3D Printing in Prosthodontics

3D printing in Prosthodontics is an additive manufacturing technology used to fabricate dental prostheses by building objects layer-by-layer from digital designs. It starts with intraoral scanning or CBCT data, which is processed using CAD/CAM software, and then printed using a 3D printer.In Prosthodontics, 3D printing is used for diagnostic models, surgical guides, complete dentures, removable partial dentures, crowns, bridges, implant prostheses, and maxillofacial prostheses. Common printing technologies include stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and fused deposition modeling (FDM).The main advantages are high accuracy, faster production, customization, reduced material waste, and improved patient comfort. However, limitations include high initial cost, technique sensitivity, and limited long-term clinical data.Overall, 3D printing is transforming Prosthodontics by enabling efficient, precise, and digital workflow in prosthetic rehabilitation.