Selective Laser Melting Group Research Articles

Influence of Different Undercut Depths of Clasp Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting on Retentive Force.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of undercut depths on abutment teeth regarding the retentive force of clasps fabricated through selective laser melting (SLM), and to compare them with conventional cast clasps. Akers clasps made of cobalt chromium alloy were fabricated using the SLM method (SLM), and the retentive forces were compared with clasps made with the conventional cast method (Cast). Three undercut amounts (0.25 mm, 0.15 mm, and 0 mm) were applied on the abutment tooth. The specimens were subjected to 10,000 repetitive insertion/removal cycles. SLM-0.15 showed slightly lower initial retentive force than the Cast specimens, it remained within an acceptable range. During insertion/removal test, the SLM-0.15 specimen showed a significant difference between the initial retentive force and the retentive force after 5,000 cycles, indicating that SLM-0.15 was the least likely to change in retentive force within the parameters established in this study. The inner clasp surface on the SLM groups had higher surface roughness before testing compared to the Cast specimen. Akers clasps fabricated by SLM demonstrated optimal initial retentive forces with smaller undercuts than conventional Cast clasps, and the retentive forces changed less with repetitive insertion/removal.

Evaluation of the relationship between metallurgical properties and metal-ceramic bond characteristics of Co-Cr alloys manufactured by different techniques

Metal-ceramic restorations made from cobalt chromium (Co-Cr) alloy have been increasing, but studies on the effects of different manufacturing techniques on metal-ceramic interface characteristics and metal-ceramic bond strength are sparse. The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine the metal-ceramic interface and the metal-ceramic bond strength of a Co-Cr alloy produced by casting, milling, and selective laser melting (SLM) with or without thermal cycling. Co-Cr alloys were prepared by casting, milling, and SLM. Two different SLM devices were used. Ninety-six specimens (25×3×0.5mm) were manufactured. The structure of the oxidation surface of Co-Cr specimens was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRFS). After porcelain application, selected specimens were thermal cycled, and the strength of the metal-ceramic bond was measured by the 3-point bend test. All specimens were analyzed for failure type with a stereomicroscope. The elemental composition and morphology of the metal-ceramic interface were examined by XRFS and SEM with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The results of bond strength were analyzed using a 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for manufacturing methods and testing conditions and the Tukey honest significant difference (HSD) test (α=.05). The main effect of the interactions of the testing condition and manufacturing method variables on the bond strength variable was not statistically significantly different. No significant differences were found among the testing conditions tested (P=.638). Significant differences were found among the manufacturing methods tested statistically (P<.001). Statistically significant differences were found in the CAD-CAM and CONSEPT LASER groups, the CAD-CAM and SLM LASER groups, the CAD-CAM and CAST groups, and the CAST-SLM LASER groups (P<.05). Differences were observed among the interface morphologies of casting, milling, and the two SLM groups. The bond strength between Co-Cr alloy and ceramic is affected by the manufacturing method. The metal-ceramic bond strength is independent of thermal cycling. The bond strength value in all groups was over 25MPa, which has been considered clinically acceptable. The interface metallurgical structures of Co-Cr alloys were affected by different manufacturing techniques.

Fit and Retention of Cobalt-Chromium Removable Partial Denture Frameworks Fabricated with Selective Laser Melting.

To evaluate fit and retention of cobalt-chromium removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks fabricated with selective laser melting (SLM). Three types of framework for clasp-retained RPDs were virtually designed and fabricated using SLM (n = 30). For comparison, 30 additional frameworks were produced using conventional lost-wax casting. A biomechanical model was created, incorporating extracted teeth mounted on flexible metal posts. Using this model, horizontal constraint forces resulting from a misfit were measured using strain gauges, while vertical forces were not recorded. The constraint force components and resultant forces were determined for all abutment teeth, and the maximum retention force during RPD removal from the model was also assessed. For statistical evaluation, the two fabrication methods were analyzed by calculating the means and standard deviations. The average horizontal constraint forces showed similar values for both fabrication methods (SLM: 3.5 ± 1.0 N, casting: 3.4 ± 1.6 N). The overall scatter of data for cast RPDs was greater compared to those fabricated using SLM, indicating a better reproducibility of the SLM process. With regard to retention, the intended retention force of 5-10 N per abutment tooth was not attained in one of the cast groups, while it was consistently achieved in all SLM groups. This in vitro study found that SLM is a promising option for the manufacture of cobalt-chromium RPD frameworks in terms of fit and retention.

