Marginal gap and fracture resistance of implant-supported 3D-printed definitive composite crowns: An in vitro study

Fracture resistance of additively or subtractively manufactured resin-based definitive crowns: Effect of restorative material, resin cement, and cyclic loading

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate how restorative material, resin cement, and cyclic loading affect the fracture resistance of resin-based crowns fabricated by using additive or subtractive manufacturing.

METHODS

A right first molar crown standard tessellation language (STL) file was used to fabricate 120 crowns from one subtractively manufactured polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (SM) and two additively manufactured resin composites (AM-B and AM-S) (N = 40). These crowns were randomly divided into 4 groups within each material according to the dual-polymerizing resin cement to be used (RX and PN) and the aging condition (n = 10). After cementation, the crowns without cyclic loading were subjected to fracture testing, while the others were first cyclically loaded (1.7 Hz, 1.2 million cycles, and 49-N load) and then subjected to fracture testing. Data were analyzed with generalized linear model analysis (α = .05).

RESULTS

Fracture resistance of the crowns was affected by material, resin cement, and cyclic loading (P ≤ .030). However, none of the interactions significantly affected fracture resistance of tested crowns (P ≥ .140). Among tested materials, SM had the highest fracture resistance, whereas AM-B had the lowest (P ≤ .025). RX led to higher fracture resistance, and cyclic loading decreased the fracture resistance (P ≤ .026).

SIGNIFICANCE

Tested materials can be considered reliable in terms of fracture resistance in short- or mid-term (5 years of intraoral simulation) when used for single molar crowns with 2 mm occlusal thickness. In the long term, polymer-infiltrated ceramic network crowns cemented with RelyX Universal may provide promising results and be less prone to complications considering higher fracture resistance values obtained.

Comparison of wear and fracture resistance of additively and subtractively manufactured screw-retained, implant-supported crowns

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Additively manufactured resins indicated for fixed definitive prostheses have been recently marketed. However, knowledge on their wear and fracture resistance when fabricated as screw-retained, implant-supported crowns and subjected to artificial aging is limited.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the volume loss, maximum wear depth, and fracture resistance of screw-retained implant-supported crowns after thermomechanical aging when fabricated using additively and subtractively manufactured materials.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two additively manufactured composite resins (Crowntec [CT] and VarseoSmile Crown Plus [VS]) and 2 subtractively manufactured materials (1 reinforced composite resin, Brilliant Crios [BC] and 1 polymer-infiltrated ceramic network, Vita Enamic [EN]) were used to fabricate standardized screw-retained, implant-supported crowns. After fabrication, the crowns were cemented on titanium base abutments and then tightened to implants embedded in acrylic resin. A laser scanner with a triangular displacement sensor (LAS-20) was used to digitize the pre-aging state of the crowns. Then, all crowns were subjected to thermomechanical aging (1.2 million cycles under 50 N) and rescanned. A metrology-grade analysis software program (Geomagic Control X 2020.1) was used to superimpose post-aging scans over pre-aging scans to calculate the volume loss (mm3) and maximum wear depth (mm). Finally, all crowns were subjected to a fracture resistance test. Fracture resistance and volume loss were evaluated by using 1-way analysis of variance and Tukey Honestly significant difference (HSD) tests, whereas the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests were used to analyze maximum wear depth. Chi-squared tests were used to evaluate the Weibull modulus and characteristic strength data (α=.05).

RESULTS

Material type affected the tested parameters (P<.001). CT and VS had higher volume loss and maximum wear depth than BC and EN (P<.001). EN had the highest fracture resistance among tested materials (P<.001), whereas BC had higher fracture resistance than CT (P=.011). The differences among tested materials were not significant when the Weibull modulus was considered (P=.199); however, VE had the highest characteristic strength (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Additively manufactured screw-retained, implant-supported crowns had higher volume loss and maximum wear depth. All materials had fracture resistance values higher than the previously reported masticatory forces of the premolar region; however, the higher characteristic strength of the subtractively manufactured polymer-infiltrated ceramic network may indicate its resistance to mechanical complications.

