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Published on: September 12, 2018
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3D printing restorative materials using a stereolithographic technique: a systematic review
Alvaro Della Bona1, Viviane Cantelli1, Vitor T Britto1
1Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Dental School, University of Passo Fundo, Campus I, BR285, Passo Fundo, RS, 99052-900, Brazil.
Summary
Stereolithography-based 3D printing shows promise for dental restorations, but clinical application is limited by material properties like wear resistance and dimensional accuracy. Further research is needed to overcome these challenges for widespread adoption.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Dental Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Stereolithography (SLA)-based 3D printing is rapidly advancing in dentistry.
- There is a growing interest in adapting restorative materials and workflows to this digital technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and qualitatively analyze studies on stereolithography-based 3D printing of dental restorative materials.
- To assess the current state-of-the-art and clinical applicability of these materials and technologies.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
- Data extraction followed PRISMA guidelines, focusing on materials, properties, methods, printers, and clinical applicability.
- Studies were analyzed qualitatively to synthesize findings on 3D printed restorative materials.
Main Results:
- Most studies utilized polymer-based materials (38), with fewer on ceramic-based materials (9).
- Evaluated properties included dimensional accuracy, strength, and surface morphology, alongside others like antibacterial response and cytotoxicity.
- While many studies showed proof of concept (11), only 5 applied 3D printed restorations in patients, indicating early-stage translation.
Conclusions:
- Stereolithography-based 3D printing offers significant disruptive potential for dentistry.
- Current clinical limitations include esthetics, wear resistance, wet strength, and dimensional accuracy, hindering progression to permanent restorative materials.
- Despite challenges, the field shows rapid expansion and a willingness to adopt this technology.
