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Fit and Fracture Load of Milled and 3D-Printed Composite Onlays: An In Vitro Study
The International Journal of Prosthodontics
|March 25, 2025
Summary
3D printed composite onlays offer superior fit compared to milled ones, though they exhibit lower fracture load. Both fabrication methods yield clinically acceptable results for dental restorations.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Digital Dentistry
Background:
- Advancements in digital dentistry enable the fabrication of dental restorations using various manufacturing techniques.
- Composite onlays are utilized for restoring posterior teeth, requiring precise fit and adequate mechanical strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the marginal and internal fit of 3D printed versus milled composite onlays.
- To evaluate and contrast the fracture load of 3D printed and milled composite onlays in an in vitro setting.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-eight lower molar onlay preparations were duplicated. Fourteen onlays were milled and fourteen were 3D printed using specified materials.
- Marginal and internal fit were assessed using the silicone-replica technique and digital microscopy.
- Onlays were cemented, and fracture load was determined using a universal testing machine.
Main Results:
- 3D printed onlays demonstrated significantly better marginal (78µm vs 100µm) and internal fit (222µm vs 249µm) (p<0.05).
- Milled onlays exhibited significantly higher fracture load compared to 3D printed onlays (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- The 3D printing process resulted in superior fit but lower mechanical properties compared to milling.
- Both 3D printed and milled composite onlays achieved fit within clinically acceptable limits for dental restorations.
