The buzz today is all about artificial intelligence (AI) and how it will revolutionize every aspect of our lives. Technology is always advancing in the workplace, schools, medicine and other areas and technology advances in the dental field are no exception.
From the use of AI to diagnose dental issues to 3D printing technology, dentistry is evolving.
These innovations are making diagnoses and treatments easier, and in some cases, more economical for patients.
The vast majority of dental practices with five or more employees currently use 3D printing technology and even if they don’t have 3D printing in-house they probably contract with a 3D printing provider.1 3D printing technology was first used in manufacturing to make plastic prototypes using a digital design file to build a physical object layer by layer.
Today, 3D printing is used in almost every major industry including aerospace manufacturing, medicine, automotive repair, food production, education and dentistry. Currently a $23.41 billion market, global 3D printing is expected to reach $136.76 billion by 2034.2
How it Works in a Dental Office
In dentistry, resin, ceramics or metals are used in 3D printers to fabricate dentures, clear teeth aligners, dental crown substructures, dental models and surgical guides.3 The process begins by scanning the patient’s mouth using an intraoral scanner. This device creates precise images of a patient’s tooth and/or mouth anatomy.
The intraoral scanner may be used in place of traditional polyvinyl siloxane impression material or it may be used in combination with the impression material. The images created by the intraoral scanner are recorded in a computer-aided design or CAD file. That file is used to create a highly accurate implant or dental mold through 3D printing.
The materials used to create dentures, dental crown structures, aligners and other dental models are chosen for biocompatibility, aesthetics and safety.4 Different resins are used for different dental applications. A tooth aligner or mouth guard would generally be made with a resin that is clear, while resin resembling gingiva would be used for a dental implant.5
Benefits for the Patient as well as the Dentist
3D printing offers many benefits to patients and dentists alike. A dental crown can be created and placed in a single visit, reducing the need for a temporary crown and several weeks production time. Crowns, bridges, veneers and other 3D printed items developed using an intraoral scanner are done with precision, achieving a micron-level fit and minimizing post-placement adjustments.6
Surgical guides help position implants correctly and guides that are done with 3-D printing technology allow for precise positioning of implants as well as minimal tissue disruption which speeds healing and success of the implant. Dentures and partials made with 3D printing can often be accurately fabricated in a single visit, making the process faster, more comfortable, more affordable and more accurate. Clear aligners printed in 3D are an exact fit.
In Sum
Overall, 3D printing contributes to patient comfort, increases accuracy, reduces wait time to hours or days rather than weeks, and reduces cost associated with third-party labs. While there is always skepticism with technological advances, the use of 3D printing in dentistry has already proved to be a beneficial advancement. ####
Helping Walled Lake Patients Smile with Confidence
For the latest in dental technology, treatments, and cosmetic dental procedures, Dr. Hechtman and his team are a trusted choice in Walled Lake. With more than 40 years of experience, our dental office provides knowledgeable, compassionate care for patients of all ages.
Visit our Walled Lake dental office for expert dental care focused on helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile while supporting your overall oral health.
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1 Top 9 Dental Industry Trends (2025 – 2027) by Josh Howarth, 11/22/2024
Link: https://explodingtopics.com/blog/dental-industry-trends
2 What is a 3D Printer Used For? Top Real-World Uses, 3/24/2026
Link: https://scienceinsights.org/what-is-a-3d-printer-used-for-top-real-world-uses/
3, 6 3D Printing in Dentistry: From Concept to Clinical Application by Dr. Baldessari, 6/10/2025
Link: https://americandentalinstitute.com/3d-printing-in-dentistry-from-concept-to-clinical-application/
4, 5 3D Printing in Dentistry: Applications and Materials by Dean McClements, 8/8/2022
Link: https://www.xometry.com/resources/3d-printing/3d-printing-in-dentistry/