Effect of barium silicate on mechanical properties, transmittance, and protein adsorption of resin for additive manufacturing containing zwitterionic polymer

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Studies on the effect of barium silicate on the material properties of additively manufactured (AM) resins containing 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) for dental applications are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the mechanical properties, transmittance, and protein adsorption of MPC-containing AM resin incorporated with different barium silicate contents and to compare these findings with those of a commercially available unfilled AM resin marketed for definitive restorations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Resins incorporating 6 wt% MPC and 4 different concentrations of barium silicate (10 wt%, MB10; 20 wt%, MB20; 30 wt%, MB30; and 40 wt%, MB40) were prepared. An MPC-containing resin with no filler was also prepared (0 wt%, MBN). Surface roughness (n=15), Vickers hardness (n=15), flexural strength and modulus (n=15), fracture toughness (n=15), transmittance (n=15), and protein adsorption (n=3) of the filled resin specimens were measured and compared with those of commercially available unfilled resin specimens. All data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (α=.05).

RESULTS

All experimental resins had higher surface roughness than the unfilled resin (P≤.048). MB40 had higher hardness, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and fracture toughness than most other groups (P≤.047). MB10 had higher transmittance than most other groups (P≤.012). All experimental resins had lower protein adsorption than the unfilled resin, regardless of the barium silicate content (P≤.023).

CONCLUSIONS

The experimental resin containing 6 wt% MPC and 40 wt% barium silicate showed better mechanical properties and lower protein adsorption than the resin with no MPC or ceramic fillers. Transmittance decreased with the increase of barium silicate in the resins.

Influence of polishing technique and coffee thermal cycling on the surface roughness and color stability of additively and subtractively manufactured resins used for definitive restorations

PURPOSE

To evaluate how different polishing techniques and coffee thermal cycling affect the surface roughness and stainability of additively and subtractively manufactured resins used for definitive prostheses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two additively manufactured composite resins (Crowntec, CT and VarseoSmile Crown Plus, VS) and a subtractively manufactured resin nanoceramic (Cerasmart, CS) were used to fabricate 90 rectangular-shaped specimens (14 × 12 × 1 mm) (n = 30). After baseline surface roughness (Ra) measurements, specimens were divided into three groups based on the polishing technique; conventional polishing with a 2-stage polishing kit (CP) and surface sealant application (Optiglaze, OG or Vita Akzent LC, VA) (n = 10). After polishing, specimens were subjected to 10,000 cycles of coffee thermal cycling. Ra and color coordinate measurements were performed after polishing and after coffee thermal cycling. Color difference (ΔE00) was calculated. Scanning electron microscope images were taken at each time interval. Kruskal-Wallis or 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to evaluate Ra of materials within each polishing-time interval pair and different polishing techniques within each material-time interval pair, while Friedman or repeated measures ANOVA were used to evaluate Ra at different time intervals within each material-polishing pair. ΔE00 was assessed with 2-way ANOVA (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Other than VA-after polishing (p = 0.055), tested materials had significantly different Ra within each polishing-time interval pair (p ≤ 0.038). When Ra differences among different polishing techniques within each material-time interval pair were considered, CS had differences after coffee thermal cycling, CT had differences before polishing and after coffee thermal cycling, and VS had differences within each time interval (p ≤ 0.038). When Ra differences among different time intervals within each material-polishing pair were considered, significant differences were observed among all pairs (p ≤ 0.016), except for CS-VA (p = 0.695) and VS-VA (p = 0.300). ΔE00 values were affected by material and polishing technique interaction (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Ra of CS was similar to or lower than the Ra of other materials, regardless of the time interval or polishing technique. CP mostly led to lower Ra than other polishing techniques, whereas VA resulted in a high Ra regardless of the material-time interval pair. Polishing reduced the Ra, while coffee thermal cycling was found to have a small effect. Among tested material-polishing pairs, only CS-VA had moderately unacceptable color change when previously reported threshold values were considered.

Trueness of crowns fabricated by using additively and subtractively manufactured resin-based CAD-CAM materials

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Advancements in digital dental technologies have enabled the use of different resin-based materials that can be fabricated either additively or subtractively. However, knowledge on the fabrication trueness of these materials is scarce.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the trueness of crowns fabricated by using different resin-based computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A complete crown for a mandibular right first molar with a 30-μm cement space was designed in standard tessellation language (STL) format. This master STL (MC-STL) was used to fabricate 40 complete crowns with 4 different resin-based CAD-CAM materials and either additive (Crowntec [MS]) or subtractive techniques (Brilliant Crios [BC], breCAM.monoCOM [PMMA], and G-CAM [GR]; n=10). All crowns were digitized with an intraoral scanner (CEREC Primescan SW 5.2) to generate their STL files (TC-STLs). MC-STL and TC-STLs were transferred into a 3-dimensional analysis software program (Medit Link v2.4.4), and a trueness (overall, external, occlusal, intaglio occlusal, and marginal) analysis was performed by using the root mean square (RMS) method. The Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests were performed to analyze data (α=.05).

