Implementation Challenges of 3D Printing in Prosthodontics: A Ranking-Type Delphi.

Klara Loges,Victor Tiberius

doi:10.3390/ma15020431

Abstract

The reduction in cost and increasing benefits of 3D printing technologies suggest the potential for printing dental prosthetics. However, although 3D printing technologies seem to be promising, their implementation in practice is complicated. To identify and rank the greatest implementation challenges of 3D printing in dental practices, the present study surveys dentists, dental technicians, and 3D printing companies using a ranking-type Delphi study. Our findings imply that a lack of knowledge is the most crucial obstacle to the implementation of 3D printing technologies. The high training effort of staff and the favoring of conventional methods, such as milling, are ranked as the second and third most relevant factors. Investment costs ranked in seventh place, whereas the lack of manufacturing facilities and the obstacle of print duration ranked below average. An inclusive implementation of additive manufacturing could be achieved primarily through the education of dentists and other staff in dental practices. In this manner, production may be managed internally, and the implementation speed may be increased.

Highlights

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, known as additive manufacturing, was developed in the late 1980s and is the process of layering materials to create objects [1]
Costs can be reduced through 3D printing technology, provided that the right equipment is used and the operator is familiar with the technology
This study aimed to identify the factors that pose the greatest challenge to the implementation of 3D printing in dental practices

Summary

Introduction

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, known as additive manufacturing, was developed in the late 1980s and is the process of layering materials (mostly polymers, metals, or ceramics) to create objects [1]. CNC milling is progressively being replaced by additive manufacturing, which would be a solution to lower costs, limit production time, and reduce waste [3]. The main studies on 3D printing in dentistry are to produce custom-made dental implants, crowns, bridges, aligners, bite splints, and print models and dentures [9]. These custom-made productions enable the medical field to reach new levels of care. As a result, their use has increased significantly over recent years [10]. The benefits of using 3D printing compared to traditional technologies are a higher surface precision and uniform production of crowns [12]

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Conclusion