3D Printing vs. Milling in Digital Orthodontics
While milling remains dominant for permanent crowns, 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) has taken over the orthodontic and temporary restoration segments in 2026. China is the world's largest producer of clear aligners, and CAD/CAM technology is the backbone of this industry.
Chinese "Cloud Labs" receive digital scans from across the globe and use automated CAD software to design a series of aligner movements. These designs are then printed en masse using high-speed DLP (Digital Light Processing) printers. In 2026, new biocompatible resins have been approved in China that allow for the 3D printing of permanent bridges and dentures, marking a shift where additive manufacturing is beginning to compete directly with traditional subtractive milling.