RESULTS

The test groups had significantly different deviations on all surfaces (P≤.001). MS crowns had higher overall (P≤.007) and external surface (P≤.001) deviations than GR and PMMA crowns, while the differences between GR and PMMA crowns were not significant (P≥.441). BC crowns had higher external surface deviations than GR crowns (P=.005), higher occlusal deviations than GR and MS crowns (P≤.007), and higher intaglio occlusal deviations than GR and MS crowns (P≤.009). However, BC crowns had lower marginal deviations than MS and GR crowns (P≤.018).

CONCLUSIONS

The brand of resin-based CAD-CAM materials affected the trueness of crowns. Additively manufactured crowns (MS) mostly had lower overall and external surface trueness than the other groups. Nevertheless, the deviation values of occlusal, intaglio occlusal, and marginal trueness were generally small; thus, the effect of the tested materials on clinical crown fit may be negligible.

Efficiency of 3D printed composite resin restorations compared with subtractive materials: Evaluation of fatigue behavior, cost, and time of production

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Three-dimensionally (3D)-printed composite resins have been marketed as materials for definitive restorations. However, limited information is available regarding the stability of the adhesive interface and the efficiency of 3D printed composite resins.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the integrity of the marginal adhesive interface before and after thermal and mechanical fatigue of an initial formulation of a 3D printed composite resin and to evaluate the efficiency of this manufacturing method.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Freshly extracted molars were prepared for onlays and adhesively restored with either 3D printed composite resin (VarseoSmile Crown Plus) (Group 3D), milled composite resin (Tetric CAD) (Group MCOMP), milled PMMA (Telio CAD) (Group PMMA), and milled lithium disilicate (IPS e.max CAD) (Group EM). Marginal analysis was performed under a scanning electron microscope before and after fatigue by thermomechanical cyclic loading, and initial and terminal percentages of continuous margin (%CM) were compared. The time required for the production of each type of restoration was recorded, and the production costs were also compared.

RESULTS

Before aging, 3D, MCOMP, and EM presented comparable values of %CM (69.8%, 75.9%, and 63.1%, respectively) that were statistically significantly higher (P<.05) than those of PMMA (45.1%). After aging, 3D and EM had comparable results (44.7% and 43.7%, respectively), which were lower than those of the MCOMP group (68.5%) but higher than those of the PMMA group (20.5%). Regarding time efficiency, 3D printing took less time than MCOMP or PMMA if more than 8 restorations were fabricated. For the production costs, 3D printing was 5.5, 8.7, and 10.2 times less expensive than PMMA, MCOMP, and EM, respectively. The initial equipment cost was also lower for the additive manufacturing method. However, 3D printing did not always considerably reduce waste.

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of marginal adaptation, the evaluated initial formulation of a 3D printed composite resin behaved similarly to other well-established definitive restoration materials and better than milled PMMA, both before and after fatigue. Three-dimensionally printed resins present advantages in terms of equipment and consumable costs, even for a single restoration, but also for production time when more than 8 restorations were fabricated.

Fabrication trueness and marginal quality of additively manufactured resin-based definitive laminate veneers with different restoration thicknesses

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate how restoration thickness (0.5 mm and 0.7 mm) affects the fabrication trueness of additively manufactured definitive resin-based laminate veneers, and to analyze the effect of restoration thickness and margin location on margin quality.

METHODS

Two maxillary central incisors were prepared either for a 0.5 mm- or 0.7 mm-thick laminate veneer. After acquiring the partial-arch scans of each preparation, laminate veneers were designed and stored as reference data. By using these reference data, a total of 30 resin-based laminate veneers were additively manufactured (n = 15 per thickness). All veneers were digitized and stored as test data. The reference and test data were superimposed to calculate the root mean square values at overall, external, intaglio, and marginal surfaces. The margin quality at labial, incisal, mesial, and distal surfaces was evaluated. Fabrication trueness at each surface was analyzed with independent t-tests, while 2-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the effect of thickness and margin location on margin quality (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Regardless of the evaluated surface, 0.7 mm-thick veneers had lower deviations (P < 0.001). Only the margin location (P < 0.001) affected the margin quality as labial margins had the lowest quality (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Restoration thickness affected the fabrication trueness of resin-based laminate veneers as 0.7 mm-thick veneers had significantly higher trueness. However, restoration thickness did not affect the margin quality and labial margins had the lowest quality.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Laminate veneers fabricated by using tested urethane-based acrylic resin may require less adjustment when fabricated in 0.7 mm thickness. However, marginal integrity issues may be encountered at the labial surface.

