Impact of 3D Printing Technologies in Digital Dentistry

Introduction The advent of digital scanners and 3D printing technologies transformed the dental field by facilitating more accurate and complete impressions of the patient's mouth. These tools made it possible to replace conventional impressions, reducing working times, improving patient comfort and optimizing archiving. In addition, the combination of digital scans and 3D printing opened up new possibilities for the customized production of dental models and devices. Development The CAD-CAM system was central to this evolution, enabling the creation of digital three-dimensional models that materialized into physical objects through additive methods such as 3D printing. This process involved precision at every stage, from the quality of the scanning to the technology used for printing. Among the available methods, stereolithography (SLA, DLP, LCD) stood out for its ability to reproduce complex details by photopolymerizing liquid resins with ultraviolet light. Each technology presented particular advantages, such as speed and surface quality, being evaluated according to factors such as cost, biocompatibility and clinical specifications. Conclusion The implementation of 3D printing technologies in dentistry provided an efficient and accurate solution for fabricating customized dental models. This advance significantly improved clinical planning and the quality of dental treatment. Comparing the accuracy of various technologies allowed the identification of optimal tools according to specific needs, ensuring better patient outcomes.