Three-Dimensional Printing Technologies and Their Applications in Dentistry: Current Approaches and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies, based on the principles of additive manufacturing, have become applicable across diverse fields ranging from industrial production to medical and dental sciences. Initially developed for rapid prototyping, modern photopolymerization-based systems—such as stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), continuous liquid interface production (CLIP), liquid crystal display (LCD), and multi-jet printing (MJP)—now enable high-resolution, customized fabrication. In dentistry, 3D printing technologies are increasingly employed in prosthodontics, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontology, pediatric dentistry, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.These systems allow the production of surgical guides, implant components, aligners, interim restorations, customized denture bases, and biocompatible scaffolds. Major advantages include reduced human error, improved reproducibility, shorter production times, and cost efficiency. However, challenges remain regarding the standardization of post-processing procedures (washing and curing), the long-term biocompatibility and mechanical stability of materials, and the clinical validation of printed products.Overall, 3D printing technologies have become a cornerstone of digital transformation in dentistry, enabling patient-specific, accurate, and reproducible manufacturing workflows. With the advancement of bioprinting and materials science, these technologies are expected to become integral to future dental practice, supporting the development of personalized, efficient, and biologically compatible treatment approaches.

Keywords

• 3D printing
• additive manufacturing
• dentistry
• bioprinting
• photopolymerization

Üç Boyutlu Yazıcı Teknolojileri ve Diş Hekimliğinde Uygulama Alanları: Güncel Yaklaşımlar ve Gelecek Perspektifleri

Abstract

Üç boyutlu (3B) yazıcı teknolojileri, eklemeli üretim prensibine dayalı olarak endüstriyel üretimden tıp ve diş hekimliğine kadar geniş bir alanda uygulanabilir hale gelmiştir. Başlangıçta hızlı prototipleme amacıyla geliştirilen bu sistemler, günümüzde fotopolimerizasyon temelli yöntemlerle (SLA, DLP, CLIP, LCD, MJP) yüksek çözünürlükte ve kişiye özel üretim yapılmasına olanak tanımaktadır. Diş hekimliği alanında 3B baskı teknolojileri; protetik tedavi, ortodonti, endodonti, periodontoloji, pedodonti ve ağız, diş, çene cerrahisi gibi birçok disiplinde kullanılmaktadır.Bu teknolojiler, cerrahi rehberler, implant üst yapıları, şeffaf plaklar, geçici restorasyonlar, kişiselleştirilmiş protez kaideleri ve biyouyumlu doku iskelelerinin üretilmesine olanak sağlamaktadır. Üretim süreçlerinde insan hatasını azaltması, standardizasyonu artırması, zaman ve maliyet açısından verimlilik sağlaması başlıca avantajları arasındadır. Bununla birlikte, üretim sonrası işlemlerin (yıkama ve kürleme) standardizasyonu, kullanılan reçine ve polimerlerin biyouyumluluğu, mekanik dayanıklılık ve uzun dönem klinik etkinlik gibi konularda daha fazla bilimsel araştırmaya gereksinim duyulmaktadır.Sonuç olarak, 3B yazıcı teknolojileri diş hekimliğinde dijitalleşmenin temel bileşeni haline gelmiş; hasta odaklı, tekrarlanabilir ve yüksek doğrulukta üretimi mümkün kılarak klinik başarıyı artırmıştır. Biyobaskı uygulamaları ve malzeme bilimi alanındaki ilerlemelerle, bu teknolojinin gelecekte diş hekimliği pratiğinde standart bir yöntem haline gelmesi öngörülmektedir.

Keywords

• Üç boyutlu yazıcı
• eklemeli üretim
• diş hekimliği
• biyobaskı
• fotopolimerizasyon

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