An Australian team from Metro South Oral Health is working to combine advanced 3D printing with AI and new materials described as “light” and “durable,” the Queensland government said Thursday. The goal is to improve both the precision and speed of creating dental prosthetics, including dentures and crowns.
“In the future, we aim to reduce production time even further, possibly cutting it down to just 48 hours for trauma cases,” said Sam Lloyd, a lead member of the team.
Lloyd explained that the team began with hollow dentures, which are used to “replace large amounts of bone and tissue.” “The challenge was ensuring they were light enough for comfort but strong enough for durability,” he added. However, the team did not disclose the material it was experimenting with.
New 3D-printed obturators
The team, which is collaborating with surgeons to apply these innovations in real clinical scenarios, has already produced obturators—devices that help patients with cleft palates or facial injuries.
“The new 3D-printed obturators are incredibly lightweight and form a perfect seal, which is essential for preventing food or liquids from coming out of the nose. It’s a life-changing improvement for many patients.”
Lloyd explained that the device has received incredible feedback from patients, particularly on an emotional level.
“For patients who have had difficult journeys, like those with cleft palates or major facial injuries, the ability to provide a lightweight, perfectly fitting prosthetic is more than just a technical achievement—it’s about restoring confidence and improving quality of life.”
