3D Printing and it’s applications in pediatric dentistry

Introduction to 3D Printing in Dentistry3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file, layer by layer. In dentistry, 3D printing has transformed diagnostic and treatment approaches by offering customized, efficient, and precise solutions. Pediatric dentistry, which focuses on the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence, particularly benefits from the tailored capabilities of 3D printing.Pediatric patients pose unique challenges: smaller anatomical structures, lower compliance, high dental anxiety, and ongoing development of teeth and jawbones. These factors make the personalized, minimally invasive nature of 3D printing especially useful in managing and treating young dental patients.How 3D Printing Works. The process of 3D printing in dentistry begins with digital imaging. Technologies like intraoral scanners, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and digital radiographs capture precise anatomical data. This data is processed using computer-aided design (CAD) software, where dental professionals create virtual models or appliances tailored to the patient's needs.