A Versatile Additive Manufacturing Instrument: Photopolymerization-Based 3d Printing and Current Trends for Dentistry and Orthodontics Applications

Abstract

The additive manufacturing route is a notably promising alternative option to obtain complex shaped parts, precise prototypes, and direct-usage system components for lots of independent sectors like medicine, dentistry, automotive, aviation, and construction. Compared to the conventional strategies, this methodology provides cleaner, healthier, and faster manufacturing opportunities for engineers and manufacturers. In this paper, actual applications of photopolymerization-oriented 3D printing in the field of dentistry are evaluated in light of the literature efforts, sectoral feedback, and additional original interpretations. Concordantly, the process backgrounds and printing materials were analyzed meticulously together with the evaluations of the physical and mechanical features of the dental components. When real implementations like models, surgical guides, aligners, temporary teeth, and implants are considered, it is seen that there is still a lot of room to be enlightened on this topic for a healthier future. In this context, this article aims to draw a broad perspective on the new interdisciplinary efforts and to emphasize the great potential of layer-by-layer production in the field of dentistry.