A review of digital design for ceramic dentures fabricated by vat photopolymerization 3D printing

doi:10.3877/cma.j.issn.1674-1366.2026.04.009

Abstract

Abstract:

Vat photopolymerization (VPP) is a crucial 3D printing technology for fabricating ceramic dentures. However, nonlinear dimensional deviations and warpage distortion during the fabrication process severely restrict their clinical adaptability. This review aims to systematically summarize the latest research progress in digital morphological design and deformation compensation strategies for VPP 3D-printed ceramic dentures, providing theoretical guidance for high-precision manufacturing. In geometric morphology design, the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, such as 3D convolutional neural networks, generative adversarial networks, and PointNet methods, were analyzed. Regarding deformation compensation, linear compensation algorithms like anisotropic scaling factors and slice contour offsets were examined. Crucially, nonlinear pre-deformation compensation strategies, including finite element thermodynamic simulations, AI-based nonlinear shrinkage prediction models, and conformal support structures, were discussed in detail. Results indicated that AI algorithms are driving the transition of denture design from experience-based paradigms to data-driven and high-fidelity intelligent models. While linear compensation algorithms effectively correct macroscopic dimensional deviations, they struggle with non-uniform distortions. Conversely, finite element simulations and AI nonlinear shrinkage prediction models can effectively suppress complex nonlinear deformations, significantly improving the final clinical adaptation accuracy of ceramic dentures. Ultimately, digital morphological design and nonlinear deformation compensation technologies are fundamental to improving the accuracy of VPP ceramic dentures. Future research should further explore denture design under dynamic biomechanical coupling and promote the clinical application of AI pre-deformation algorithms for complex, personalized dentures.

Key words: Vat photopolymerization, 3D-printing, Ceramic dentures, Digital design, Artificial intelligence, Deformation compensation

Haowen Liang, Jiawen Guo, Fahui Gu, Tongtong Wang, Jinxing Sun. A review of digital design for ceramic dentures fabricated by vat photopolymerization 3D printing[J]. Chinese Journal of Stomatological Research(Electronic Edition), 2026, 20(04): 319-326.

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