Annals and Essences of Dentistry
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3D Printing Applications in the Realm of Prosthodontics

Mariya Saint^{* *}Correspondence: Mariya Saint, Department of Oral Surgery, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, Pakistan, Email:

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Description

3D printing is no exception to the rule that technical advancements have always had a major impact on the field of prosthodontics.

The fabrication approach is very accurate, saves time, requires less labour, and can easily construct complex shapes. Dentistry has evolved from moulds manufacturing to production using CAD CAM technologies. Traditional restoration fabrication is a labor-intensive, multistage operation that is prone to errors and high treatment costs. CAD/CAM is a cutting-edge technology that allows for chair-side restoration production. It's a subtractive process that involves processing raw materials into the desired shape and geometry [1]. This technology has allowed for faster production and easier fabrication of complicated systems. The disadvantages of this process include increased raw material waste, milling tool abrasion, and the inability to mass produce. The introduction of 3D printing, eliminates these drawbacks.

Types of technologies

Stereolithography: It is a 3D printing technique which involves a computer-controlled moving laser beam that has already been pre-programmed with CAM/CAD software. It gives better surface polish, mechanical strength, exquisite build details, and great precision are all advantages.

Digital light processing: It is a 3D printing technique for producing photopolymer parts quickly. It is having High resolution, relatively inexpensive, good reproducibility, smooth surfaces, fast delivery and multicolour material is possible.

Fused deposition modeling: It is a technique which involves the melt extrusion process to deposit thermal plastic filaments in a specified pattern. It's mechanical strength varies, costs are minimal, and some materials can be heat sterilised.

Selective laser sintering: A bed of powder polymer, resin, or metal is targeted partially (at high - temperature) or totally (melting) by a high-power directional heating source such as a laser, which results in a solidified layer of fused powder. The utilisation of a variety of polymeric materials, robust and precise pieces. It is a self-supporting process, and there will be possibility of a fully functional printed product.

The various types of 3D printing and their applications in the field of prosthodontics are discussed in this paper [2,3]. 3D printers are used for everything from wax pattern fabrication to industrial manufacture of dental implants with challenging geometries. Fine and complicated details can be recreated using SLS technologies, which are commonly employed in the manufacturing of medical devices. Crowns, partial restorations, resin patterns, and try-in mock-ups are all made using SLA and DLP. DLP technology can be used to fabricate a custom-designed zirconia implant. The dimensional uniformity and surface roughness of these 3D printed zirconia implants were excellent. Zirconia ceramic particles were used to make personalised dental implants. Because of the large variety of materials used in prosthodontics, various 3D printing processes are required [4]. SLS can be used to manufacture metallic restorations and metal frames. SLA, DLP and material jetting procedures are better for tooth colour restorations and wax patterns [5]. Additive manufacturing's use in the field of prosthodontics is currently limited. In order to utilise various 3D printing processes in the field of prosthodontics, more clinical trials are required.

Conclusion

The capabilities of 3D printing will improve the scope of dental uses. It is almost certain that additive technologies will replace several phases, if not the entire process, of traditional fabrication methods in the future. Although 3D printers are getting more affordable, materials utilised, maintenance, operating costs, and the requirement for qualified operators must all be carefully considered, as well as stringent health and safety regulations. More research is needed to bring up new possibilities for clinical 3D printing applications in the realm of prosthodontics.

References

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