3D printing in dentistry: A new dimension of vision

Abstract

3D printing has been hailed as a disruptive technology which will change manufacturing. Used in aerospace, defence, art and design. The technique now a days gained wide acceptance in various medical fields including dentistry. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an additive manufacturing method in which a 3D item is formed by laying down successive layers of material. The 3D scan gives information in detail about the anatomical structure to be 3D printed. There are various techniques of 3D printing mainly stereolithography, selective laser printing, fused deposit modelling in dentistry its mainly used in teaching and/or management of cases involving implant, craniofacial, maxillofacial, orthognathic and periodontal treatments, non-surgical and surgical endodontic treatments, and the fabrication of copings and frameworks for implant and dental restorations.