Ionic release of dental cobalt-chromium based alloys

Background: Since the 1980s, as the cost of noble metals has increased, more base metal alloys have been used in fixed and removable prostheses. Cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloys are one of the most widely used base metal alloys in the prosthetic dental department and have several clinical uses. Co-Cr alloys are frequently used as having excellent biocompatibility, great strength, good resistance to tarnish, corrosion, and wear, as well as being heat-resistant and non-magnetic.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: For the ion release test, seventy specimens of a cobalt-chrome alloy disc with dimensions of 5 mm in diameter and 3 mm in thickness were created. They were divided into five groups, each of which had 14 specimens, based on the manufacturing method as follows: new cast alloy group; selective laser melting group (3D printer specimens); once recast alloy + old selective laser melting group; new cast + once recast alloy group; once recast alloy group.&#x0D; Result: The outcomes showed that there were no&#x0D; statistically significant differences in ion release in any of the groups examined (P&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The production technique and alloy composition have a slight influence on ion release. A positive clinical response is anticipated, since it was found that every group met the ionic release criteria of the international standards.

Electrochemical characterization of three types of Co-Cr based alloys manufactured by casting and selective laser melting according to ISO 10271

ObjectiveTo characterize the effect of elemental composition and manufacturing process on the electrochemical properties of Co-Cr-Mo, Co-Cr-W and Co-Cr-Mo-W alloys. MethodsSix Co-Cr based alloys were included in this study. All alloys are Co-Cr based alloys, classified in three different types according to their elemental composition. The first group has Mo as the third alloying element while the second one has W instead of Mo. The third one has both alloying elements. The groups are further divided by the manufacturing process (casting or Selective Laser Melting(SLM)). All groups were subjected to static immersion, open circuit potential, anodic scan, SEM/EDX analysis, static and cyclic tarnish testing according to ISO 10271 requirements. The ionic release was evaluated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and the results were statistically analyzed by two way ANOVA and Tukey test (a=0.05). ResultsNo statistical differences were identified for Co-Cr-Mo alloy for all elements and their total ionic release between casting and SLM manufacturing processes, in contrast to significantly lower values for SLM groups for the other two groups. All groups tested demonstrated similar performance in OCP and AS testing while no gross elemental changes before and after AS were identified following EDX analysis. All alloys fulfilled the requirements of tarnish resistance ConclusionsThe ionic release is dependent on alloy type and manufacturing process while all groups were found to fulfill the requirements of international standards for ionic release, corrosion and tarnish resistance and thus an acceptable clinical performance is anticipated.

Wear Resistance and Biocompatibility of Co-Cr Dental Alloys Fabricated with CAST and SLM Techniques.

Cobalt–chromium (Co-Cr) alloys have been widely used as dental-restoration materials for many years. This study sought to investigate whether selective laser melting (SLM) is a more appropriate process than traditional casting (CAST) for fabricating dental Co-Cr alloys. Metallurgical microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Vickers hardness and nanoindentation tests, and friction and wear tests were used to evaluate the microstructure, surface compositions, mechanical properties, and wear resistance, respectively. Additionally, the biocompatibilities and cell adhesion of the alloys were evaluated with L-929 fibroblasts via CCK-8 assay, Live/Dead staining, flow cytometric analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) assay. The XPS results showed that the two alloys were all mainly comprised of Co, Cr, and O. The hardness in the CAST group equaled 7.15 ± 0.48 GPa, while in the SLM group, it equaled 9.06 ± 0.49 GPa. The friction coefficient of SLM alloys remained at approximately 0.46, but the CAST specimens fluctuated significantly. SLM alloys exhibited shallower wear scars and less wear debris compared with CAST alloys, simultaneously. Additionally, there were higher survival and expression of cell-adhesion-related genes on SLM alloys of L-929 cells, which meant that the deleterious effect on L-929 cells was significantly reduced compared with that for the CAST alloys. Overall, the wear resistances and biocompatibilities of the Co-Cr dental alloys were dramatically affected by the fabrication technique. The SLM technique is advantageous over the CAST technique for fabricating Co-Cr dental alloys.

Mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and anti-adherence characterization of pure titanium fabricated by casting, milling, and selective laser melting.

Milling and selective laser melting (SLM) technology have become new options for removable partial denture (RPD) processing. However, whether milling and SLM technology has an impact on the properties of RPD remains unclear, which is also the aim of our study. To investigate the effects of milling and SLM technology on pure titanium, mechanical property, corrosion resistance, and anti-adherence of specimens were evaluated, and specimens processed by lost-wax casting were used as control. Compared with casting and milling groups, the SLM group showed enhanced Vickers hardness (402.1 ± 13.0HV), tensile stress (694.4 ± 4.5MPa), and larger electrochemical capacitance arc radius compared with casting and milling groups. A series of adhesion-related genes (Als1, Als3, and HWP1) of Candida albicans cultured on SLM specimens were upregulated for more than two times that of casting and milling groups. However, images from scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy exhibited similar biofilm morphology and biomass of C. albicans on a titanium disk processed by casting, milling, and SLM. Dwindled water contact angle (64.7 ± 0.6°) and higher TiO2 constituents (40.82%) in the SLM group might lead to the incompatibility of genetic expression and biofilm generation. Our findings indicated that SLM is an ideal process to produce titanium dentures, providing a reference on the selection of processing technology for dentists.

The Digitalisation in Cobalt-Chromium Framework Fabrication. Surface Roughness Analysis: A Pilot Study

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a new technique in fabricating cobalt-chromium denture framework. However, the surface properties of cobalt-chromium denture framework fabricated using the aforementioned technique have not been widely investigated. The aim of this paper was to investigate the surface roughness of cobalt-chromium alloy in removable partial denture fabricated with SLM technique. Cobalt-chromium denture frameworks were fabricated with two techniques (n = 10); the conventional lost-wax casting (conventional group) and SLM techniques (SLM group). Specimens from the conventional group were subjected to the standard cobalt-chromium denture polishing protocols. No treatment was employed for specimens from the SLM group. All specimens were subjected to surface roughness measurement on polished and fitting surfaces using non-contact optical three-dimensional metrology and surface roughness analysis machine (Infinite Focus Real 3D Alicona). Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in surface roughness between the specimens from conventional and SLM groups (p &gt; 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in surface roughness between the polished and fitting surfaces of SLM specimens (p &gt; 0.05). Surface roughness quality of the cobalt-chromium denture framework fabricated with the SLM technique is comparable to that fabricated with the conventional lost-wax casting technique. The surface roughness of SLM fabricated cobalt-chromium denture frameworks carries the same surface roughness quality between the polished and fitting surfaces.

Effect of ceramic layering on the fit of cobalt-chromium alloy 3-unit fixed dental prostheses fabricated by additive, soft milling, and casting technologies

Statement of problemThe change in fit after ceramic layering of additively manufactured cobalt-chromium alloy frameworks has not been evaluated extensively. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the fit of cobalt-chromium alloy fixed dental prostheses fabricated by different techniques before and after ceramic layering. Material and methodsA cobalt-chromium alloy master model was prepared to receive a 3-unit fixed dental prosthesis. Sixty cobalt-chromium alloy frameworks (N=60) were manufactured by using 3 manufacturing techniques (n=20): selective laser melting (Mediloy S-Co), soft milling (Ceramill Sintron), and conventional casting as the control group (Girobond NB). The replica technique was used to measure the marginal and internal discrepancies. The frameworks were then layered with ceramic, and the same fit measuring procedure was repeated. The results were compared before and after ceramic layering within each group. The data were analyzed using the Levene, ANOVA, and paired-samples t tests (α=.05). ResultsA significant difference was found within groups before and after ceramic layering for selective laser melting (P=.006) and soft milling (P=.009) but not for conventional casting (P>.05). No statistical difference was reported in the marginal region for conventional casting group (P=.155) in contrast with the soft milling and selective laser melting groups (P=.003). Soft milling showed increased gap values in the marginal (P=.006) and occlusal regions (P=.004). ConclusionsCeramic layering increased the discrepancy of the laser-sintered and milled frameworks, increasing the marginal discrepancy.

