The global dental 3D printing market is expected to grow from $4.35 billion in 2026 to $10.08 billion by 2031, a compound annual growth rate of 18.3%, according to a report from market research firm MarketsandMarkets.
Materials are projected to be the fastest-growing segment, as printer installations drive repeat purchases of resins and other consumables. Vat photopolymerization technologies, such as stereolithography and digital light processing, made up 61.5% of the market in 2025. Their high-resolution output suits crowns, bridges, surgical guides, occlusal splints, and aligners. North America held the largest regional share.
Dental laboratories remain the largest end users because they can print many custom pieces simultaneously. Smaller practices and dental service organizations are also adopting more compact, lower-cost systems, the firm said. Applications are expanding from models toward directly printed restorations, dentures, and orthodontic appliances. Companies are also selling design subscriptions and outsourced print services alongside hardware.
The report attributes growth to rising demand for dental services and improvements in printer accuracy, speed, and cost. It cites high upfront costs, regulatory hurdles, and a shortage of skilled workers as barriers. The report also points to industry consolidation, including Align Technology’s 2024 acquisition of Cubicure, SprintRay’s acquisition of EnvisionTEC’s dental portfolio, and Pac-Dent’s purchase of Ackuretta Technologies, both in September 2025.
