Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies are advanced manufacturing technologies based on computer-aided design digital models to create 3D objects. In 3D printing, objects are fabricated by adding material(s) layer-after-layer, to form a 3D volumetric structure. It comprises data acquisition through various scanning technologies followed by data processing and designing the model with computer-aided design (CAD) software. The resulting STL file is imported into the printer software and the variables and parameters are specified to generate the information needed to run the 3D printer. Finally, the processed data is used to manufacture structures with the chosen material through the CAM step. This digital approach has various advantages including recording anatomic details with better accuracy and precision, decreased manual errors, convenience, less laborious work, and reduced wastage of dental materials. This presentation discusses the various applications of 3D printing in maxillofacial prosthodontics, implant retained prosthesis, and removable prosthesis.
Keywords: 3D Printing, Andrew’s Bridge, feeding plate, immediate loading, orbital conformer, surgical stent
