Effect of layer thickness and printing orientation on the color stability and stainability of a 3D-printed resin material

Influence of different printing orientations and post-polymerization time on the translucency of three-dimensional (3D) printed denture base resins

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of different printing orientations and post-polymerization time with thermal cycling on the translucency of 3D-printed denture base resins.

METHODS

Heat-polymerized (HP) acrylic resin specimens were fabricated and 3D-printed denture base materials (NextDent, ASIGA, FormLabs) were printed with different printing orientations (0, 45, 90 degrees) and subjected to different post-polymerization times (15-, 30-, 60-, and 90-min). All specimens were polished and immersed in distilled water for 1 day at 37°C. CIEDE2000 was used to measure the translucency parameters (TP00) before and after thermal cycling (5000 cycles) recording the color parameters (L*, a*, b*) against a black and white background using a spectrophotometer. k-factors ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey's test (α = .05) was performed for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The k-factors ANOVA test showed a significant effect of resin material, post-polymerization time, and printing orientation on translucency (p < 0.001). In comparison to HP, all 3D-printed resins showed lower translucency with all post-polymerization times and printing orientation (p < 0.001) except FormLabs resin (p > 0.05). For all 3D-printed resins, the translucency increased, with increasing the post-polymerization time (p < 0.001) and 60- and 90-min showed the highest translucency. For printing orientation, 90 and 45 degrees significantly showed high translucency in comparison to 0 degrees (p < 0.001). FormLabs showed significantly higher translucency when compared with NextDent and ASIGA per respective printing orientation and post-polymerization time. The translucency significantly decreased after thermal cycling for all tested resins (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study demonstrated that the translucency of 3D-printed resins is influenced by the printing orientation, post-polymerization time, and resin type. As a result, choosing a resin type, and printing orientation, with a longer post-polymerization time should be considered since it may improve the esthetic appearance of the 3D-printed resins.

The Impact of Technology Teaching in the Dental Predoctoral Curriculum on Students' Perception of Digital Dentistry

The goal was to assess dental students' perception of digital technologies after participating in a CAD/CAM exercise for scanning, designing, and manufacturing computer-aided provisional fixed dental restorations. A survey was conducted among second- (pre-D2 and post-D2), first- (D1, negative control), third-, and fourth-year dental students (D3 and D4, positive controls). Only OSU College of Dentistry students who completed the activity and completed the surveys were included. Seven questions were rated, which evaluated changes in knowledge, skill, interest, the importance of technology availability in an office, patients' perception of technology, the importance of having the technology, and the expected frequency of clinics utilizing the technology. Statistical analysis was performed with a significance level of 0.05. A total of 74 pre-D2 and 77 post-D2 questionnaires were completed. Additionally, 63 D1, 43 D3, and 39 D4 participants responded to the survey. Significant differences were found for "knowledge" and "skill" between the pre-D2 and post-D2 and pre-D2 and control groups (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the post-D2 participants and all the controls in terms of "interest" (p = 0.0127) and preference for in-practice technology availability (p < 0.05). There were significant results between the post-D2 participants and all the controls regarding the importance of technology availability in an office (p < 0.001) and the expected frequency of clinics utilizing the technology (p = 0.01). No significance was found for "value of technology to patients" and "the importance of having the technology". The presence of technology in practice and in educational academic environments significantly improved students' interest and perception of their knowledge and skill.

Effects of post-polymerization conditions on color properties, surface roughness, and flexural strength of 3D-printed permanent resin material after thermal aging

PURPOSE

To evaluate the color, surface properties, and flexural strength of 3D-printed permanent crown resin subjected to different post-polymerization conditions after artificial aging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety (10 × 2 mm) disc-shaped specimens were printed by using permanent crown resin with SLA technology. Specimens were divided into nine different groups, subject to post-polymerization conditions at three different times (15, 20, and 30 min) and three different temperatures (40, 60, and 80°C) (n = 10). Color and surface roughness measurements were repeated pre-post thermal aging (5.000 cycles, 5-55°C) and a flexural strength test was carried out. Data were analyzed with Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, Tukey HSD, and Dunn tests (α < 0.05).

