Dental 3D market grows by 12%

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Dental 3D-printing market expected to grow an average of 12% per year

The dental 3D printing market is expected to grow an average of 12% per year, as studies show 3D printing can be used to prevent tooth decay. (Image: Shutterstock / RossHelen)

Thu. 9 March 2023

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The growth of dental diseases and increased demand for dental treatments is correlated with the rise of the dental 3D-printing market, according to a new report. Between 2023 and 2035, 3D printing in dentistry is expected to grow an average of 12.6% per year over the 12-year period. The prosthodontics sector currently accounts for the largest share in global dental 3D printing, with 55% of the market share.

3D printing is an attractive solution to challenges faced by the dental industry, producing high quality and more accurate products, from crowns to implants. The process may save time and money for both patient and dentist, while the digitalised process could also allow for highly customisable products, offering a more precise and accurate solutions for even the most complex treatments.

The global growing incidence of dental caries has led to experts utilising the technology to prevent tooth decay. Dental caries currently affects 92% of the adult population, with global annual management and treatment costing over 300 billion USD, according to the World Health Organisation. A new study carried out by researchers at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at ETH Zurich examined the use of 3D printing of a controlled urea delivery device for the prevention of tooth decay. Currently, caries prevention relies on topical formulations containing fluoride. Experts at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences suggest these effective fluoride treatments may not be sufficient in high-risk individuals, leading to the exploration of alternative strategies – such as the neutralisation of acid in the oral cavity.

The study, published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics fabricated 3D printed personalised dental trays with a local and prolonged release of urea. The buffering capacity of urea in the printed object was investigated in-vitro in the presence of Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius), a common urease-producing bacteria from the oral cavity. Researchers demonstrated that urea can be incorporated in a 3D printed dental tray, with the delivery controlled to certain parts of the dental tray. Importantly, the study suggests it is possible to unidirectionally release urea towards the enamel, with the ability to achieve high local concentrations. This may potentially improve the efficacy of the anti-cariogenic loaded agent. What’s more, the study showed a reduced acidification of saliva by carbohydrates in the presence of urea-loaded 3D printed tooth caps.

Dental 3D printers can also produce highly accurate restorations, from various materials including resins, plastics and ceramics. A new study conducted by the dual Departments of Prosthodontics and Orthodontics at Heidelberg University Hospital observed the fit of anterior zirconia veneers made by either 3D printing or milling.

The study, published in the March 2023 issue of the Journal of Dentistry, found that the fit of 3D-printed ceramic anterior restorations meets clinical standards. In addition, 3D printing is associated with a greater geometrical freedom than milling, and allows for tighter adaption even after minimally invasive preparation.

Currently, North America captures 45% of the global 3D printing market, while a third of the industry is conducted in Europe. However, researchers are predicting the Asia-Pacific region is likely to grow at the fastest pace over the next 12 years.

 

 

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