SUMMARY OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT 3D PRINTING AND ITS USE IN DENTISTRY

Abstract

Introduction, aim: The rise of research papers and investments made into 3D printing are the proof of the increased interest about this manufacturing method. The American Charles W. Hull is considered to be the inventor with the first patent in the field. The principle of 3D printing is printing the desired item in layers according to its template, most often present in .stl format. There are seven main technological processes of 3D printing, five of them are used in dentistry. Text deals with the three methods that are used the most: Vat Polymerisation, Material Extrusion and Powder Bed Fusion. In dentistry, additive manufacturing already has an important role for a longer period of time especially in implantology for the printing of surgical guides and in orthodontics for printing of study models and so-called invisible aligners. Additive manufacturing also allows to print retention appliances, and it facilitates the autotransplantation of teeth, while its importance is slowly rising in other sectors of dentistry such as in conservative dentistry in Class IV reconstruction or in guided endodontics and in prosthetic dentistry for printing of metal substructures and other components either in fixed or removable prosthetics in dental laboratory. Printing of accessories such as protective masks and face-shields or printing of 3D models of the real teeth and demonstration models in order to improve undergraduate, postgraduate and continuous education are among current applications. In medicine the printing is used for example for the production of biomaterials. The range of applications is therefore vast and the impact of 3D printing on dentistry is unquestionable. Shortcomings of printing are undergoing constant research and therefore it is just a matter of time until 3D printing will replace the conventional methods. The objective of this review paper was to sort the basic information about 3D printing with regards to its history, principle and types of printing but more importantly to summarise its use in dentistry.

Keywords

• 3d printing
• additive manufacturing (am)
• guided implantology
• guided endodontics
• clear aligner therapy (cat)
• guided crown lengthening
• 3d printed dental models
• education