RESULTS

ΔE00  values showed results below the acceptable color threshold, except for the 30 min 40°C group (ΔE00 <1.8). No difference was found between the relative translucency parameter and surface roughness values of the 20 min 60°C group recommended by the manufacturer and the other groups. A significant difference was found between the flexural strength values of the groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The color properties, surface topography, and mechanical properties of the printed permanent crown material were affected by different post-polymerization conditions: polymerized at different times and temperatures. Although the flexural strength and color change values showed promising results, more studies are required to evaluate its suitability for clinical use.

Comparison of the Surface Properties of 3D-printed Permanent Restorative Resins and Resin-based CAD/CAM Blocks

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the surface roughness, microhardness, and color changes of resin-based computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) blocks and 3D-printed permanent resins in different beverages.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Resin-based CAD/CAM blocks (Cerasmart 270 and Grandio Blocs) and 3D-printed permanent restorative resins (Crowntec and Permanent Crown) were used in this study. A total of 96 specimens were prepared from CAD/CAM blocks and 3D-printed permanent resins. The initial surface roughness, microhardness, and shade value of the specimens were measured. Then, the specimens prepared from each material were divided into three subgroups (n=8) and immersed in tea, coffee, and distilled water for 30 days. After the specimens were immersed in the beverages, the surface roughness, microhardness, and tone values were measured again. The data were statistically analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance test (p<0.05).

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was found in the surface roughness values of the resin-based CAD/CAM blocks and 3D-printed resins (p<0.05). Resin-based CAD/CAM blocks showed statistically significantly higher microhardness than 3D-printed permanent resins (p<0.05). Although the color changes in 3D-printed resins in tea and coffee were similar to those in resin-based CAD/CAM blocks on the first and seventh days, more color changes appeared in the 3D-printed resins after 30 days. The surface roughness and microhardness values of the specimens submerged in tea, coffee, and distilled water showed no statistically significant changes (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the surface roughness of 3D-printed permanent resins was similar to that of resin-based CAD/CAM blocks, they had a lower microhardness value. Moreover, 3D-printed permanent resins showed more color changes in tea and coffee.

Comparison of the color stability and surface roughness of 3-unit provisional fixed partial dentures fabricated by milling, conventional and different 3D printing fabrication techniques

OBJECTIVES

To compare the color stability and surface roughness of 3-unit provisional fixed partial dentures (FPDs) fabricated by milling, conventional, and different 3D printing fabrication techniques.

METHODS

A total sample of 160, 3-unit FPDs were subdivided into four groups; subtractive milled resin (SM), two 3D printed resins (Stereolithography; SLA and Digital Light Processing; DLP) and conventional self-cured polymethyl methacrylate resin (CM). Surface roughness (Ra) was assessed twice; at baseline (Ra1) and after artificial tooth brushing (Ra2). Color of the samples was measured after immersion in four different solutions (cola, coffee, black tea and distilled water) at three time intervals (1, 7 and 30 days). Comparisons of the Ra and the color change (∆E₀₀) were done using one-way ANOVA followed by multiple pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni adjusted significance level. Comparisons of the Ra at two stages (Ra1 and Ra2) were done using paired t-test. Univariate linear regression was performed followed by multivariable regression to assess the association between ∆E₀₀ and different factors (materials, solution, and time). Significance was set at P value <0.05.

RESULTS

The highest change in Ra following artificial tooth brushing was reported in the CM group, while the lowest change was reported in the SM group, with a significant difference between both groups (P<0.001). SM group had significantly lower ∆E₀₀ than the CM group followed by 3D printed SLA and DLP groups (P<0.001). Storage in coffee for 30 days showed the highest ∆E₀₀ values (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SM resin showed the least surface roughness and color change followed by 3D printed SLA resin. The difference in printing technology affected the tested properties with improved readings of 3D printed SLA resin.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Milled provisional FPDs showed higher surface smoothness and color stability than those fabricated by SLA printing technology, but with no significant difference between both groups. Therefore, SLA printed resins can be an adequate substitute to milled resins in the fabrication of provisional FPDs to overcome the high expenses of milled provisional FPDs.

