---
title: "What Is 3D printing in dentistry? Dental Glossary"
description: "3D printing in dentistry builds models, guides and appliances layer by layer from a digital design. It is also called additive manufacturing."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/3d-printing-in-dentistry
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Technology and Imaging

# 3D printing in dentistry

3D printing in dentistry builds models, guides and appliances layer by layer from a digital design. It is also called additive manufacturing.

Additive manufacturing, commonly called 3D printing, builds an object one thin layer at a time from a computer file. In dentistry it can make study models, surgical guides, night guards, temporary crowns, and parts of dentures.

A review says 3D printing supports a digital workflow and lets dental teams make detailed, patient-specific pieces. It also notes limits in material properties, regulation, and the need for special training. A scoping review found 3D printing used less material than milling.

The design file often starts with an [intraoral scanner](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/intraoral-scanner) or [digital impression](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-impression) and may use [CAD/CAM](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cad-cam-dentistry) software. This entry does not say that Town Center Dental has a 3D printer.

## Related terms

-   [CAD/CAM dentistry](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cad-cam-dentistry)
-   [Digital impression](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-impression)
-   [Intraoral scanner](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/intraoral-scanner)
-   [Night guard](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/night-guard)

## Sources

1.  [NIH PMC: Multidisciplinary Applications of 3D Printing for Personalized Dental Care](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12296917/)
2.  [NIH PMC: Multidisciplinary Applications of 3D Printing for Personalized Dental Care](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12296917/)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)