Three-dimensional (3D) printing models are the digitally designed models from advanced manufacturing technologies based on computer-aided design on personalized 3D objects. It has a wide range of functionality areas and applications. In dentistry, its feature can be anticipated in different fields of prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontology and oral implantology. The currently practiced 3D printing in dentistry includes powder bed fusion, photopolymerization modeling and fused deposition modeling. The 3D printing metrics is influenced by several factors like mechanical properties and accuracy. The advancement of 3D printing material has a good future to exhibit the trendy market in the field of dentistry.

3D printing models can be classified into three different categories according to the different working principles. They are: PBL, light curing and FDM. 

Powder Bed Fusion(PBF)

Powder Bed Fusion(PBF) is all about melting the powdered material and manufacturing all kinds of metal products including AM titanium (Ti ) dental implants, custom subperiosteal Ti implants and cobalt chromium (Co-Cr) for implant impression and Co-Cr and Ti frames for dental implant support prosthesis.

Light Curving

The light curving technology in 3D printing technology uses photosensitive resin materials  that are cured and finally molded under the light radiation. The three main technologies used are: SLA, digital light processing(DLP) and photo jet(PJ).

Fused Deposition Modeling(FDM)

Fused Deposition Modeling(FDM) is one of the most popular and cheap 3D printing technologies in dentistry due to its environment friendly and suitable orientation for oral cavity. Polylactic acid, polycarbonate and polyamide are engineering thermoplastics used for FDM.

Different factors affecting 3D printing models:

The different factors that affect 3D printing can be differentiated in process parameters, material composition and post processing. Brief introduction about these are stated below:

Process parameters: The different process parameters distinctively the build up orientation, layer thickness, infill ratio and post curing greatly affects the printing results.

Material Composition: In the course of performance of the 3D printed process as well as in the final released product, materials used are extremely influencing.

Post Processing: In order to improve the performance of printed samples with higher cost and more time consumption, proper post processing is a very crucial step.

Applications of 3D print model in different field of dentistry

It is very obvious to state that dental 3D printing comprises the association of different branches of dentistry and the application of 3D printing in their respective fields of dental treatment. Some of them are prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery and oral implantology.

Application in Prosthodontics: 3D printing has great potential for prosthetics. These are used for preparing, scanning and printing their teeth in clinically relevant sessions within limited time and money. The different application areas of 3D printing in prosthodontics are crown and bridge denture, complete dentures and removable partial dentures.

Advantages of 3D print model

• It has high material utilization and the ability to manufacture a single complex geometry.

Disadvantages of 3D print model

• Higher cost
• Time consuming post processing

Well if you want any dental service related to 3D printing technologies and models, book an appointment for a professional orthodontist service around the US. Cusdela Custom Dental Laboratory would be the one for you because here we provide you with the best dental service packages with a group of dedicated and personalized dental care professionals. Do contact us and get a clear consultation with our professional.