Recent Report Highlights the Continued Importance of 3D Printing in Dentistry

Dentistry is providing an ever-increasing market for 3D printing. According to a recent report from BlueWeave Consulting on the dental 3D printing market, it is projected to be worth $12.18 billion USD by 2028. The report highlights the needs of an aging population and rapid technological advancements. In short, patients need treatment- and 3D printing can supply it. However, demand is not solely for the treatment of debilitating conditions. It is important to recognize the growing demand for esthetic dental treatments to improve appearance.

First, one reason for this growth is the clear demand. Esthetics and dentistry are inextricably linked and it is difficult to separate purely esthetic from purely practical procedures. Indeed, according to one contributor to the British Dental Journal, ‘there is no such thing as a non-cosmetic dentist’. The effect of issues such as crooked, stained or broken teeth on self-esteem and confidence are well documented. Furthermore, visually imperfect teeth may have been acceptable years ago in the way they are sometimes not today. In the US, a myriad of people from Hollywood celebrities to the 77-year old serving president have had observable dental treatment, giving a youthful and healthy appearance. Increasingly, patients follow these examples and seek aesthetic solutions. As demand for dentistry increases, this is where 3D printing comes in.

3D printed dental arch model. Photo credit: dentalnews.com

CAD and CAM were pioneered in dentistry by Dr François Duret. In 1980, he purchased his first patent for CadCam technology. In 1985 in Paris, he made the first crown using this method. CAD and CAM involves the collection of non-digital data, which is then converted into a digital format on a computer and used to manufacture a physical model. This is known as a digital workflow. 3D printing in dentistry has grown greatly from these beginnings and continues to serve many advantages when applied to the field.