Research Progress and Clinical Application of All-Ceramic Micro-Veneer

The flexural strength of 3D-printed provisional restorations fabricated with different resins: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has revolutionized dentistry, particularly in fabricating provisional restorations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to thoroughly evaluate the flexural strength of provisional restorations produced using 3D printing while considering the impact of different resin materials.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted across major databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, and Scopus) to identify relevant studies published to date. The inclusion criteria included studies evaluating the flexural strength of 3D-printed provisional restorations using different resins. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using the CONSORT scale, and a meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 to pool results.

RESULTS

Of the 1914 initially identified research articles, only 13, published between January 2016 and November 2023, were included after screening. Notably, Digital Light Processing (DLP) has emerged as the predominant 3D printing technique, while stereolithography (SLA), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), and mono-liquid crystal displays (LCD) have also been recognized. Various printed resins have been utilized in different techniques, including acrylic, composite resins, and methacrylate oligomer-based materials. Regarding flexural strength, polymerization played a pivotal role for resins used in 3D or conventional/milled resins, revealing significant variations in the study. For instance, SLA-3D and DLP Acrylate photopolymers displayed distinct strengths, along with DLP bisacrylic, milled PMMA, and conventional PMMA. The subsequent meta-analysis indicated a significant difference in flexure strength, with a pooled Mean Difference (MD) of - 1.25 (95% CI - 16.98 - 14.47; P < 0.00001) and a high I2 value of 99%, highlighting substantial heterogeneity among the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the flexural strength of 3D-printed provisional restorations fabricated using different resins. However, further research is recommended to explore additional factors influencing flexural strength and refine the recommendations for enhancing the performance of 3D-printed provisional restorations in clinical applications.

Conventional Versus Minimally Invasive Veneers: A Systematic Review

This systematic review aimed to synthesize and analyze a collection of studies focused on comparing conventional veneers (CVs) and minimal or no-preparation veneers (MPVs) within the domain of prosthodontics. The review sought to explore various attributes, techniques, outcomes, and considerations associated with these two approaches. The key aspects investigated included esthetics, longevity, periodontal health, patient satisfaction, structural influences such as microleakage and marginal fit, cement thickness, and color stability. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to the present date. Studies meeting specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for review. Studies pertaining to various methodologies were identified initially as part of the strategy and bias assessment was performed to determine the credibility of their assessments before inclusion in this review. Four comparative assessments gleaned from the selected studies provided a comprehensive overview of the strengths and limitations associated with CVs and MPVs. MPVs demonstrated advantages such as enhanced survival rates and extended mean success periods, implying their potential as viable long-term restorative options. Meticulous patient management and optimal preparation techniques emerged as crucial factors influencing successful outcomes. Structural attributes, including microleakage and marginal fit, varied depending on the preparation techniques employed. Moreover, considerations related to color changes in veneers underscored the intricate interplay between material properties and fabrication methods. The insights underscore the significance of patient-centric care, precision preparation methodologies, and material choices in guiding successful outcomes. However, the diverse methodologies and constraints of certain studies warrant careful interpretation. This study accentuates the potential for future research directions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the advancement of evidence-based practices within veneer dentistry.