Effect of three-dimensionally printed surface patterns on the peak tensile load of a plasticized acrylic-resin resilient liner

Abstract

Statement of problemStereolithographic (SLA) three-dimensional (3D) printing is considered a reliable manufacturing method for immediate complete dentures. However, studies on the implementation of computer-generated surface patterns to promote the union between printed denture base polymers and dental materials with different chemistries such as plasticized acrylic-resin resilient liners are lacking. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of 3D printed surface patterns on the peak tensile load of a short-term plasticized acrylic-resin resilient liner. Material and methodsA total of 30 denture base specimens (Denture Base LP; FormLabs) were fabricated with 3 adhesive surface designs by using an SLA 3D printer (Forms2; FormLabs). Twenty specimens were designed with surface patterns in the adhesive areas (grid and spheres); 10 specimens comprised each surface pattern group. The remaining specimens were roughened with 220-grit silicon carbide paper and served as a control. A commonly used short-term resilient liner (CoeSoft; GC-America) was applied to the adhesive surface of all the specimens. Subsequently, the specimens were kept in distilled water at 37 °C for 48 hours. The specimens were tested in a universal testing machine, and the resulting peak tensile load data were analyzed by using a 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a post hoc Tukey test (α=.05). ResultsThe groups with surface patterns on the adhesive surface displayed higher peak tensile load values than the control group. The mean peak tensile load of the grid group was 6.73 ±0.43 N, and that for the spheres group was 6.58 ±0.33 N. The control group displayed the lowest mean peak tensile load (2.71 ±0.51 N). Statistically significant differences were detected between the mean peak tensile loads of the surface pattern groups and the control group (P<.001) No statistically significant difference was found between the mean peak tensile loads of the grid and spheres groups (P=.893). ConclusionsIncorporating surface patterns on the intaglio surface of denture bases made with Denture Base LP via SLA 3D printing can enhance their union to a plasticized acrylic-resin resilient liner. Surface patterns generated higher peak tensile load values than slightly roughening the surface of a 3D printed denture with a 220-grit silicon carbide paper. No significant differences in the mean peak tensile loads were observed between the 2 types of surface patterns.