Developing a Quality Evaluation System for Color Reproduction of Color 3D Printing Based on MATLAB Multi-Metrics

Color 3D printing has been widely used in many fields such as cultural, medical, industrial, and food. The color reproduction accuracy of 3D printed products in these fields is becoming increasingly demanding, which requires more reproduction methods and practical tools. At present, most color 3D printing devices use one quantitative index, that is, color difference, to directly predict the color reproduction quality. However, this single quantitative index is not optimal for the curved surface of 3D printed color objects. Based on color evaluation principles, in this study, five new quantitative metrics consisting of color gamut comparison index, color SSIM index, color FSIM index, iCID index, and subjective scaling values are proposed for comparison, and the corresponding GUI design and code implementation of new color quality evaluation system are performed by MATLAB. Moreover, the comprehensive color assessment of color 3D printed products is confirmed by utilizing standard image acquisition and microscopic imaging methods that are not limited to printing materials and sampling locations. The operation of this system is validated to provide interactivity, simplicity and high efficiency. As a result, the system can provide new valuable feedback for color separation and output calibration of color 3D printing devices.

The influence of printing angle on color and translucency of 3D printed resins for dental restorations

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of printing orientation on color and translucency of 3D printing restorative resins.

METHODS

Four 3D printing resin systems in the available shades (DFT-Detax Freeprint Temp- A1, A2,A3; FP-Formlabs Permanent Crown- A2,A3,B1,C2; FT- Formlabs Temporary CB- A2,A3,B1,C2; GCT-GC Temporary- Light, Medium) were evaluated. Three samples (10×10×1.2 mm) from each material were printed at two different printing orientations (0° and 90°) and polished to 1.00 ± 0,01 mm of thickness. Spectral reflectance was measured against black background using a calibrated spectroradiometer, CIE D65 standard illuminant and the 45°/0°geometry. Color and translucency differences were evaluated using CIEDE2000 metric (ΔE₀₀) and 50:50% perceptibility (PT₀₀ and TPT₀₀) and acceptability (AT₀₀ and TAT₀₀) thresholds.

RESULTS

In general, color changes due to printing orientation at (0° and 90°) were mainly produced by ΔL* or ΔC* . ΔE₀₀ were above PT₀₀ for all DFT shades, FP-B1, FP-C2, FT-A2 and FT-B1. Only for DFT-1, ΔE₀₀ was above AT₀₀. ΔRTP₀₀ values were above TPT₀₀ for DFT-A1, DFT-A3, FP-B1 and FT-B1, but lower than TAT₀₀. The direction of the changes in translucency (ΔRTP₀₀) depends on the material and shade.

SIGNIFICANCE

The selection of building orientation (0° and 90°) for the 3D printed resins influence the visual color and translucency and therefore their esthetic appearance. These aspects should be considered when printing dental restorations using the evaluated materials.

Evaluation of the color stability of 3D printed resin according to the oxygen inhibition effect and temperature difference in the post-polymerization process

The aim of this study was to determine the color stability of 3D printed resin according to the post-curing conditions (polymerization conditions and temperature). Specimens were post-polymerized under different conditions of oxygen inhibition, such as on glycerin immersion (GLY), medium-low vacuum environment (VA), and oxygen contact (CON, the control group), and temperature (35 °C, 60 °C, and 80 °C). The degree of conversion (DC), water sorption (Wsp) and solubility (Wsl), surface roughness (Ra) were measured. Additionally, surface free energy (SFE), pH values of colorants were measured. Grape juice (grape), coffee, and curry were used as the colorants, and distilled water (DW) was used as a control. And the color value was measured before and after immersion using a spectrophotometer. Then, Calculated the color change. For statistical methods, The Shapiro-Wilk test performed to check for normality revealed that the data presented a normal distribution (p>0.05). ΔE values were analyzed using three-way ANOVA. DC, Wsp, Wsl, SFE, and Ra were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. To confirm the linear correlation, Pearson's correlation coefficient was determined. The threshold for significance (p) was set at 0.05 (95% confidence interval) for all tests. DC was the highest at 80 °C in the GLY group (95.08 ± 4.88%). And Wsl decreased with increasing temperature, and was lowest at 80 °C in the GLY group (0.46 ± 0.30 um/mm3). After the colorants were immersed for 30 days, as the temperature increased, ΔE decreased in the GLY group but not in the VA and CON groups, and was the lowest at 80 °C in the GLY group: (DW, 0.95 ± 0.45 [mean± SD]; grape, 6.45± 0.69; coffee, 4.50± 0.56; curry, 9.37± 1.40). There was also a significant inverse relation between DC and ΔE. A significant inverse relation was found between Wsl and DC, and a significant positive correlation was found between Wsl and ΔE. Wsp, SFE, and Ra did not affect color stability. In the post-polymerization process, increasing the temperature and GLY were effective in reducing ΔE, which was lowest at 80 °C in the GLY group. It was also observed that a complex mechanism between the DC, Wsl of 3D printed resin affects ΔE of the resin.

