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Influence of different post-washing parameters on the properties of additively-manufactured dental devices - A
Xiaoxia Wang1, John M Aarts1, Nicholas C K Heng1
1Faculty of Dentistry, Sir John Walsh Research Institute, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
Objective:
To systematically review the current evidence on the influence of key post-washing parameters (solvent, duration, temperature, and mechanical method) on the properties of additively-manufactured dental devices.
Methods:
A systematic search was conducted across Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science (to June 2025), supplemented by manual searches of citation and references of included studies and Google Scholar. In vitro studies comparing different post-washing protocols for additively-manufactured dental devices and reporting various material properties were included. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (using the Quality Assessment Tool For In Vitro Studies) were performed.
Results:
Thirty-eight studies were included. Isopropanol and ethanol were the most widely-used solvents but posed material integrity and safety risks. Alternatives like tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether and commercial solvents demonstrated comparable or superior performance in material wettability, degree of conversion, and biocompatibility, with improved safety. An optimal washing duration of 5-15 min was identified; shorter durations risked insufficient cleaning, while prolonged exposure (>30 min) degraded material properties. Elevated temperatures (30-55 °C) improved cleaning efficacy but required careful control to prevent strength reduction. Ultrasonic bath was effective but could cause surface alterations, while centrifugation enhanced surface smoothness and mechanical properties. However, these findings arose from different material-printer-device combinations, requiring careful interpretation and generalization.
Conclusion:
Evidence supports alternative solvents, optimal duration and temperature, and centrifugation as effective and safer options. The lack of standardized protocols underscores the need for evidence-based guidelines to ensure predictable outcomes and safe integration of additive manufacturing in dentistry.
Clinical Significance:
Based on the current in vitro evidences, post-washing is a critical step in additive manufacturing of dental devices, however, still lacks consensus across different solvents, exposure duration, temperature, and mechanical method. This review highlights the importance of post-washing parameters that balance clinical efficacy, safety, and sustainability, highlighting opportunities for future research, standardization and best practice.
