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Orthodontic Materials and 3D Printing: A Systematic Scoping Review
Martin Baxmann1, Márton Zsoldos1, Krisztina Kárpáti1
1Department of Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
European Journal of Dentistry
|August 14, 2026
Summary
This review compares conventional and 3D-printed materials for orthodontic appliances. While 3D printing offers customization, material performance varies, and more clinical data is needed for emerging technologies.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomaterials Science
- Digital Manufacturing
Background:
- Orthodontic appliance fabrication traditionally uses acrylic and thermoplastic materials.
- Emerging technologies like 3D printing offer new possibilities for customized appliance design and manufacturing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review evidence on materials for orthodontic appliances, focusing on conventional, 3D-printed, and emerging options.
- To evaluate material properties, biocompatibility, manufacturing, aging, and clinical integration of these materials and technologies.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed across major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) up to May 2026.
- Included studies encompassed experimental research, reviews, case reports, and technical documents related to orthodontic materials and digital manufacturing.
- A qualitative synthesis was conducted on 45 selected studies.
Main Results:
- 3D printing enables high customization, digital integration, and accuracy, but printable resin performance varies.
- Thermoplastics often show superior stiffness, transparency, and color stability.
- Printable resins offer manufacturing flexibility, but biocompatibility requires attention to residual monomers and processing.
- Aging affects material properties, yet long-term clinical data is limited.
Conclusions:
- Digital manufacturing is increasingly integrated into orthodontics for aligners, retainers, and custom appliances.
- The current evidence base relies heavily on laboratory studies, with a need for more long-term clinical data.
- Further research is required to assess the durability, biocompatibility, and clinical effectiveness of new materials and digital fabrication methods.