Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
07:14
Guided Endodontics: Three-Dimensional Planning and Template-Aided Preparation of Endodontic Access Cavities
Published on: May 24, 2022
5.0K
Does Printing Orientation Matter in PolyJet 3D Printed Teeth for Endodontics? A Micro-CT Analysis
Cláudia Barbosa1,2,3, Tiago Reis2,4, José B Reis5
1Endodontics and Restorative Dentistry Unit, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15701 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Journal of Functional Biomaterials
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Optimal 3D printing of dental models requires careful consideration of orientation and positioning. Positioning significantly impacts the accuracy and repeatability of three-dimensional printed teeth (3DPT) for endodontic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Dental Technology
- Endodontics
Background:
- Three-dimensional printed teeth (3DPT) offer promising models for dental education and practice.
- Optimizing 3D printing parameters is crucial for achieving accurate and reliable dental replicas, especially for complex anatomies like mandibular molars with isthmuses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal printing orientation (X, Y, or Z axis) and positioning for mandibular molars with isthmuses using PolyJet™ technology.
- To evaluate the impact of printing parameters on the dimensional accuracy and endodontic preparation behavior of 3DPT.
Main Methods:
- Six groups of 3DPT (n=10 each) were printed with varying axis orientations and isthmus positions.
- Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used for pre- and post-endodontic preparation analysis.
- Dimensional accuracy and preparation behavior were assessed using volume, centroid, transportation, and unprepared area metrics.
Main Results:
- Groups printed along the Z-axis (ZA, ZB) showed significant differences in preoperative measurements and were excluded.
- No significant differences in dimensional accuracy or endodontic preparation behavior were observed between comparable groups printed along the X and Y axes (XA-YA and XB-YB).
- Positioning had a greater influence on 3DPT accuracy and repeatability than printing orientation.
Conclusions:
- Printing orientation and positioning significantly affect the accuracy and repeatability of 3DPT.
- Positioning is the most critical factor influencing the fidelity of 3D printed mandibular molars.
- The behavior of 3DPT during endodontic preparation remained consistent across evaluated orientations.