Marginal adaptation and fracture resistance of milled and 3D-printed CAD/CAM hybrid dental crown materials with various occlusal thicknesses

PURPOSE

To evaluate the marginal adaptation and fracture resistance of three computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing hybrid dental materials with different occlusal thicknesses.

METHODS

Ninety single-molar crowns were digitally fabricated using a milled hybrid nanoceramic (Cerasmart, CE), polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN, Vita Enamic, VE), and 3D-printed materials (Varseosmile, VS) with occlusal thicknesses of 0.8, 1, and 1.5 mm (10 specimens/group). Anatomical 3D-printed resin dies (Rigid 10K) were used as supporting materials. A CEREC MCX milling unit and a DLP-based 3D printer, Freeform Pro 2, were utilized to produce the crown samples. Before cementation, the marginal adaptation, absolute marginal discrepancy (AMD), and marginal gap (MG) were assessed using micro-CT scanning. After cementation with self-adhesive resin cement, fracture resistance was evaluated using a universal testing machine. The number of fractured crowns and the maximum fracture values (N) were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed using both one- and two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test.

RESULTS

For all occlusal thicknesses, the VS crowns demonstrated the lowest AMD and MG distances, significantly different from those of the other two milling groups (P < 0.05), whereas CE and VE did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). All VS crowns were fractured using the lowest loading forces (1480.3±226.1 to 1747.2±108.7 N). No CE and 1 and 1.5 mm VE crowns fractured under a 2000 N maximum load.

CONCLUSIONS

All hybrid-material crowns demonstrated favorable marginal adaptation within a clinically acceptable range, with 3D printing yielding superior results to milling. All materials could withstand normal occlusal force even with a 0.8 mm occlusal thickness.

Effect of build orientation on the fracture resistance and marginal quality of 3D-printed anatomic provisional crowns: An in-vitro study

Introduction

Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies have been increasingly used to fabricate provisional restorations in recent years. This study assessed how build orientation influences the fracture resistance and marginal quality of 3D-printed crowns compared with milled provisional crowns.

Methods

The test group included 3D-printed crowns (Freeprint temp Shade A2, Detax, Ettlingen, Germany), which were further subdivided based on print orientation (0°, 45°, and 90°; n = 10 for each subgroup). The control group (n = 10) included milled crowns (Coratemp, White Peaks, Germany) with the same design as those of the test group. The margin quality of each crown was assessed at 60 × magnification using a digital stereomicroscope. A load-to-fracture test was performed by applying a force at a rate of 2 mm/min to assess fracture resistance. One sample from each subgroup was also subjected to scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis.

Results

The milled group exhibited the highest fracture resistance and marginal quality. Within the printed subgroups, the 0° group showed the best mean marginal quality, whereas the 90° group showed the lowest mean marginal quality (p < 0.05). Within the test groups, the 90° group had the highest mean fracture resistance (p < 0.05). In the SEM analysis, the milled group exhibited the most homogenous boundaries, whereas among the 3D-printed subgroups, the samples printed at 0° had the best margin quality.

Conclusion

The manufacturing method significantly influences the marginal quality and fracture resistance. Milled crowns demonstrated superior marginal quality and fracture resistance compared to those of 3D printed crowns. Furthermore, the print orientation of 0° led to the best marginal quality, whereas printing at 90° led to the highest fracture resistance.

Effects of design software program and manufacturing method on the marginal and internal adaptation of esthetic crowns for primary teeth: A microcomputed tomography evaluation

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The adaptation of digitally produced crowns is affected by the design software program and manufacturing method. The effect of artificial intelligence (AI) software program design on the adaptation of the crowns is unclear and comparative evaluations should be documented.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the marginal and internal gaps, the absolute marginal discrepancies, and the 3-dimensional (3D) discrepancy volumes of the resin-based milled and 3D printed crowns for primary teeth designed with computer-aided design (CAD) and AI software programs by using microcomputed tomography (µCT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 40 resin-based esthetic crowns were produced for a prepared typodont tooth (right mandibular primary second molar) according to the design software program (CAD and AI) and manufacturing method (milling and 3D printing) (n=10). Four experimental groups were generated as CAD-milled, CAD-3D printed, AI-milled, and AI-3D printed. The marginal, axial, and occlusal gap values, the absolute marginal discrepancies, and the 3D discrepancy volumes of the specimens were measured by using µCT. The data were analyzed by using 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD tests (α=.05).

