3D Printing Materials for Dental Labs: Complete Guide to Resins and Applications

The rise of 3D printing technology in dentistry has transformed how dental labs produce restorations, models, surgical guides, and even aligners. At the heart of this revolution are 3D printing materials — especially dental resins — that offer high precision, biocompatibility, and durability. Understanding which materials to use for each application is crucial for achieving predictable and aesthetic results.

This guide provides a complete overview of 3D printing materials for dental labs, their properties, classifications, and best practices for clinical and laboratory applications in 2026.

1. Introduction to 3D Printing in Dentistry

In modern dentistry, 3D printing bridges digital design with physical manufacturing. Using CAD/CAM workflows, digital impressions captured from intraoral scanners or CBCT systems are processed into printable files (STL or PLY). Printers then use specialized light-curable resins or other materials to produce accurate physical models within hours.

Dental 3D printing is used for:

• Diagnostic and working models
• Surgical guides for implant placement
• Provisional and final restorations
• Splints, night guards, and dentures
• Clear aligners and orthodontic appliances

2. Types of 3D Printing Technologies

Before exploring materials, it’s important to understand the technologies used in dental 3D printing. Each has unique capabilities and compatible materials:

• SLA (Stereolithography): Uses a laser to cure liquid resin layer by layer. Ideal for models and crowns.
• DLP (Digital Light Processing): Projects an image to cure resin faster. Excellent accuracy for splints and surgical guides.
• LCD or MSLA: Similar to DLP but uses LCD panels — popular in dental labs due to affordability and precision.
• SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): Used for printing metal frameworks (e.g., cobalt-chromium) for partial dentures.

Most dental labs today rely on resin-based SLA and DLP systems for cost-effective and accurate production.

3. Classification of Dental 3D Printing Materials

Dental 3D printing materials are engineered for specific clinical purposes. The most common classifications include:

• Model Resins: Used for diagnostic and working models. They provide smooth surfaces and high detail for accurate restorations.
• Surgical Guide Resins: Transparent, biocompatible resins used for creating implant guides.
• Temporary Crown and Bridge Resins: High-strength resins for provisional restorations with aesthetic shades.
• Denture Base and Teeth Resins: Pink and tooth-colored materials for complete or partial dentures.
• Splint and Night Guard Resins: Flexible and clear materials ideal for occlusal splints.
• Castable Resins: Burn-out materials for metal casting or pressing ceramics.

4. Key Material Properties

When choosing a 3D printing resin for dental use, consider these essential factors:

• Biocompatibility: Certified according to ISO 10993 for intraoral use.
• Mechanical Strength: Must withstand masticatory forces, especially for provisional restorations.
• Accuracy and Shrinkage: Dimensional stability ensures proper fit.
• Color Stability: UV resistance prevents discoloration over time.
• Post-Processing Compatibility: Materials should be easily cleaned, cured, and polished.

5. Best 3D Printing Resins for Dental Labs in 2025

Several companies dominate the market with reliable dental resins. Below are the top-performing materials for different lab applications:

Model Resins

• Formlabs Model Resin: Exceptional precision for aligner models and diagnostic casts.
• NextDent Model 2.0: Fast-printing and high-detail resin, ideal for crown and bridge work.

Surgical Guide Resins

• NextDent SG: Biocompatible, transparent resin certified for surgical use.
• Formlabs Surgical Guide Resin V2: Sterilizable and highly accurate for implant guides.

Temporary Restoration Resins

• NextDent C&B MFH: Micro-filled hybrid for durable temporary crowns and bridges.
• Detax Freeprint Temp: Natural aesthetics and polishability for provisional restorations.

Denture and Splint Resins

• NextDent Denture 3D+ and Denture Teeth: FDA-approved pink and tooth-colored resins.
• KeySplint Soft: Flexible, clear material ideal for night guards and retainers.

6. Metal and Ceramic 3D Printing Materials

In addition to resin-based materials, advanced dental labs are also adopting metal and ceramic 3D printing for permanent restorations.

• Metal Alloys (SLS): Cobalt-chromium and titanium powders used for frameworks and implant parts.
• Zirconia Ceramics (Binder Jetting): High-strength ceramics for aesthetic crowns and bridges.

While metal printing remains expensive, it’s becoming more accessible for labs focusing on high-value prosthetics.

7. Workflow Optimization and Post-Processing

To achieve optimal results, each resin requires proper post-processing:

1. Washing: Clean prints using isopropyl alcohol or Form Wash stations.
2. Drying: Allow sufficient air drying before curing.
3. Curing: Use a UV-curing unit compatible with the resin manufacturer’s specifications.
4. Finishing: Polish or glaze printed restorations for improved esthetics.

Skipping these steps can compromise fit, accuracy, and biocompatibility.

8. Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Dental 3D printing materials must comply with FDA Class II or CE Class IIA standards for safety. Labs should store resins away from UV exposure and maintain temperature-controlled environments to preserve material stability.

Eco-friendly, low-odor, and recyclable resins are also gaining popularity as sustainability becomes a growing concern in dental manufacturing.

9. Future Trends in Dental 3D Printing Materials

The future of 3D printing materials in dentistry focuses on performance and efficiency. Key trends for 2025 and beyond include:

• Hybrid Ceramic Resins: Improved strength and translucency for permanent restorations.
• AI Material Selection: Software-driven recommendations for optimal resin choice.
• Multi-Material Printing: Simultaneous printing of denture bases and teeth in one build.
• Eco-Resins: Sustainable biopolymers with reduced VOC emissions.

Conclusion

3D printing materials are the foundation of digital dental manufacturing. By understanding the properties and applications of different resins, dental labs can produce highly accurate, aesthetic, and durable restorations faster than ever. Whether you’re printing surgical guides, crowns, or aligner models, choosing the right resin ensures optimal results and long-term reliability.

As technology advances, material innovation will continue to expand what’s possible in digital dentistry — making the workflow faster, greener, and more precise than ever before.