In recent years, 3D printing has emerged as one of the most transformative forces in the dental industry. Far from being a futuristic concept, it is now a cornerstone of modern dentistry, offering innovation, efficiency, and a more personalized patient experience. According to Polaris Market Research, the global dental 3D printing market is valued at USD 3.18 billion in 2024, and projections suggest that this figure will soar to USD 12.35 billion by 2032. These numbers reflect not only a surge in adoption but also a shift in mindset toward digital workflows and smart manufacturing.
A Decade of Transformation in Dental Labs
Over the past decade, dental laboratories have undergone a notable technological transformation. In 2014, only around 10% of labs had begun using 3D printing. However, by 2022, that number had grown dramatically to 57%, and this trend shows no signs of slowing. Analysts estimate a consistent annual growth rate of 5% to 10%, highlighting the accelerating momentum behind this shift.
A major driver of this digital evolution has been the widespread adoption of intraoral scanners by dentists. While scanners aren’t typically owned by laboratories themselves, the increasing use of digital impressions by clinicians has had a profound impact on lab workflows. As more dentists switch to intraoral scanning for its speed, precision, and patient comfort, laboratories are under growing pressure to modernize their equipment. They must now be capable of handling these digital files, integrating seamlessly with CAD/CAM systems, and producing accurate prosthetics from digital data.
This push toward compatibility has contributed to the rising adoption of milling systems and 3D printers in labs. With intraoral scans becoming the new standard in dental practices, labs that rely on outdated methods risk falling behind. To keep pace, they’re investing in technologies that not only receive and process digital impressions but also enable them to manufacture with speed, precision, and flexibility.
Milling systems, while also growing in popularity, have followed a slightly slower adoption path. Starting at 39% in 2014, they reached 67% adoption by 2022. Their durability and precision have made them a reliable part of many labs’ manufacturing toolkits, particularly for crown and bridge work.
What’s particularly interesting is how these technologies are being adopted depending on lab size. In large laboratories, 3D printing is now nearly ubiquitous, with 97% of them equipped with a printer and virtually all of them using digital systems. Medium-sized labs also show strong adoption rates, while smaller labs are beginning to catch up. Among small labs, around 34% have already integrated 3D printing into their workflow. This illustrates that while scale can accelerate adoption, the benefits of digital technology are being felt across the board.
Source: 2022 U.S. Dental Laboratory report, Key Group
Understanding the Manufacturing Approaches
The advantages of 3D printing become even more evident when compared to traditional dental manufacturing methods. In terms of speed, 3D printing outpaces both milling and conventional techniques. It also shines in cost-efficiency, with lower per-unit costs making it particularly attractive for producing multiple devices at scale. While milling and traditional methods still edge out 3D printing when it comes to material robustness and esthetics in certain applications, the gap is closing as materials continue to evolve.
Another major advantage lies in repeatability. Once a digital design is finalized, it can be reprinted as many times as needed with consistent results. This is a major improvement over manual methods, where outcomes can vary significantly depending on the technician’s skill or material inconsistencies.
Ease of use is also an important consideration. Where traditional manufacturing may require highly specialized training, many 3D printing systems are designed with intuitive software interfaces, allowing dental professionals and lab technicians to easily produce customized solutions with minimal learning curves.
A particularly compelling application is the hybrid workflow used in denture manufacturing. More and more laboratories are opting to use prefabricated teeth combined with 3D-printed bases. This not only offers the durability and esthetic appeal of traditional dentures but also adds the flexibility and personalization made possible through digital workflows.
The Road Ahead for Dental 3D Printing
Looking forward, 3D printing is set to play an even greater role in shaping the future of dental manufacturing. As AI continues to integrate with digital workflows, the creation of dental appliances will become faster, more automated, and increasingly personalized. From surgical guides and orthodontic models to dentures and night guards, the applications are expanding every year.
Moreover, the integration of 3D printing into everyday practice is not just about efficiency—it’s about patient care. The ability to design and produce customized dental appliances quickly means that patients receive more accurate, better-fitting solutions in less time. This leads to higher satisfaction, fewer adjustments, and a more seamless clinical experience.
Want to explore the full picture?
Download our complete eBook to discover key statistics, expert commentary, emerging trends, and practical tools to support your digital transition. The eBook includes downloadable forms and a deep dive into materials, AI, and workflows shaping the next generation of dental care.
Design and development by Raincastle Communications.
Customer Support
Request Sample
Contact