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Evaluation of two printing techniques for maxillary removable partial denture frameworks
Alwin Sokolowski1, Daniel Horak2, Alexander Behlau1
1Research Associate, Division of Restorative Dentistry, Periodontology and Prosthodontics, Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|February 8, 2024
Summary
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printing methods for removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks show high accuracy. SLM offers superior precision compared to DLP, indicating advanced manufacturing for predictable RPD fabrication.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Dental Prosthetics
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing is increasingly used for removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks.
- Current methods include direct metal printing and printing castable resins for subsequent casting.
- The accuracy and precision of 3D printing for RPD frameworks compared to traditional methods require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy and precision of two 3D printing techniques for RPD framework fabrication.
- To compare Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) in RPD framework manufacturing.
Main Methods:
- Maxillary casts were digitized for RPD framework design.
- Eight frameworks were fabricated for each group using SLM (with thermal finishing) and DLP (castable resin printing).
- Frameworks were scanned, and deviations from the original design were analyzed using metrology software and manual measurements.
Main Results:
- Both SLM and DLP methods exhibited minor deviations across all RPD frameworks.
- No significant differences in accuracy were found between the SLM and DLP groups (P=.986).
- The SLM group demonstrated significantly higher precision, with lower absolute deviation values (0.13 mm) compared to the DLP group (0.17 mm) (P<.001).
Conclusions:
- Both 3D printing techniques (SLM and DLP) provide consistent and predictable results for RPD framework fabrication.
- The accuracy of both SLM and DLP methods is comparable and at a high level.
- Selective Laser Melting (SLM) offers superior precision for manufacturing removable partial denture frameworks.
