3D Printing Techniques for Dental Prosthetic Models: A Narrative Review and Contemporary Perspectives

Over time, the methods for creating dental models have expanded significantly. Nowadays, digital technology and computers in medicine offer more options beyond plaster casts made using the traditional method. The advancement of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems provides a broad array of technologies, including both subtractive and additive techniques. The main purpose of this paper is to present the various modern three-dimensional printing systems concerning the fabrication of dental models and subsequently compare them both with each other and with the traditional technique of plaster model fabrication. A description of the main methods of additive manufacturing (AM; also referred to as 3D printing) for dental models is provided, along with bibliographic data regarding their accuracy and effectiveness, as well as comparisons with traditional manufacturing methods. The results of this paper indicate that stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and PolyJet technologies are the most precise choices for producing full arch dental models for prosthodontic use, offering high levels of trueness. Using digital tools and software, AM creates desired casts layer by layer, streamlining the production of complex, customized dental models with high speed, accuracy, and lower costs. The clinical significance of 3D-printed dental models is multifaceted, offering improvements in accuracy, efficiency, communication, education, cost-effectiveness, and innovation in dental practice. These technological advancements contribute to providing higher-quality care and better outcomes for patients.