3D bioprinting in orthodontics

During the last few years, additive manufacturing (AM) has spread over different advanced application sectors, including orthodontics. Indeed, it is nowadays possible to design and develop efficient three-dimensional (3D)-printed cast models, exploiting the possibility of using intraoral scanners that finely tune the patient's mouth shape. In particular, it is now feasible to fix the teeth malalignment, avoiding the standard use of metal braces combined with metal wires, which unfavorably influence the patients' appearance throughout the treatment. Using and implementing the AM strategy accounted for the manufacturing of invisible polymeric aligners, obtained by thermoforming polyurethane films directly on tailored 3D-printed dental models. Besides, utilizing advanced 3D-bioprinting techniques has become almost a standard procedure for dental implants, physical models for prosthodontics, orthodontics, and even surgery. This chapter aims to review the most recent developments in 3D-(bio)printing orthodontics, summarizing the main research outcomes and providing the reader with some perspectives for the forthcoming years.