Biomimetic Whitening Effect of Polyphosphate-Bleaching Agents on Dental Enamel

This in vitro study investigated the extrinsic tooth-whitening effect of bleaching products containing polyphosphates on the dental enamel surface compared to 10% carbamide peroxide (CP). Eighty human molars were randomly allocated into four whitening-products groups. Group A (control) was treated with 10% CP (Opalescence). The other groups with non-CP over-the-counter (OTC) products were group B = polyphosphates (iWhiteWhitening-Kit); group C = polyphosphates+fluoride (iWhite-toothpaste); and group D = sodium bicarbonate (24K-Whitening-Pen). L*, a*, b* color-parameters were spectrophotometer-recorded at baseline (T0), one day (T1), and one month (T2) post-treatment. Changes in teeth color (ΔEab) were calculated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Bonferroni test (α = 0.05). Groups A, B, and D showed significant differences in ΔL*&Δa* parameters at T1, but not in Δb* at T0. Group C showed no difference for ΔL*, Δa*, Δb* at T0 and T1. Group A showed differences for ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, at T2, while groups B, C, and D had no difference in any parameters at T0. At T1, ΔEab values = A > D> B > C (ΔEab = 13.4 > 2.4 > 2.1 > 1.2). At T2, ΔEab values increased = A > B > C > D (ΔEab = 12.2 > 10.6 > 9.2 > 2.4). In conclusion, the 10% CP and Biomimetic polyphosphate extrinsic whitening kit demonstrated the highest color change, while simulated brushing with dark stain toothpaste and a whitening pen demonstrated the lowest color change at both measurement intervals.

Physiomechanical and Surface Characteristics of 3D-Printed Zirconia: An In Vitro Study

The objective of this study is to examine the physiomechanical and surface properties of 3D-printed zirconia in comparison to milled zirconia. A total of 80 disc-shaped (14 × 1.5 ± 0.2 mm) specimens (20 milled and 60 3D-printed (at three different orientations; horizontal, vertical, and tilted)) were manufactured from 3-mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia. Five specimens per group were evaluated for crystalline phase, grain size, density, porosity, surface roughness, wettability, microhardness, and SEM analysis of the surface. Biaxial flexural strength (BFS) was measured (n = 15) followed by Weibull analysis and SEM of fractured surfaces. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test at α = 0.05. All groups showed a predominant tetragonal phase, with a 450 nm average grain size. There was no significant difference between groups with regards to density, porosity, and microhardness (p > 0.05). The tilted group had the highest surface roughness (0.688 ± 0.080 µm), significantly different from the milled (p = 0.012). The horizontal group presented the highest contact angle (89.11 ± 5.22°), significantly different from the milled and tilted (p > 0.05). The BFS of the milled group (1507.27 ± 340.10 MPa) was significantly higher than all other groups (p < 0.01), while vertical and tilted had a similar BFS that was significantly lower than horizontal (p < 0.005). The highest and lowest Weibull modulus were seen with tilted and milled, respectively. Physical properties of all groups were comparable. The surface roughness of the tilted group was higher than milled. The horizontal group had the highest hydrophobicity. Printing orientations influenced the flexural strength of 3D-printed zirconia. Clinical implications: This study demonstrates how the printing orientation affects the physiomechanical characteristics of printed zirconia.