RESULTS

The lowest value for the marginal gap (54 ±43 µm) was observed in the CAD-milled group and the marginal gap value of the AI-3D printed group was significantly lower than the AI-milled group (P<.05). The lowest value for the axial gap (63 ±7 µm) was observed in the AI-3D printed group, and the highest value (145 ±58 µm) was observed in the CAD-milled group; the result for the occlusal gap value was opposite. The highest absolute marginal discrepancy value was observed in the CAD-milled group. The 3D discrepancy volumes increased in the order of the CAD-3D printed, AI-milled, CAD-milled, and AI-3D printed groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The marginal and internal gap values of the resin-based crowns were affected by the design software program and manufacturing method; however, tested groups showed clinically acceptable gap values.

Stainability and translucency of potassium aluminum sulfate applied computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing materials after coffee thermocycling

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of potassium aluminum sulfate (alum) application on the stainability and translucency of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials after coffee thermocycling (CTC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Disk-shaped specimens (Ø10 × 1 mm; N = 200) were fabricated by using additively (Crowntec [CT] and Varseo Smile Crown Plus [VS]) and subtractively manufactured (Brilliant Crios [RCR], CEREC Block [FC], and Vita Enamic [VE]) CAD-CAM materials and polished. All specimens were randomly divided into two groups as alum applied and control (n = 10). All specimens were then subjected to CTC (10,000 cycles at 5-55°C) and color coordinates were measured at each time interval. Color differences (ΔE00 ) and relative translucency parameters (RTPs) were calculated and the data were statistically analyzed (a = 0.05).

RESULTS

Among tested time intervals, alum applied specimens had their lowest ΔE00 after alum application (p ≤ 0.006), except for FC (p = 0.177). In addition, alum applied RCR had lower ΔE00 values than its control specimens (p = 0.029). Alum applied specimens had their lowest RTP after CTC (p < 0.001) and alum application decreased the RTP of CT (p = 0.010). CTC reduced the RTP of all materials in control groups (p < 0.001). Alum applied CT had higher RTP than its control specimens (p = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

Alum application's effect on color change varied depending on the material and alum mostly resulted in clinically acceptable changes in translucency. CTC led to unacceptable color and translucency changes based on previously reported threshold values.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Optical properties of CAD-CAM materials and the sustainability of these properties over time is critical for longevity. Alum may improve the color stability of reinforced composite resin when subjected to long-term coffee consumption.

Influence of intraoral scanner and finish line location on the fabrication trueness and margin quality of additively manufactured laminate veneers fabricated with a completely digital workflow

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Knowledge of the fabrication trueness and margin quality of additively manufactured (AM) laminate veneers (LVs) when different intraoral scanners (IOSs) and finish line locations are used is limited.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fabrication trueness and margin quality of AM LVs with different finish line locations digitized by using different IOSs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An LV preparation with a subgingival (sub), equigingival (equi), or supragingival (supra) finish line was performed on 3 identical maxillary right central incisor typodont teeth. Each preparation was digitized by using 2 IOSs, (CEREC Primescan [PS] and TRIOS 3 [TS]), and a reference LV for each finish line-IOS pair (n=6) was designed. A total of 90 LVs were fabricated by using these files and urethane acrylate-based definitive resin (Tera Harz TC-80DP) (n=15). Each LV was then digitized by using PS to evaluate fabrication trueness (overall, external, intaglio, and marginal surfaces). Each LV was also qualitatively evaluated under a stereomicroscope (×60), and the cervical and incisal margin quality was graded. Fabrication trueness and cervical margin quality were evaluated by using 2-way analysis of variance, while Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney-U tests were used to evaluate incisal margin quality (α=.05).

RESULTS

The interaction between the IOS type and the finish line location affected measured deviations at each surface (P≤.020). PS-sub and TS-supra had higher overall trueness than their counterparts. and the subgingival finish line resulted in the lowest trueness (P≤.005). PS and the subgingival finish line led to the lowest trueness of the external surface (P≤.001). TS-sub had the lowest intaglio surface trueness among the TS subgroups, and PS-sub had higher trueness than TS-sub (P<.001). PS-sub and PS-supra had higher marginal surface trueness than their TS counterparts (P<.001). TS resulted in higher cervical margin quality (P=.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the IOS tested, subgingival finish lines resulted in the lowest trueness. The effect of IOS on the measured deviations varied according to the surface evaluated and finish line location. The cervical margin quality of AM LVs was higher when TS was used.

