3D-Printed Polymer and Composite Materials for Dental Applications

Dear Colleagues,

3D printing technology has revolutionized the way that various industries manufacture and design products, and the field of dentistry is no exception. The use of 3D-printed polymer materials for dental applications has steadily increased in recent years due to the many benefits that these materials offer.

One of the major advantages of 3D-printed polymer materials in dentistry is the ability to create customized, patient-specific appliances or treatment accessories. Traditional manufacturing methods often use pre-made molds or templates that are less precise and may not fit the unique oral anatomy of a patient. With 3D printing, dentists can design and print products that are tailored to each patient's specific needs and oral dimensions. The result is a better fit and more comfortable and effective treatment.

Another advantage of 3D-printed polymer materials is their durability and strength. Many of these materials were specifically developed for use in dentistry and can withstand the high forces and wear that are common in the oral environment. This makes them well suited for use in dental prosthetics and other applications where a durable, reliable product is required.

In addition to their strength and conformability, 3D-printed polymer materials are also highly biocompatible, meaning they are unlikely to cause an adverse reaction in the body. On the other hand, Bisphenol A (BPA)-based monomers are common in dental resin-based materials dedicated to 3D printing. The highest amounts of BPA are released from conventional composites. However, it should be clear if and how much Bisphenol A is leaching from the 3D-printed polymer matrix over time since it is a proven endocrine disruptor, albeit a key building block of polycarbonate plastic and a precursor for the manufacturing of monomers of epoxy resins. Due to its hormone-like properties, BPA may bind to estrogen receptors, thereby affecting both body weight and tumorigenesis. BPA may also affect metabolism and cancer progression by interacting with GPR30 and may impair male reproductive function by binding to androgen receptors. This is particularly important in dental applications of 3D-printed appliances and accessories, where close contact with mucous membranes and other sensitive tissue is common.

In addition to various clinical implementations, 3D-printed polymer materials are also being used in material research and dental education. Researchers are using these materials to study their mechanical properties, and compatibility with dental tissues, as well as developing new treatments and therapies. In education, 3D-printed models of teeth and other dental structures are used to teach students about the anatomy and function of the mouth and to practice various procedures.

In conclusion, the use of 3D-printed polymer materials in dentistry has the potential to revolutionize the way that dental appliances and accessories are designed and manufactured. With their ability to be customized, strength and durability, and biocompatibility, these materials offer many advantages over conventional materials and are likely to play an increasingly important role in the field of dentistry in the coming years.

Dr. Andrej Thurzo
Prof. Dr. Radovan Hudák
Dr. Marián Janek
Dr. Viktoria Rajtukova
Guest Editors

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