Rapid Prototyping in Prosthodontics: An Overview

Rapid Prototyping (RP) has significantly advanced prosthodontics by integrating Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) with additive manufacturing techniques. Traditional fabrication of crowns, fixed partial dentures (FPDs), removable partial dentures (RPDs), and complete dentures is labour-intensive and technique-sensitive. RP technologies such as stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), and selective laser melting (SLM) enable precise digital workflows for fabricating wax patterns, metal frameworks, ceramic restorations, surgical guides, and maxillofacial prostheses. These methods improve accuracy, reduce production time, minimize material waste, and enhance customization. RP is also widely applied in implant dentistry for guided implant placement and prosthetic fabrication. Despite advantages such as reproducibility and efficiency, limitations include high equipment costs and the need for specialized expertise. Continuous advancements suggest that RP will become central to digital dentistry and modern prosthodontic practice.