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A Review of Current Systems, Materials, and Protocols for 3D-Printed Splints, Crowns, and Dentures
Pouya Sabanik1, Ting-Chia Liu1, Mahmoudreza Tabatabaeian1
1Department of Clinical and Community Sciences, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Summary
Optimizing three-dimensional (3D) printing for dental restorations involves selecting appropriate technologies, materials, and protocols. Evidence-based practices enhance accuracy, mechanical performance, and cost-effectiveness for splints, crowns, and dentures.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Resin vat printing technologies like stereolithography (SLA), liquid crystal display (LCD), and digital light processing (DLP) offer different advantages in surface finish, speed, and cost.
- Ceramic vat printing provides acceptable strength but is resource-intensive.
- Material properties and printing parameters, including angulation, layer height, resin composition, and curing wavelength, are critical for successful outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize evidence-based conclusions on optimal three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies.
- To identify ideal materials and clinical protocols for fabricating dental splints, crowns, and dentures.
- To guide clinicians in leveraging 3D printing for improved dental restorations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of evidence-based conclusions.
- Analysis of different 3D printing technologies (SLA, LCD, DLP, ceramic vat printing).
- Evaluation of material properties (resins, ceramics) and printing parameters (angulation, layer height, curing).
Main Results:
- Flexible splints demonstrate superior fracture toughness and impact strength; firm splints exhibit comparable wear resistance to milled options.
- 3D printed crowns offer improved toughness over milled alternatives, though wear rates require further consideration.
- Printed denture bases show comparable or superior strength to conventional methods, with printed teeth exhibiting favorable wear resistance.
- Postprocessing techniques significantly impact the final mechanical properties and clinical performance of printed restorations.
Conclusions:
- Validated printing parameters, appropriate resin selection, and evidence-based protocols are essential for maximizing restoration accuracy and mechanical performance.
- 3D printing offers significant efficiency and cost benefits for dental applications when implemented correctly.
- Clinicians can achieve optimal outcomes by adhering to established guidelines for 3D printing dental prosthetics.
