187 - Economic-Time Feasibility of 3D-Printed Crowns in Young Permanent Molars

Abstract:

Purpose:
Permanent first molars are disproportionately vulnerable to caries and enamel defects, frequently requiring full-coverage restoration prior to adulthood. Although stainless steel crowns remain clinically reliable, their limited esthetics and rising patient expectations have increased interest in esthetic alternatives. Despite growing enthusiasm for additive manufacturing, the time and cost feasibility of chairside 3D-printed crowns in pediatric dentistry has not been well characterized. The purpose of this study is to explore costs and time associated with 3D printing and its economic feasibility.



Methods:
A market-based deterministic feasibility analysis was conducted using publicly available equipment pricing and literature-derived workflow times. Capital costs for intraoral scanners, dental 3D printers, and ancillary equipment were annualized using straight-line depreciation over 12-, 36-, and 60-month horizons. Variable costs included approved crown resins and consumables. Workflow time was modeled by distinguishing active clinician labor from passive automated processes.



Results:
Intraoral scanner costs ranged from $13,000 to $54,000, printers ranged from $2,300 to $30,000, with total printer startup costs of approximately $7,500–$18,500. Mean total workflow time was 75–80 minutes per crown, with active clinician labor limited to 30–40 minutes. Per-crown non-labor costs decreased from approximately $183 at 12 months to $49 at 60 months, with over 80% of cost reduction achieved by 36 months. Economic feasibility stabilized at an annual utilization threshold of approximately 250 crowns.



Conclusions:
Conservatively, chairside 3D-printed crowns for young permanent molars are economically and operationally feasible when incorporated into a broader digital workflow, supporting progression to preclinical and clinical evaluation.






Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: N/A