Recent advances in additive manufacturing for tooth restorations

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has revolutionized various fields by offering improved accuracy and precision in manufacturing processes. This technology is particularly impactful in the medical field, as it provides customizable, better-fitting, and natural-looking prostheses tailored to individual patient needs. In dentistry, 3D printing enhances diagnostic accuracy and facilitates treatment planning. Its layer-by-layer printing has resulted in the fabrication of tooth models with features that mimic real teeth, fabrication of nonsurgical and surgical guides to minimize chair time, and reduction of postoperative complications. Additionally, 3D printed tooth prosthesis such as inlay, onlay, veneers, and others are gaining prominence. Recently, 3D bioprinting, which allows the fabrication of scaffolds with cells, growth factors, and biomaterials to mimic natural tissue characteristics, has opened new avenues for engineering of dental tissues for regenerative dentistry. Furthermore, 3D printing has emerged as a powerful tool in preclinical dental education. The incorporation of 3D-printed dental replicas into educational curricula bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of dental procedures by providing anatomically accurate tooth models for hands-on learning. Here, we present recent progress in the utilization of additive manufacturing techniques to revolutionize tooth restoration procedures, offering innovative solutions for clinicians, researchers, and dental educators. As a limitation and future outlook, we highlight the role of interdisciplinary collaboration, and technological and regulatory advancements in harnessing the full potential of 3D printing for effective clinical translation.