Surface roughness, optical properties, and microhardness of additively and subtractively manufactured CAD-CAM materials after brushing and coffee thermal cycling

PURPOSE

To evaluate the surface roughness, optical properties, and microhardness of additively or subtractively manufactured CAD-CAM materials after simulated brushing and coffee thermal cycling.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two additively manufactured resins (Crowntec, CT and VarseoSmile Crown Plus, VS) and 3 subtractively manufactured materials (a reinforced composite (Brilliant Crios, BC), a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (Enamic, VE), and a feldspathic ceramic (Mark II, VM)) were used to fabricate disk-shaped specimens (Ø10×1-mm) (n = 10). Surface roughness, Vickers microhardness, and color coordinates were measured after polishing, while surface roughness was also measured before polishing. Specimens were then subjected to 25000 cycles of brushing and 10000 cycles of coffee thermal cycling, and measurements were repeated after each time interval. Color difference (ΔE00 ) and relative translucency parameter (RTP) were calculated. Robust analysis of variance test was used to evaluate surface roughness, ΔE00 , and RTP data, while generalized linear model analysis was used for microhardness data (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Material type and time interval interaction affected tested parameters (p ≤ 0.002). In addition, material type affected all parameters (p < 0.001) other than surface roughness (p = 0.051), and time interval affected surface roughness and microhardness values (p < 0.001). Tested materials mostly had their highest surface roughness before polishing (p ≤ 0.026); however, there was no clear trend regarding the roughness of materials within different time intervals along with ΔE00 and RTP values within materials or time intervals. VS and CT had the lowest microhardness regardless of the time interval, while the remaining materials were listed as VM, VE, and BC in decreasing order (p < 0.001). Coffee thermal cycling only reduced the microhardness of VM (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Tested additively manufactured resins can be considered more susceptible to simulated brushing and coffee thermal cycling than the other materials, given the fact that their surface roughness and ΔE00 values were higher than previously reported acceptability thresholds and because they had the lowest microhardness after all procedures were complete.

Current applications of 3D printing in dental implantology: A scoping review mapping the evidence

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review aimed to identify the available evidence in the use of 3D printing technology in dental implantology. Due to the broad scope of the subject and its application in implantology, three main areas of focus were identified: (1) customized dental implants, (2) manufacturing workflow for surgical implant guides, and (3) related implant-supported prostheses factors, which include the metallic primary frameworks, secondary ceramic or polymer superstructures, and 3D implant analog models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Online databases (Medline, Cochrane, Embase, and CINAHL) were used to identify the studies published up to February 2023 in English. Two experienced reviewers performed independently the screening and selection among the 1737 studies identified. The articles evaluated the additive manufacturing (AM) technology, materials, printing, and post-processing parameters regarding dental implantology.

RESULTS

The 132 full-text studies that met the inclusion criteria were examined. Thirteen studies of customized dental implants, 22 studies about the workflow for surgical implant guides, and 30 studies of related implant-supported prostheses factors were included.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) The clinical evidence about AM titanium and zirconia implants is scarce. Early data on survival rates, osseointegration, and mechanical properties are being reported. (2) 3D printing is a proven manufacturing technology to produce surgical implant guides. Adherence to the manufacturer's instructions is crucial and the best accuracy was achieved using MultiJet printer. (3) The quality of 3D printed prosthetic structures and superstructures is improving remarkably, especially on metallic alloys. However, better marginal fit and mechanical properties can be achieved with milling technology for metals and ceramics.

Additively and subtractively manufactured implant-supported fixed dental prostheses: A systematic review

AIM

To compare and report on the performance of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (iFDPs) fabricated using additive (AM) or subtractive (SM) manufacturing.

METHODS

An electronic search was conducted (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, Epistemonikos, clinical trials registries) with a focused PICO question: In partially edentulous patients with missing single (or multiple) teeth undergoing dental implant therapy (P), do AM iFDPs (I) compared to SM iFDPs (C) result in improved clinical performance (O)? Included were studies comparing AM to SM iFDPs (randomized clinical trials, prospective/retrospective clinical studies, case series, in vitro studies).

