Global perspective of sustainable additive manufacturing in dentistry: Properties and applications

Abstract

Technological developments in dentistry have increased diagnosis precision, facilitated treatment administration, and shortened chair times, enabling dentists to handle patients more successfully. A dentist may now see, precisely measure, gather data, and fabricate prototypes of both soft and hard tissue thanks to 3D printing. It has become feasible by using rapid prototyping techniques, including filament, resin, and metal-based 3D printing. Every technology has unique benefits when it comes to producing a certain kind of product. The most often utilised technologies in dentistry are Vat polymerisation-based systems. Using three-dimensional printing in different methods of treatment might be beneficial. The applications in the dental sector comprise crowns, bridges, occlusal splints, retainers, implants, drill guides, and other oral restorations. This study offers a structured and sustainability-focused framework for comprehending the current status and future prospects of additive manufacturing (AM) in dentistry, facilitating its transition towards trustworthy and environmentally responsible clinical application.

Statement of novelty and statement of industrial relevance

This review presents an updated analysis of dental AM based on recent literature, with a specific focus on sustainability-driven evaluation.

A critical comparison of major techniques (SLA, DLP, FDM and SLM) is provided in terms of accuracy, surface quality, biocompatibility, mechanical reliability, clinical acceptance, and environmental impact.

There is a discussion of new trends like micro-scale fabrication, nano-reinforced dental resins, chairside manufacturing, and fully digital workflows.

From an industrial point of view, the review gives useful information about dental applications like crowns, bridges, occlusal splints, retainers, implants, drill guides, and other oral restorations.