Three-Dimentional Printing Materials for Maxillofacial Structure Development: A Review

Abstract

A 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technique that has wide applications in various fields, including healthcare, especially in producing complex and entangled geometries like maxillofacial structures. Various 3D printing techniques are available; however, the range of biomaterials satisfying the printability criteria is limited. Generally, 3D printing biomaterials fall under classes as such a metals, ceramics, polymers, composites and hydrogels. In maxillofacial structure development, 3D printing is used for manufacturing surgical guides, models, splints, patient-specific implants and facial prostheses. This review describes various 3D printable materials and a brief overview of 3D printing techniques, specifically explored in maxillofacial structure-related applications. 3D bioprinting materials are beyond the scope of this review.