RESULTS

Of 2'184 citations, no clinical study met the inclusion criteria, whereas six in vitro studies proved to be eligible. Due to the lack of clinical studies and considerable heterogeneity across the studies, no meta-analysis could be performed. AM iFDPs were made of zirconia and polymers. For SM iFDPs, zirconia, lithium disilicate, resin-modified ceramics and different types of polymer-based materials were used. Performance was evaluated by assessing marginal and internal discrepancies and mechanical properties (fracture loads, bending moments). Three of the included studies examined the marginal and internal discrepancies of interim or definitive iFDPs, while four examined mechanical properties. Based on marginal and internal discrepancies as well as the mechanical properties of AM and SM iFDPs, the studies revealed inconclusive results.

CONCLUSION

Despite the development of AM and the comprehensive search, there is very limited data available on the performance of AM iFDPs and their comparison to SM techniques. Therefore, the clinical performance of iFDPs by AM remains to be elucidated.

Fabrication trueness and internal fit of hybrid abutment crowns fabricated by using additively and subtractively manufactured resins

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the fabrication trueness and internal fit of hybrid abutment crowns fabricated by using additively and subtractively manufactured restorative materials.

METHODS

A maxillary first premolar crown with a screw access channel was designed onto a digitized master titanium base abutment. This file was used to fabricate 40 crowns additively (Crowntec (CT) and VarseoSmile Crown Plus (VS)) or subtractively (Brilliant Crios (BC) and Vita Enamic (EN)) (n = 10). Crowns were digitized with an intraoral scanner and root mean square method was used to evaluate fabrication trueness. Master abutment and the crowns when seated on the abutment were also digitized with the same intraoral scanner and triple scan method was used to evaluate internal fit. Data were analyzed either with 1-way ANOVA (surface deviations) or Kruskal-Wallis (internal fit) tests (α= 0.05).

RESULTS

CT had the highest overall, external, and marginal surface deviations (P≤.030), whereas BC had the lowest external (P≤.001) and VS and EN had the lowest marginal surface deviations (P≤.007). BC had the highest intaglio surface deviations (P<.001). BC and EN had higher average gap values CT and VS (P≤.006); however, the differences within additively and subtractively manufactured materials were nonsignificant (P≥.858).

CONCLUSIONS

One of the tested additively manufactured resins (CT) resulted in mostly lower trueness than that of other materials. However, deviations at the intaglio and marginal surfaces were generally small and the maximum mean difference among test groups when average gap was considered was 17.4 µm. Therefore, clinical fit of hybrid abutment crowns fabricated with tested materials may be similar.

Effect of number of supports and build angle on the fabrication and internal fit accuracy of additively manufactured definitive resin-ceramic hybrid crowns

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of number of supports and build angle on the fabrication and internal fit accuracy (trueness and precision) of additively manufactured resin-ceramic hybrid crowns.

METHODS

A mandibular first molar crown was designed and nested on the build platform of a printer either with a 30° angle between the occlusal surface and the build platform (BLS (less support) and BMS (more support)) or its occlusal surface parallel to the build platform (VLS (less support) and VMS (more support)) to fabricate additively manufactured resin-ceramic hybrid crowns (n=14). After fabrication, supports were removed by a blinded operator and all crowns were digitized with an intraoral scanner. Fabrication accuracy (overall, external, intaglio occlusal, occlusal, and marginal) was evaluated by using root mean square (RMS) method, while internal fit was evaluated with triple scan method. RMS, average gap, and precision of these data were analyzed (α= .05).

RESULTS

VLS had higher overall deviations than BLS and VMS (P≤.039). VMS had higher occlusal deviations than BLS (P=.033). While BMS and BLS had higher marginal deviations than VLS (P≤.006), BMS also had higher values than VMS (P=.012). BLS led to higher precision than VMS (intaglio occlusal and occlusal surfaces) and VLS (occlusal surface) (P≤.008). VLS led to higher precision than BMS (marginal surface) (P=.027). Average gap values were similar (P=.723); however, BLS resulted in higher precision than VLS (P=.018).

CONCLUSIONS

Considering their high marginal and occlusal surface trueness, and similar internal occlusal deviations and average gaps (trueness), clinical fit of resin-ceramic hybrid crowns fabricated with tested parameters may be similar. Reduced number of supports and angled orientation may lead to higher precision of fit.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Tested resin-ceramic hybrid-printer pair may be used to fabricate crowns with reduced number of supports to maintain occlusal surface integrity without compromising the fabrication accuracy and fit.