Different Cell and Tissue Behavior of Micro-/Nano-Tubes and Micro-/Nano-Nets Topographies on Selective Laser Melting Titanium to Enhance Osseointegration

Background and PurposeMicro-/nano-tubes (TNTs) and micro-/nano-nets (TNNs) are the common and sensible choice in the first step of combined modifications of titanium surface for further functionalization in the purpose of extended indications and therapeutic effect. It is important to recognize the respective biologic reactions of these two substrates for guiding a biologically based first-step selection.Materials and MethodsTNTs were produced by anodic oxidation and TNNs were formed by alkali-heat treatment. The original selective laser melting (SLM) titanium surface was set as control. Surface characterization was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, surface roughness, and water contact angle measurements. Osteoclastogenesis and osteogenesis were measured. MC3T3-E1 cells and RAW 264.7 cells were used for in vitro assay in terms of adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. In vivo assessments were taken on Beagle dogs with micro-CT and histological analysis.ResultsTNN and TNT groups performed decreased roughness and increased hydrophilicity compared with SLM group. For biological detections, the highest ALP activity and osteogenesis-related genes expression were observed in TNT group followed by TNN group (P <0.05). Interestingly, when it comes to the osteoclastogenesis, TNNs displayed lowest TRAP activity and osteoclastogenesis-related genes expression and TNTs were lower than SLM but higher than TNNs (P <0.05). BV/TV around implants was highest in TNT group after 4 weeks (P <0.05). HE, ALP and TRAP staining showed that osteogenic and osteoclastic activity around TNTs were both higher than TNNs (P <0.05).ConclusionTNNs and TNTs have dual advantages in promotion of osteogenesis and inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, TNNs showed better capability in inhibiting osteoclast activity while TNTs facilitated stronger osteogenesis. Our results implied that TNT substrates would take advantage in early application after implantation, while diseases with inappropriate osteoclast activity would prefer TNN substrates, which will guide a biologically based first-step selection on combined modification for different clinical purposes.

Dental implant-abutment fracture resistance and wear induced by single-unit screw-retained CAD components fabricated by four CAM methods after mechanical cycling

Statement of problemComputer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) methodologies allow the fabrication of custom dental implant abutments with a variety of materials and techniques. Studies on the mechanical strength of such components and the wear induced at their coupling interface during mechanical cycling are sparse. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to measure the wear patterns at the hexagonal platform of dental implants induced by the installation and mechanical cycling of custom abutments fabricated by using 4 different CAD-CAM methods and to determine the compressive static resistance of the implant-abutment combinations. Material and methodsA CAD software program was used to design a custom abutment for a single-unit screw-retained external hexagon dental implant crown. The same design file was used to manufacture with 4 CAM methods (N=40): milling and sintering of zirconium dioxide (ZO), cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) sintered by selective laser melting (SLM), fully sintered machined Co-Cr alloy (MM), and machined and sintered agglutinated Co-Cr alloy powder (AM). Prefabricated titanium abutments were used as a control (TI). Each abutment was installed onto a dental implant (4.1×11 mm), and the specimens were mechanically aged (1 million cycles, 2 Hz, 100N, 37 °C). After mechanical cycling, the hexagonal connection of the dental implants was examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and unused dental implants (NI) were examined as a control (n=10). The images were analyzed with a software program to quantify the areas that showed wear. The implant-abutment combinations were reassembled and submitted to a compression test (1mm/min) with a universal testing machine. The data obtained were submitted to 1-way ANOVA (α=.05). ResultsThe mean ±standard deviation fracture load (N) of the specimens of each group were 1005 ±187 (ZO), 1074 ±123 (SLM), 1033 ±109 (MM), 1019 ±149 (AM), and 923 ±129 (TI). These values were statistically similar (P=.213). The mean ±standard deviation wear of the implants in squared-pixels were 1.1 ±0.38×105 (ZO), 2.0 ±0.29×105 (SLM), 1.0 ±0.38×105 (MM), 1.1 ±0.27×105 (AM), 1.1 ±0.33×105 (TI), and 0.51 ±0.29×105 (NI). The results indicated that, although significantly higher than those in in the control group (NI), the wear values found in the groups TI, ZO, MM, and AM were significantly lower than in the SLM group (P<.001). ConclusionsThe CAD-CAM abutments presented the same mechanical fracture load and wear measurements as the TI group, except for the SLM material, which showed increased wear. The failure mode from the load bearing test was the fracture of the abutments for the ZO group. The implants permanently deformed or fractured for the metal abutment groups.

