Digital Dentistry: The Use of 3D Printing in Prosthetic Dentistry

Abstract

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing has progressed from producing study models and surgical guides to fabricating definitive prostheses. The supporting evidence is scattered across laboratory studies, a small number of clinical trials and several overlapping reviews, so students and early-career clinicians find it hard to judge which applications are actually supported. Methods: This narrative, non-systematic review covers English-language studies published between 2015 and 2026 on printing technologies, materials, accuracy, fit and clinical outcomes of printed prostheses. Studies were identified in PubMed/MEDLINE, their bibliographic details were checked in Crossref, and the findings were synthesised thematically. Results: Resin prosthodontics relies mainly on vat photopolymerisation (SLA, DLP, LCD), whereas selective laser melting is used for cobalt-chromium frameworks. Printed denture bases reached clinically acceptable fit, but milled bases were usually more accurate and stronger in laboratory comparisons, and build orientation, often 45 degrees, affected accuracy. Patient-reported outcomes of printed complete dentures were generally similar to those of conventional dentures, although retention was lower in one meta-analysis. Printed resin crowns performed acceptably in the short term, but one randomised trial found more wear and a numerically higher fracture rate than with zirconia at one year. Evidence on printed zirconia comes mainly from laboratory work, and evidence on maxillofacial prostheses from reported cases and technique descriptions. Conclusions: 3D printing is a workable option for provisional restorations, surgical guides, removable prosthesis bases and frameworks, and selected definitive restorations. Long-term clinical data remain limited, and standardised post-processing and longer trials are needed before routine use for definitive posterior restorations.