Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of two post-curing methods on the mechanical properties of a 3D-printed denture base material. Additionally, to compare the mechanical properties of that 3D-printed material with those of conventional autopolymerizing and a heat-cured denture base material. A resin for 3D-printing denture base (Imprimo®), a heat-polymerizing acrylic resin (Paladon® 65), and an autopolymerizing acrylic resin (Palapress®) were investigated. Flexural strength, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, work of fracture, water sorption, and water solubility were evaluated. The 3D-printed test specimens were post-cured using two different units (Imprimo Cure® and Form Cure®). The tests were carried out after both dry and 30 days water storage. Data were collected and statistically analyzed. Resin type had a significant effect on the flexural strength, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, and work of fracture (p < 0.001). The flexural strength and elastic modulus for the heat-cured polymer were significantly the highest among all investigated groups regardless of the storage condition (p < 0.001). The fracture toughness and work of fracture of the 3D-printed material were significantly the lowest (p < 0.001). The heat-cured polymer had the lowest significant water solubility (p < 0.001). The post-curing method had an impact on the flexural strength of the investigated 3D-printed denture base material. The flexural strength, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, work of fracture of the 3D-printed material were inferior to those of the heat-cured one. Increased post-curing temperature may enhance the flexural properties of resin monomers used for 3D-printing dental appliances.
Highlights
Complete dentures (CDs) are considered the standard treatment for the rehabilitation of complete edentulism [1,2]
Elastic modulus, fracture toughness, work of fracture, water sorption, and water solubility were investigated for the following denture base materials: a 3D printing (IMPRIMO® LC Denture; Scheu-Dental GmbH, Iserlohn, Germany), a heatpolymerizing (Paladon® 65; Kulzer GmbH, Mitsui Chemicals, Hanau, Germany), and an autopolymerizing acrylic resin (Palapress®; Kulzer GmbH, Mitsui Chemicals, Hanau, Germany), which is recommended by the manufacturer for removable partial dentures fabrication (Table 1)
According to the findings of this study, the following can be concluded: 1. The post-curing method has an impact on the flexural strength of the investigated 3Dprinted denture base material
Summary
Complete dentures (CDs) are considered the standard treatment for the rehabilitation of complete edentulism [1,2]. Different techniques, such as dough molding and compression or injection molding, have been utilized for the manufacturing of complete dentures made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based resins [3]. Conventional techniques include a number of laboratory procedures [4]. With the advancement of digital technology, new computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM)based techniques have emerged for material processing in dentistry, such as subtractive milling (SM) and additive manufacturing (AM) [5,6]. AM or 3D printing is distinguished from SM by its ability to generate multiple complex geometries while minimizing needless waste material [8]
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