A replacement part is constructed by sintering layers of material(6). During sintering the process parameters are varied so that specific areas of the material are locally sintered to different degrees. In particular the edge area(14) of a layer is sintered to form a denser structure than in the inner regions(15) of the layer. Sintering energy is provided by a laser beam(7.1) or an electron beam. Energy input is 0.5-8 J/sq mm. The tooth replacement part(10) is a bridging structure or an anatomically formed solid crown or tooth. The edge(14) is sintered to a density of not less than95%, preferably at least 99%, of the theoretical maximum. Edge breadth is 0.1-1mm, preferably not more than 0.4mm. Sintered density of the inner area(15) is 80-95% of the maximum theoretical density. The sintering rate comprising the product of the powder layer density, beam breadth and illumination rate is higher in the inner area than in the edge region. Typical sintering rates in the edge area are 1-2.3 cu mm/second and/or energy input of the beam per unit area is 1.3-8 J/sq mm. Sintering rates in the inner area are 2.3-5 cu mm/second and/or energy input is 0.5-1.8 J/sq mm. Tensile and bending strengths in edge areas are not less than1.1 times greater than those of the inner area. An independent claim is included for a tooth replacement part manufactured by the claimed method and which has an edge area(14) of higher density than the inner region.