Bond strength of additively manufactured composite resins to dentin and titanium when bonded with dual-polymerizing resin cements

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Additively manufactured composite resins for definitive restorations have been recently introduced. The bond strength between these composite resins and different substrates has not been extensively studied.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to measure the shear bond strength (SBS) between additively manufactured composite resins and dentin and titanium substrates and compare those with the SBS between subtractively manufactured polymer-infiltrated ceramic and the same substrates (dentin and titanium), when different dual-polymerizing resin cements were used.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and eighty cylinder-shaped specimens (Ø5×5 mm) were prepared from 3 materials recommended for definitive restorations: an additively manufactured composite resin (Crowntec [CT]); an additively manufactured hybrid composite resin (VarseoSmile Crown Plus [VS]); and a subtractively manufactured polymer-infiltrated ceramic (Enamic [EN]) (n=60). Specimens were randomly divided into six subgroups to be cemented to the two substrates (dentin and titanium; n=30) with 1 of 3 resin cements (RelyX Universal, Panavia V5, and Variolink Esthetic DC) (n=10). The restoration surface to be bonded was treated according to the respective manufacturer's recommendations. Dentin surfaces were treated according to the resin cement (Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive for RelyX Universal, Panavia V5 Tooth Primer for Panavia V5, and Adhese Universal for Variolink Esthetic DC), while titanium surfaces were airborne-particle abraded, and only the specimens paired with Panavia V5 were treated with a ceramic primer (Clearfil Ceramic Primer Plus). SBS was measured in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Failure modes were analyzed under a microscope at ×12 magnification. Data were analyzed by using 2-way analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant difference tests (α=.05).

RESULTS

When SBS to dentin was considered, only restorative material, as a main factor, had a significant effect (P<.001); EN had the highest SBS (P<.001), while the difference in SBS values of CT and VS was not significant (P=.145). As for SBS to titanium, the factors restorative material and resin cement and their interaction had a significant effect (P<.001). Within each resin cement, EN had the highest SBS to titanium (P<.001), and within each restorative material, Variolink resulted in the lowest SBS (P≤.010). Overall, EN and RelyX were associated with the highest SBS to titanium (P≤.013). Mixed failures were predominant in most groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the substrate or the resin cement used, the subtractively manufactured polymer-infiltrated ceramic had higher shear bond strength than the additively manufactured composite resins. The SBS of the additively manufactured composite resins, whether bonded to dentin or titanium, were not significantly different from each other. Regardless of the restorative material, Variolink DC resulted in the lowest SBS for titanium surfaces.

Influence of print orientation on the intaglio surface accuracy (trueness and precision) of tilting stereolithography definitive resin-ceramic crowns

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Vat-polymerization tilting stereolithography (TSLA) technology can be selected for fabricating definitive crowns; however, how the printing variables, including print orientation, influence its manufacturing accuracy remains unclear.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the influence of different print orientations (0, 45, 75, or 90 degrees) on the intaglio surface accuracy (trueness and precision) of TSLA definitive resin-ceramic crowns.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The virtual design of an anatomic contour molar crown was obtained in standard tessellation language (STL) file format and used to manufacture all the specimens by using a TSLA printer (DFAB Chairside) and a resin-ceramic material (Irix Max Photoshade single-use cartridges). Four groups were created depending on the print orientation used to manufacture the specimens: 0- (Group 0), 45- (Group 45), 70- (Group 75), and 90-degree (Group 90) print orientation (n=30). Each specimen was digitized by using a laboratory scanner (T710) according to the manufacturer's scanning protocol. The reference STL file was used as a control to measure the volumetric discrepancies of the intaglio surface with the digitized specimens by using the root mean square (RMS) error calculation. The trueness data were analyzed by using 1-way ANOVA followed by post hoc pairwise multiple comparison Tukey tests, and precision data were analyzed using the Levene test (α=.05).

RESULTS

Significant mean trueness (P<.001) and precision (P<.001) value discrepancies were found among the groups tested. Additionally, all the groups were significantly different from each other (P<.001), except for the 45- and 90-degree groups (P=.868). Group 0 showed the best mean trueness and precision values, while the Group 90 demonstrated the lowest mean trueness and precision values.

CONCLUSIONS

The print orientations tested influenced the intaglio surface trueness and precision values of the TSLA definitive resin-ceramic crowns.