Rapid prototyping

Rapid prototyping, also known as RP, is often used in CAD/CAM dentistry to manufacture dental prosthetics quickly, especially in dental offices that offer same-day restorations. The term refers to a group of techniques that are used to create a scale model of a patient’s oral anatomy using a 3D computer aided design program. Then, the construction of the model is done with a 3D printer, or computer aided manufacturing. Rapid prototyping can be used to create a wide array of dental prosthetics, including full or partial dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays, and more. In the past, prototyping was done by using a silicone material to take a mold of the patient’s mouth. Then, the desired material for the model is poured into the mold and allowed to set or harden. The mold material is removed and the model is complete. This process is often uncomfortable for the patient.