3D Printing: At the Beginning of the Journey, Endless Possibilities

Throughout the years, restorative trends and techniques have come and gone. Some developments have transformed the face of restorative dentistry, while other concepts have faded away. Digital dentistry and 3D printing is one concept that started out small and has increased in momentum until its potential now appears to be endless.

The early generations of full contour lithium disilicate and zirconia restorations were often received negatively due to the lack of esthetics at the time but, as raw material and ceramic technology companies worked together, the materials evolved in strength and esthetics to become the dominant restorative materials in dentistry today. Likewise, this first evolution of 3D-printed ceramic restorations should be regarded in a similar way: they will continue to evolve and expand in indications and offer dentistry many additional options in patient care.

The ADA’s amendment of the definition of Porcelain/Ceramic for 2023 is an exciting development...