[Application and outlook of three-dimensional printing in prosthetic dentistry]

At present, three-dimensional (3D) printing has been applied in many aspects in the field of prosthodontics, such as dental models, wax patterns, guide plates, dental restoration and customized implants. The common forming principles include light curing, sintering and melting-condensation, the materials include pure wax, resin, metal and ceramics. However, the printing precision and the strength of multi-material integrated forming, remains to be improved. In addition, as a technology by which the internal structure of a material can be customized manufacturing, further advantage of 3D printing used in the manufacture of dental restoration lies in the customization functional bionic micro-structures, but the related research is still in its infancy. The review briefly summarizes the commonly used 3D printing crafts in prosthetic dentistry, and details clinical applications and evaluations, provides references for clinical decision and further research.