3D ceramics print the promise of dental restorations

Amsterdam, the Netherlands: The construction of additives gains attraction as an alternative to grinding for the construction of ceramic restorations. However, experimental and clinical data on mechanical properties and total yield of 3D printed pottery remain limited. A recent systematic review gave new ideas on this subject and reported significant improvements to the mechanical properties of 3D printing ceramics. However, the authors have warned that factors such as long -term reliability, the impact of the printing layer orientation and overall clinical performance require further investigation.

Grinding has several restrictions, including the limited ability to reproduce complex geometries, significant waste of material, potential microcreasing that weaken restorations and frequent deterioration of milling tools. In addition, grinding offers limited efficiency in mass production. However, 3D printing offers the ability to produce complex geometries with higher efficiency while reducing waste materials. Despite these advantages, the application of ceramic materials to 3D printing remains limited. A primary concern is the mechanical performance of 3D printed pottery, as their clinical success depends on factors such as initial resistance and resistance to moisture, fatigue and damage to the oral environment.

“Quick developments in the production of additives for dental restorations, especially ceramics, prompted my team to further explore the issue. With the increasing interest in 3D printing technologies, we have sought to evaluate whether 3D printing ceramics could fit or exceed mechanical properties. Resistant, long-term restorations for our patients, “said co-writer Dr João Paulo Mendes Tribst, head of the Department of Restoration and Reconstruction of Oral Care at the Amsterdam Academic Center.

The systematic review included 40 studies considering ceramic materials such as zirconia, alumina, complex aluminum-zirinia, lithium disorder, porcelain glass and fluoropatite glass. The researchers evaluated the mechanical properties of 3D printed ceramics based on the type of material and the treatment technique, focusing on key factors such as density, flexion resistance, breaking durability, Young factor, cruelty and overall performance. In addition, studies examined common treatment defects, including porosity, agglomerations, cracks and surface roughness.

Mechanical properties show improvement but credibility issues remain

The findings indicate a general improvement in the mechanical properties of 3D printed ceramics, bringing them closer to the rendering of ground pottery. However, the authors of the review noted that three -dimensional pottery is still less reliability than ceramic ceramics. The mechanical properties of ceramics also vary largely depending on the special 3D printing technique, the composition of material therapies and meta-treatment. Among the materials studied, 3Y-TZP appeared as the most developed and studied 3D printing ceramic.

Co-author Dr João Paulo Mendes Tribst believes that three-dimensional pottery could become a viable alternative to grinding. (Picture: João Paulo Mendes Tribst)

“We have noticed an upward trend in mechanical resistance to various ceramic materials, including zirconia, alumina, lithium mission and glasses. However, we found significant defects in 3D printed restorations that do not exist in ground, such as porous, and porous, crankshafts. It is important to consider how to produce rehabilitation based on its intended use in the mouth, “Dr. Tribst explained.

“Our findings indicate that 3D printing ceramics have great potential for dental restorations, especially for customized intentions. With further improvements in processing techniques, they could become a sustainable alternative to grinding, offering greater design flexibility.”

The study concluded that, while manufacturing additive presents fascinating opportunities for promoting dental rehabilitation techniques, further research and development are essential to tackle today’s constraints and fully integrate 3D ceramic printing into clinical practice. “We are still facing challenges in optimizing printing parameters and post-processing techniques. Future research should focus on refinement of firefighting protocols, optimizing layers orientations and enhancing the techniques Tribst.

The study, entitled “Ceramics manufactured additives for dental restorations: a systematic review for mechanical perspective“, Published online on February 10th 2025 at Borders in dental medicine.