A novel workflow for indirect cobalt-chromium restorations using additive manufacturing without digital design

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Additive Manufacturing
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Conventional fabrication of indirect dental restorations can be complex and time-consuming.
• Digital design workflows are standard but may not be accessible in all clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore additive manufacturing for fabricating cobalt-chromium onlay restorations without digital design.
• To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of this novel workflow.

Main Methods:

• Extracted molars were prepared for four-surface onlays.
• Provisionals were fabricated conventionally, then digitized.
• Cobalt-chromium onlays were produced using additive manufacturing (selective laser melting) from STL files.
• Onlays were bonded, polished, and assessed clinically and radiographically.

Main Results:

• Cementation was successful with generally acceptable marginal adaptation.
• Surface finish of the restorations was deemed acceptable.
• The workflow demonstrated feasibility for fabricating cobalt-chromium onlays.

Conclusions:

• Additive manufacturing offers a viable alternative for fabricating indirect restorations without digital design.
• This approach presents a simple, efficient, and inexpensive workflow.
• Further research is warranted to validate long-term clinical performance.