Feasibility of 3D printed Co–Cr alloy for dental prostheses applications

The aim of this study was to characterize the surface, microstructural, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) 3D-printed Co–Cr alloy when compared with casting and Soft Metal Block (SMB) milling techniques for dental prostheses applications. Specimens with specific dimensions were fabricated by cast, SMB, and SLM technologies with their respective commercially available Co–Cr alloys. Several techniques were carried out to characterize the specimens in terms of surface morphology, chemical composition, microstructure, surface free energy, and mechanical properties. Metal-ceramic bond strength was evaluated with the 3-point bend test. Standard electrochemical tests were conducted in artificial saliva (pH of 6.5). Data were evaluated at a significance level of 5%. Similar microstructure patterns (γ-phases and ε-phases), surface morphology, roughness, and surface free energy were observed among groups (p>0.05, ANOVA). The elemental composition provided by energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the manufacturer’s information on the alloys used. SLM technology provided a fine-grained homogeneous and less porous microstructure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis suggested a thicker oxide film on SLM surfaces. Highest values of Vickers microhardness, flexural strength, elastic modulus, and metal-ceramic bond strength were found for the SLM group (p<0.05, Tukey’s HSD test). The SLM group displayed greater electrochemical stability, presenting higher polarization resistance (Rptot), corrosion potential (Ecorr), and pitting potential (Epit) values (p<0.05, Tukey’s HSD test). SLM technology revealed feasible surface, microstructural, mechanical, and electrochemical properties and can be a promising option for the fabrication of dental prostheses.

Mechanical Properties and Metal-Ceramic Bond Strength of Co-Cr Alloy Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting.

Cobalt–chromium (Co-Cr) metal is one of the widely used biomaterials in the fabrication of dental prosthesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in the properties of metals and bond strength with ceramics depending on the manufacturing methods of Co-Cr alloy. Co-Cr alloy specimens were prepared in three different ways: casting, milling, and selective laser melting (SLM). The mechanical properties (elastic modulus, yield strength, and flexural strength) of the alloys were investigated by flexure method in three-point bending mode, and microstructures of the specimens were analyzed. After application of the veneering ceramic through the three-point bending test, bond strength of the Metal-Ceramic was investigated. The cracked surfaces were observed by means of energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with backscattered electron (BSE) images. In mechanical properties, the elastic modulus was highest for the casting group, and the yield strength and flexural strength were lowest for the milling group. The SLM group showed finer homogeneous crystalline-microstructure, and a layered structure was observed at the fractured surface. After the ceramic bond strength test, all groups showed a mixed failure pattern. The casting group showed the highest bond strengths, whereas there was no significant difference between the other two groups. However, all groups have met the standard of bond strength according to international standards organization (ISO) with the appropriate passing rate. The results of this study indicate that the SLM manufacturing method may have the potential to replace traditional techniques for fabricating dental prosthesis.

Microstructure, mechanical properties, and retentive forces of cobalt-chromium removable partial denture frameworks fabricated by selective laser melting followed by heat treatment

