Abstract

BARBOSA ALENCAR, Phillipe Nogueira et al. The use of rapid prototyping in dentistry. Rev. Estomatol. Herediana [online]. 2015, vol.25, n.2, pp.167-174. ISSN 1019-4355.

New techniques have been accompanying the development of dentistry and seek to overcome obstacles present nowadays. The Rapid Prototyping (RP) was inserted into the dentistry in order to assist procedures, minimize risk and reduce the surgical time. From Computed Tomography exams and Magnetic Resonance, are been created design assisted by a specific computer, then processed in its own language; so from there, such designs are transformed into physical objects in 3 dimensions (prototype), trusted in the initial model created in the computer. There are many techniques for production of 3D models, varying the type of material that will be added by the process of adding layers. Many areas were benefited by the PR, however Surgery, Implantology, Orthodontics and Prosthodontics, absorbed the principles of this technique which is helping significantly in their daily practice. The benefits of PR are undisputed, whether in the reduction of surgical risks, precision maneuvers, and gain time in the trans-operative period, cosmetic procedures and in the communication between the dentist and the patient. The disadvantages of the technique are also reported as high initial cost and considerable time preparing the prototype. What has been observed is that this PR is becoming increasingly present in the dental practice and the benefits are overcoming some disadvantages still persistent.

Keywords : Computed tomography; surgery; dental implantation; maxillofacial prosthesis; orthodontics.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )