Current status and applications of 3D scanning in dentistry

Abstract

3D scanning technologies are used to convert a physical model into digital 3D computer-aided design (CAD) file. This digital output is well used for designing and fabricating customised parts through additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. There is a need to identify the contemporary level of adoption of 3D scanning technology in the dental area. This structured literature review based research first tries to identify different types of scanning technologies and then the necessary steps as used to create a design and manufacture dental implant using the 3 D scanning. A large number of the relevant research papers on 3D scanning applications in dentistry are identified through Scopus and analysed using bibliometrics. This analysis indicates towards an increasing trend of research on 3D scanning applications in the field of dentistry. Different applications of this technology are discussed in the context of dentistry and observed that this technology create innovation in dental products for a dentistry lab. The dentist can take advantages of this technology towards designing custom teeth, crown, braces, dentures, veneers and aligner. 3D digital models also support teaching in dental education for better understanding and practice of the teeth anatomy. Along with the scanning of the complete denture of the patient, direct printing of the same is done by using AM technology produces denture which directly fits the mouth of the patient. It helps reduction of the complexity and production cycle time. 3D scanning technologies seem to have the potential for denture positioning and denture retention and improvement in existing dental implants.