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A Structural Analysis of 3D Printed Pediatric Space Maintainers.
Lydia Watson1, Brent Danley1, Antheunis Versluis1
1University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Pediatric Dentistry
|August 22, 2023
Summary
3D printed space maintainers (SMs) show promising mechanical properties but have lower retention than traditional stainless-steel (SS) SMs. Textured surfaces did not improve retention, indicating potential for 3D printed SMs as an alternative.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Space maintainers (SMs) are crucial in pediatric dentistry to preserve arch space after premature tooth loss.
- Traditional stainless-steel (SS) SMs are effective but can be technique-sensitive to fabricate.
- 3D printing offers potential for customized and efficient fabrication of dental devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design, fabricate, and evaluate 3D printed space maintainers (SMs) in vitro.
- To compare the retentive capabilities of 3D printed SMs with traditional SS SMs.
Main Methods:
- E-Guard resin was selected for 3D printing SMs based on mechanical properties.
- Claw-design SMs were printed and tested for failure strength and deflection under vertical load.
- Retention of 3D printed bands with varied intaglio surface textures was compared to SS bands cemented on extracted primary teeth.
Main Results:
- E-Guard exhibited superior flexural strength (134±25 MPa) and elastic modulus (2.65±0.89 GPa) among tested resins.
- 3D printed SMs demonstrated a mean failure load of 124 N with 1.73 mm deflection.
- Retention strength of 3D printed bands (32-43 N) was significantly lower than traditional SS bands (126 N); surface texturing showed no significant improvement.
Conclusions:
- E-Guard possesses favorable mechanical properties for 3D printed SMs.
- While 3D printed SMs show adequate strength and deflection, their retention is inferior to SS bands.
- Further research is needed to enhance the retention of 3D printed SMs for clinical viability.
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