Influence of post-polymerization processing on the mechanical characteristics of 3D-printed occlusal splints

Abstract

Occlusal splints are the most common devices for preventing bruxism and its consequences. Their application significantly reduces the pathologies of the dental and periodontal structures. Apart from the well-known technologies of manufacturing occlusal splints – thermo-vacuum forming, wax elimination and CAD/CAM machining, three-dimensional (3D) printing is a novel promising technique. It makes use of stereolithography, whereby the splint is built layer-by-layer through consecutive polymerization of a liquid photo-polymer by ultraviolet laser light. A very important stage in stereolithography following the 3D-printing is the post polymerization processing. It is a key moment in achieving biocompatibility and the final mechanical parameters – hardness, elasticity modulus, and strength. The process comprises two steps – washing with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) followed by post-curing in a polymerization device with an ultraviolet light source. The aim of the present study is determining the influence of the polymerization device’s light source on the mechanical characteristics of the occlusal splint.