Development of 3D printing in dentistry: how additive manufacturing is transforming the production of prostheses, crowns, aligners, and surgical templates

The relevance of this research is driven by the accelerated digitalization of dentistry and the urgent need to implement technologies that ensure fast, precise, and personalized patient care. The article examines the impact of additive manufacturing on the production of dental constructions - prostheses, crowns, aligners, and surgical templates. A comparative analysis of 3D printing and traditional subtractive methods is presented, alongside a study of the technological and economic features of additive manufacturing and the identification of key barriers hindering its widespread adoption in Russian dental practice. As part of the study, a survey of Russian dentists and dental technicians was conducted, along with an analysis of practical cases of 3D printing implementation. The article also substantiates the future development of the technology, including the creation of new biocompatible materials, automation of design processes, and the development of digital patient twins. The results obtained confirm the effectiveness of additive technologies, highlight the real challenges of their integration, and emphasize the need to develop a comprehensive strategy for the digital transformation of dentistry.