Comparative Cost-Effectiveness of Resin 3D Printing Protocols in Dental Prosthodontics: A Systematic Review
Mircea Popescu, Viorel Ștefan Perieanu, Mihai Burlibașa, Andrei Vorovenci, Mădălina Adriana Maliţa, Diana-Cristina Petri, Andreea Angela Ștețiu, Radu Cătălin Costea, Raluca Mariana Costea, Andrei Burlibașa, Andi Ciprian Drăguș, Maria Antonia Ștețiu, Liliana Burlibaşa
Abstract
Objectives: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the cost, production time, clinical performance, and patient satisfaction of 3D printing workflows in prosthodontics compared to conventional and subtractive methods. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of electronic databases was performed to identify studies published between 2015 and 2025 that directly compared digital additive workflows with analogue or subtractive workflows. Studies were eligible if they included prosthodontic treatments such as dentures, crowns, or implant-supported prostheses and reported at least one relevant outcome. The primary outcomes were cost, time efficiency, clinical accuracy (e.g., marginal adaptation, fit), and patient satisfaction. Included studies were methodologically evaluated using MINORS scale and the risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I and RoB 2 tools. Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 3D printing workflows demonstrated reduced production time and cost in comparison to conventional or subtractive methods. Clinical outcomes were generally comparable or superior, particularly regarding adaptation and fit. Patient satisfaction was favourable in most studies, although reporting varied. Long-term follow-up was limited, which constrains the interpretation of sustained clinical performance. Conclusions: These findings suggest that 3D printing can serve as an efficient and cost-effective alternative in prosthodontic fabrication, with clinical results comparable to those already established. Further research is needed to assess long-term clinical performance and cost-effectiveness in various clinical scenarios.