Three-Dimensional Printing in Dentistry: A Scoping Review of Clinical Applications, Advantages, and Current Limitations

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is transforming dentistry by enabling precise and personalized treatments in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics. However, challenges such as high costs, material limitations, and post-processing requirements hinder its broader adoption. This scoping review...

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Main Authors: Mi-Kyoung Jun, Jong-Woo Kim, Hye-Min Ku
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Oral
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6373/5/2/24
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author Mi-Kyoung Jun
Jong-Woo Kim
Hye-Min Ku
author_facet Mi-Kyoung Jun
Jong-Woo Kim
Hye-Min Ku
author_sort Mi-Kyoung Jun
collection DOAJ
description Three-dimensional (3D) printing is transforming dentistry by enabling precise and personalized treatments in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics. However, challenges such as high costs, material limitations, and post-processing requirements hinder its broader adoption. This scoping review aims to explore and map the breadth of evidence regarding the clinical applications, benefits, and limitations of 3D printing in these disciplines, while identifying research gaps and future opportunities. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA for scoping reviews framework. Research from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus was systematically searched, covering studies from January 2006 to November 2024. Key topics included applications, material properties, and technological challenges in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics. Results: In prosthodontics, 3D printing facilitates the fabrication of crowns, bridges, and dentures with high accuracy, though material strength and stability remain challenges. Orthodontics benefits from 3D-printed aligners and diagnostic models, improving patient comfort and treatment precision, but issues with material durability persist. In endodontics, 3D-printed surgical guides and training models enhance procedural accuracy and educational outcomes. Across disciplines, 3D printing reduces production time and enhances customization but incurs high costs and requires significant post-processing. This scoping review highlights the transformative potential of 3D printing in dentistry, providing an overview of current and future advancements and limitations. While 3D printing has improved precision, efficiency, and patient satisfaction, material and cost-related barriers remain. Future research should address these challenges to expand its clinical applicability and enhance personalized dental care.
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spelling doaj-art-d5156a328bd8483eb22db2e50e486b272025-08-20T03:16:24ZengMDPI AGOral2673-63732025-04-01522410.3390/oral5020024Three-Dimensional Printing in Dentistry: A Scoping Review of Clinical Applications, Advantages, and Current LimitationsMi-Kyoung Jun0Jong-Woo Kim1Hye-Min Ku2Department of Dental Hygiene, Dongnam Health University, 50, Cheoncheon-ro 74beon-gil, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16328, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Dental Technology, Dongnam Health University, 50, Cheoncheon-ro 74beon-gil, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16328, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Preventive Dentistry & Public Oral Health, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of KoreaThree-dimensional (3D) printing is transforming dentistry by enabling precise and personalized treatments in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics. However, challenges such as high costs, material limitations, and post-processing requirements hinder its broader adoption. This scoping review aims to explore and map the breadth of evidence regarding the clinical applications, benefits, and limitations of 3D printing in these disciplines, while identifying research gaps and future opportunities. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA for scoping reviews framework. Research from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus was systematically searched, covering studies from January 2006 to November 2024. Key topics included applications, material properties, and technological challenges in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics. Results: In prosthodontics, 3D printing facilitates the fabrication of crowns, bridges, and dentures with high accuracy, though material strength and stability remain challenges. Orthodontics benefits from 3D-printed aligners and diagnostic models, improving patient comfort and treatment precision, but issues with material durability persist. In endodontics, 3D-printed surgical guides and training models enhance procedural accuracy and educational outcomes. Across disciplines, 3D printing reduces production time and enhances customization but incurs high costs and requires significant post-processing. This scoping review highlights the transformative potential of 3D printing in dentistry, providing an overview of current and future advancements and limitations. While 3D printing has improved precision, efficiency, and patient satisfaction, material and cost-related barriers remain. Future research should address these challenges to expand its clinical applicability and enhance personalized dental care.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6373/5/2/24three-dimensional printing3D printingdental prosthodontics3D-printed aligners3D-printed guide3D-printed dental implants
spellingShingle Mi-Kyoung Jun
Jong-Woo Kim
Hye-Min Ku
Three-Dimensional Printing in Dentistry: A Scoping Review of Clinical Applications, Advantages, and Current Limitations
Oral
three-dimensional printing
3D printing
dental prosthodontics
3D-printed aligners
3D-printed guide
3D-printed dental implants
title Three-Dimensional Printing in Dentistry: A Scoping Review of Clinical Applications, Advantages, and Current Limitations
title_full Three-Dimensional Printing in Dentistry: A Scoping Review of Clinical Applications, Advantages, and Current Limitations
title_fullStr Three-Dimensional Printing in Dentistry: A Scoping Review of Clinical Applications, Advantages, and Current Limitations
title_full_unstemmed Three-Dimensional Printing in Dentistry: A Scoping Review of Clinical Applications, Advantages, and Current Limitations
title_short Three-Dimensional Printing in Dentistry: A Scoping Review of Clinical Applications, Advantages, and Current Limitations
title_sort three dimensional printing in dentistry a scoping review of clinical applications advantages and current limitations
topic three-dimensional printing
3D printing
dental prosthodontics
3D-printed aligners
3D-printed guide
3D-printed dental implants
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6373/5/2/24
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