Clinical Potential of Three Dimensional (3D) Printed Materials in Restorative Dentistry

Abstract

Over the past two decades, rapid prototyping technology, especially three-dimensional (3D) printing, has surged in popularity within dentistry, revolutionizing dental restoration processes. This thesis explores the integration and benefits of 3D printing in dentistry, emphasizing its advantages over traditional techniques and discussing its future prospects and limitations.

Chapters provide an overview of 3D printing's importance in dentistry, highlighting enhanced production processes, adaptability, and faster fabrication methods. The mechanical properties of 3D-printed dental resin materials are examined, including the effects of printing layer thicknesses and post-printing methods on flexural strength and microhardness. Incorporating nanoparticle additives like zirconia and glass silica enhances flexural strength and biocompatibility, suggesting clinical potential in restorative dentistry.

Further investigation focuses on reinforcing 3D-printed crown resin materials with microfillers, achieving comparable mechanical performance to unmodified resin. A separate chapter explores lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) for printing ceramic materials, providing insights into their mechanical properties and potential applications in dentistry.

The thesis concludes by summarizing key findings and discussing future directions and challenges in optimizing 3D-printed dental materials for enhanced effectiveness and suitability in restorative dentistry, underscoring the transformative impact of 3D printing in the field.