SUMMARY: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a rapidly developing technology that has gained widespread acceptance in dentistry. Compared to conventional (lost-wax technique) and subtractive computer numeric controlled methods, 3D printing offers process engineering advantages. Materials such as plastics, metals, and ceramics can be manufactured using various techniques. 3D printing was introduced over three decades ago. Today, it is experiencing rapid development due to the expiration of many patents and is often described as the key technology of the next industrial revolution. The transition to its clinical application in dentistry is highly dependent on the available materials, which must not only provide the required accuracy but also the necessary biological and physical properties. The aim of this work is to provide an up-to-date overview of the different printing techniques: stereolithography, digital light processing, photopolymer jetting, material jetting, binder jetting, selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, and fused filament fabrication. Additionally, particular attention is paid to the materials used in dentistry and their clinical application.

Purpose: The study aims to evaluate the effect of tooth position, sleeve height, supporting length, resin E‐modulus, and manufacturing method on the accuracy of dental implants placed in vitro fully guided in a lower jaw free‐end situation.Material and Methods: Using resin clones of a patient case providing a free‐end situation 384 implants has been experimentally placed guided. The accuracy of postoperative implant position analyzed depending on the tooth position (first and second molar), sleeve height (2 and 6mm), supporting length (tooth no. 37–33 and 37 43), resin E‐modulus (2,000, and >3,000 MPa), and manufacturing method (milled, printed). To determine the three‐dimensional accuracy angular deviation, mean crestal, apical deviation, and the linear vertical deviation at apex were calculated separately for each group (n = 12).Results: The accuracy of implant placement using milled guides was affected only by the tooth position, indicating stronger deviation of implants replacing second molars than first molars. Considering printed guides, the implant position was influenced by tooth position, sleeve height, and supporting length. Linear vertical deviation >1 mm was found for printed materials with the lowest E‐modulus at tooth position no. 37. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant lower odds for linear vertical deviation >1 mm for materials with higher E‐modulus (OR: 0.04; 95% CI:0.01–0.97; p = .048) and higher ratio for smaller sleeve height (OR: 2.77; 95% CI:1.20–6.38; p = .017).Conclusion: Accuracy of implant placement in a free‐end situation lacking distal tooth support is superior for milled as compared to 3D‐printed surgical guides. When using 3D‐printed surgical guides, smaller sleeve heights and extended tooth support improve the accuracy of implant placement.