Dimensional changes over time in stereolithographic models fabricated with a 3D printer

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Dental Technology

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) printing, specifically stereolithography, is increasingly used for fabricating dental models.
• Assessing the long-term dimensional stability of these models is essential for clinical applications, such as surgical guides and master casts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the dimensional changes of stereolithography models over time.
• To determine the optimal usage period for 3D-printed models based on their dimensional stability.
• To compare dimensional stability between models used as surgical guides and master casts.

Main Methods:

• Stereolithography models of truncated cone shapes were fabricated using different liquid resins.
• Models were categorized into two groups: surgical guides (Group G) and master casts (Group M).
• Dimensional changes were measured at multiple time points up to 1.5 years post-fabrication.

Main Results:

• No significant dimensional changes were observed from 1 day to 1 year post-fabrication across all groups.
• A significant increase in dimensional change was noted at the 1.5-year mark compared to earlier time points (p < 0.001).
• Master cast models (Group M) exhibited significantly greater dimensional changes than surgical guide models (Group G) throughout the study period (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Stereolithography models demonstrate good dimensional stability for up to one year.
• For optimal accuracy, 3D-printed models should be utilized within one year of fabrication.
• The intended use (surgical guide vs. master cast) and potentially the type of liquid resin influence long-term dimensional stability.