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3D-Printed vs. Heat-Polymerizing and Autopolymerizing Denture Base Acrylic Resins
Leila Perea-Lowery1,2, Mona Gibreel1,2, Pekka K Vallittu1,2,3
1Department of Biomaterials Science, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 13, 2021
Summary
This study compared 3D-printed denture base materials with conventional ones. Heat-cured materials exhibited superior mechanical properties, while 3D-printed resins showed lower fracture toughness and work of fracture.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- 3D printing offers potential for customized dental prosthetics, but its mechanical properties require thorough evaluation.
- Conventional denture base materials include heat-cured and autopolymerizing acrylic resins, serving as benchmarks for comparison.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of two post-curing methods on the mechanical properties of a 3D-printed denture base material.
- To compare the mechanical performance of the 3D-printed material against conventional heat-cured and autopolymerizing denture base resins.
Main Methods:
- Investigated three resins: 3D-printing (Imprimo®), heat-cured (Paladon® 65), and autopolymerizing (Palapress®).
- Evaluated flexural strength, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, work of fracture, water sorption, and solubility.
- Post-cured 3D-printed specimens using two units (Imprimo Cure®, Form Cure®) and tested after dry and 30-day water storage.
Main Results:
- Resin type significantly affected all mechanical properties (p < 0.001).
- Heat-cured resin demonstrated the highest flexural strength and elastic modulus. 3D-printed material showed the lowest fracture toughness and work of fracture.
- Post-curing method influenced the flexural strength of the 3D-printed material; higher temperatures may improve properties.
Conclusions:
- The mechanical properties of the 3D-printed denture base material were inferior to the heat-cured material.
- Post-curing conditions significantly impact the performance of 3D-printed denture resins.
- Further research into optimizing post-curing parameters for 3D-printed dental materials is warranted.
