10:15 – 10:55 HOT TOPIC Current Materials for Tooth-Supported Restorations

3D Printing vs. Milling

The landscape of digitally manufactured tooth-supported restorations is evolving rapidly. New restorative materials, production technologies, and digital workflows are continuously entering the market, particularly in the field of 3D printing.

While milling remains the current reference manufacturing process, the rapid expansion of printable restorative materials provides clinicians with an increasing number of new options, many of which are supported by only limited scientific and clinical evidence.

At the same time, the fabrication of tooth-supported restorations is progressively shifting from the dental laboratory to the dental office, making the selection of appropriate materials and workflows an increasingly important part of clinical decision-making.

This lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of the materials currently available or under development for milling and 3D printing, with particular emphasis on composite restorative materials. It will explore how processing and materials science are intrinsically linked by examining the influence of manufacturing technologies, processing parameters, post-processing procedures, material composition, filler content, and microstructure on the properties and expected clinical performance of restorative materials. Biological, practical, environmental, and economic aspects will also be discussed, highlighting the opportunities and limitations associated with each approach. As restorative dentistry continues to move towards faster, more cost-effective, and increasingly chairside production, this presentation aims to provide clinicians with the scientific knowledge required to critically evaluate the continuous emergence of new restorative solutions and make informed decisions about which innovations can be judiciously integrated into daily clinical practice for the benefit of both patients and the dental practice.