Rapid Prototyping Use in Prosthodontics

Abstract

Rapid prototyping (RP) methods have been applied by dentists in the modeling of oral and maxillofacial surgery and implantology. This method is becoming increasingly appealing in the fabrication of dental prostheses as new research on molding materials and the forming process of RP techniques emerges; yet, few researchers have published material on the RP technology of prosthesis pattern production. This article examines and explores the use of RP techniques in prosthodontics, including (1) the creation of wax patterns for dental prostheses, (2) the creation of dental (facial) prosthesis molds, (3) the creation of dental metal prostheses, and (4) the creation of zirconia prostheses. Through a variety of dental prosthesis production methods, a large number of people could profit from this innovative technology. In the near future, RP approaches may also alter current prosthodontic procedures.