Digital manufacturing of dental restorations has long relied on subtractive manufacturing, utilizing high-performance ceramics and composite materials to achieve well-established, clinically proven outcomes. In recent years, the emergence of additive manufacturing (AM) - including advanced 3D printing techniques and the development of printable dental materials - has opened new possibilities for enhanced precision, customization, and workflow efficiency within restorative dentistry.

The applications of AM are rapidly expanding, covering a spectrum from provisional restorations to definitive and specialized clinical indications. The success of AM in dentistry depends on factors such as dimensional accuracy, mechanical performance, esthetics, and overall clinical durability - key criteria for a wide variety of restorative needs. Notable progress has been made in developing printable ceramics and composites, alongside continuous innovations in printing technologies and post-processing workflows. Nevertheless, optimizing material formulations, refining build and finishing protocols, and validating clinical performance remain ongoing challenges, requiring rigorous in vitro and in vivo studies.

This Research Topic aims to showcase recent advances in the additive manufacturing of dental ceramics and composites for all types of restorations. We welcome research articles and reviews addressing topics from material development to clinical evaluation, with areas of interest including, but not limited to:

• Development and characterization of restorative materials for additive manufacturing
• Innovations in 3D printing techniques applicable to ceramics and composite systems
• Investigation of mechanical properties, fatigue resistance, and aging behavior of printed restorations
• Assessment of dimensional accuracy, marginal adaptation, and internal fit
• Evaluation of esthetic parameters such as translucency and color stability
• Optimization of processing parameters and surface finishing techniques to enhance clinical performance

This Research Topic seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of advances in additive manufacturing, supporting the integration of AM-fabricated ceramics and composites into evidence-based dental practice. Our goal is to inform and connect dental clinicians, technicians, researchers, and materials scientists as AM continues to transform restorative dentistry.

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Advances in Additive-Manufactured Ceramics and Composites for Dental Restorations