A Review of the Applications of Additive Manufacturing Technologies Used to Fabricate Metals in Implant Dentistry

Abstract

Purpose To review the primary additive manufacturing (AM) technologies used to fabricate metals in implant dentistry and compare them to conventional casting and subtractive methods. Methods The literature on metal AM technologies was reviewed, and the AM procedures and their current applications in implant dentistry were collated and described. Collection of published articles about metal AM in dental field data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO, and Web of Science searched. All studies related to AM technology description, analysis, and evaluation of applications in implant dentistry, including AM titanium (Ti) dental implants, customized Ti mesh for bone grafting techniques, cobalt‐chromium (Co‐Cr) frameworks for implant impression procedures, and Co‐Cr and Ti frameworks for dental implant‐supported prostheses were reviewed. Results Literature has demonstrated the potential of AM technologies to fabricate dental implants, root‐analog implants, and functionally graded implants; as well as the ability to fabricate customized meshes for bone grafting procedures. Metal AM technologies provide a reliable method to manufacture frameworks for implant impression procedures. Co‐Cr and Ti AM frameworks for implant‐supported prostheses provide a clinically acceptable discrepancy at the implant‐prostheses interface. Conclusions Additional clinical studies are required to assess the long‐term clinical performance, biological and mechanical complications, and prosthetic restoration capabilities of additively manufactured dental implants. Moreover, further studies are needed to evaluate their long‐term success and survival rates and biological and mechanical complications of AM implant‐supported prostheses.

Reliability of Metal 3D Printing with Respect to the Marginal Fit of Fixed Dental Prostheses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Powder bed fusion technologies use a high-power laser that selectively melts the pre-alloyed powders, following the design of the product, and then partially melts the previous powder layer [2]. The consecutive melting and solidifying of material powders enables interlayer fusion for the completion of the product [8]. Powders for the powder bed fusion are typically produced using gas atomization processes [49].…”

“…This technology is also referred to as selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), or electron beam melting (EBM) in the literature [6,7]. During the procedure of powder bed fusion, a high-powered laser beam is directed at the layer of metal powder following the design of an object and fuses the powder particles sequentially until the 3D object is completely formed [8]. The main differences between the metal 3D printing technologies are operational parameters and post-treatment processes [9,10].…”

“…Generally, the particles used in the powder bed fusion must be approximately 3-14 µm in size [10], and the products are characterized by the anisotropic γ-phase and ε-phase [12]. Gold and titanium alloys can be processed with the powder bed fusion technology; however, this method is rarely used in dental prostheses owing to the higher cost and mechanical properties [8].…”

Combination of Digital and Conventional Workflows in the CAD/CAM-Fabrication of an Implant-Supported Overdenture

“…The alloy framework employed in the current case was manufactured by selective laser sintering. Recent studies have highlighted that frameworks for removable dentures that had been fabricated by SLS feature an adequate precision [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. However, to estimate the long-term outcome of these constructions, more clinical studies are required [ 22 ].…”

Dentistry 4.0 technologies applications for dentistry during COVID-19 pandemic

“…Grater intricacies or complexities of products lead to the quality risks that need upgraded technology with more investments and the need for in-depth analysis of production data for process improvements. The Internet of Dental Things will provide personalised patient-centric care or devices by combining the medical devices and their application through the internet 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 .…”