Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies are advanced manufacturing
techniques that use computer-aided design digital models for the automated
manufacture of customized 3D products. With a history spanning over three
decades, these technologies have found widespread applications across various
industries, including design, engineering, and manufacturing. Within the realm
of process engineering, 3D printing brings numerous advantages and finds
applications in diverse fields such as prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial
surgery, oral implantology, orthodontics, endodontics, and periodontology. The
purpose of this paper is to provide a practical and technical overview of 3D
printing technology by introducing modern 3D printing processes such as
powder bed fusion, photopolymerization molding, and fused deposition
modeling. Furthermore, it delves into the clinical applications of 3D printing in
dentistry, including the creation of functional models and primary applications
in prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oral implantology. The
benefits of 3D printing technologies encompass efficient material utilization
and the capability to fabricate intricate geometries, but they come with
drawbacks such as high costs and time-intensive post-processing. Looking
ahead, the future trajectory of 3D printing in dentistry points toward the
evolution of new materials and technologies, leaving no doubt that 3D printing
holds a promising and vibrant future within the field
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