramesh S. Chaughule

  2. Department of Dentistry, Bhabha Atomic Research Center Hospital, Mumbai, India

    Rajesh Dashaputra

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Kalman, L. (2021). 3D Printing in Dentistry: Fundamentals, Workflows and Clinical Applications. In: Chaughule, R.S., Dashaputra, R. (eds) Advances in Dental Implantology using Nanomaterials and Allied Technology Applications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-52207-0_13

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation