Fixed prostheses fabricated by direct metal laser sintering system: case report

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, 3 dimentional (3D) printing, especially Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) system is used in dentistry. DMLS system has recently been introduced for fabrication metal framework for metal ceramic crowns to overcome the disadvantages of the casting method and computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) milling system. DMLS system uses a high-temperature laser beam to selectively heat a substructure metal powder based on the CAD data with the framework design. A thin layer of the beamed area becomes fused, and the metal framework is completed by laminating these thin layers. Utilizing DMLS system to fabricate fixed prostheses is expected to achieve free-from shaping without mold and limitations from cutting tools, fabricate prostheses with complex geometry, prevent distortion and fabrication defects that inherent to conventional fabrication methods. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate various fixed prostheses such as long span fixed prostheses, post to achieve satisfactory results in functional and esthetic aspects.