PRINTING THE PERFECT FIT: 3D PRINTING IN PROSTHODONTICS: Designing Smiles Layer by Layer

The book critically examines the role of 3D printing (additive manufacturing) in contemporary prosthodontics and implantology, emphasizing its transformative impact on digital dental workflows. The review explores core printing technologies—including SLA, DLP, FDM, and SLS—and evaluates their accuracy, material behavior, and clinical applicability. Advanced printable materials such as photopolymer resins, PEEK, PMMA, and metal alloys are analyzed with respect to mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and long-term performance. Clinical applications spanning diagnostic models, surgical guides, custom abutments, and implant-supported prostheses are systematically reviewed, highlighting improvements in precision, efficiency, and patient-centered outcomes. Methodological strengths and limitations across in-vitro, clinical, and systematic studies are critically assessed, revealing ongoing debates regarding accuracy, standardization, and regulatory oversight. Overall, the review positions 3D printing as a pivotal technology in advanced prosthodontic and implant care.