Statement of problemThe effect of heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) is not well understood. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the suitability of SLM-fabricated Co-Cr alloys followed by heat treatment as a framework for RPDs by determining the microstructure and mechanical properties. Material and methodsDumbbell specimens and RPD frameworks were fabricated by using SLM followed by heat treatment. The effects of the heat treatment on the microstructure were studied by using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Tensile and insertion and removal tests were performed to study the mechanical responses of selective laser melting followed by heat treatment specimens, including the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), 0.2% yield strength (0.2% YS), elongation (E), and retentive forces. Specimens fabricated by using the traditional lost-wax process were used as a control (casting) group. ResultsX-ray diffraction indicated that the γ-face-centered cubic phase dominated SLM and selective laser melting followed by heat treatment specimens. Results from optical microscopy and SEM showed microstructural changes under different fabrication and postprocessing heat treatments; it was difficult to observe the grain boundary in the SLM group, whereas submicrometer-scale grains had formed in the selective laser melting followed by heat treatment group. The selective laser melting followed by heat treatment group exhibited the highest elongation and retentive forces compared with the casting and SLM groups. ConclusionsSLM increased the mechanical properties of Co-Cr alloys. Postprocessing heat treatment further enhanced the tensile ductility. It is suggested that SLM followed by heat treatment is an efficient strategy for fabricating RPD frameworks.

3D metal printing in dentistry: An in vitro biomechanical comparative study of two additive manufacturing technologies for full-arch implant-supported prostheses

The use of 3D technologies is progressing in the dental field. However, little is known about the biomechanical behavior of the additive manufacturing of full-arch fixed dental prostheses (FAFDPs) for the establishment of clinical protocols. We investigated the influence of three CAD/CAM technologies: milling (control), Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Electron Beam Melting (EBM) for FAFDP manufacturing. Also, the effects of ceramic veneer and spark erosion on marginal misfits of FAFDPs, the stability of prosthetic screws, strain and stress on the implant-supported system, as well as the effect of chewing simulation on screw stability were evaluated. Fifteen Ti–6Al–4V alloy FAFDPs were obtained by means of CAD/CAM systems: milling, SLM and EBM (n = 5/group). The marginal misfit was analyzed according to the single-screw test protocol. Screw stability was analyzed by screw-loosening torque. Strain-gauge analysis investigated the strain on the mini-abutment analog, and photoelastic analysis investigated the stress on the peri-implant region. Subsequently, all frameworks underwent ceramic veneer and spark erosion procedures. Marginal misfit, screw-loosening and strain and stress analyses were assessed after each evaluation time: initial, ceramic veneer and spark erosion. Finally, all prostheses were subjected to 106 mechanical cycles (2 Hz/150 N), and screw-loosening was re-evaluated. Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA for repeated measures, and the Bonferroni test as a post hoc technique (α = 0.05). At the initial time, the milling group presented the lowest marginal misfit (p < 0.001). Ceramic veneer did not alter marginal misfit for all groups (p > 0.05); spark erosion decreased the misfit values for the SLM and EBM groups (p < 0.05). Evaluation time did not alter screw-loosening values for all groups (p = 0.191), although the milling group presented the highest screw-loosening values (p < 0.05). Ceramic veneer and spark erosion reduced strain in the components regardless of the manufacturing technology used (p < 0.05). The milling group presented the lowest stress values regardless of evaluation time (p = 0.001), and lower stress values were found after spark erosion regardless of the manufacturing group (p = 0.016). In conclusion, although milled frameworks exhibited the best biomechanical behavior, frameworks manufactured by additive technologies presented acceptable values of screw-loosening torque, strain and stress. Ceramic veneer did not negatively interfere in the biomechanical tests of the study, and clinically acceptable marginal misfit was achieved after spark erosion. Therefore, such 3D printing technologies seem to be feasible for the manufacturing of full-arch implant-supported frameworks.

Selective laser melted titanium implants play a positive role in early osseointegration in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats.

Success of dental implant is associated with the surface modification. To evaluate whether the selective laser melting-superfinished titanium (Ti6Al4V) implants have a better early osseointegration in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats compare to pure titanium implants and acid-etched treated (SLA) implants, we designed a screw-shaped implant which was batch-fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM). Then the implants were randomly inserted in tibias of rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). After surgical operation, the SLM group showed the best bone formation around the implants with the highest bone-implant contact rate among the three groups.Removal torque tests and histomorphological analyses all revealed a stronger connection between the bone because its good surface characteristics and mechanical properties. SLM implant may be a novel implant for T2DM patients.

Fit of cobalt-chromium copings fabricated by the selective laser melting technology and casting method: A comparative evaluation using a profilometer

This study aimed to assess the marginal adaptation and internal fit of cobalt-chromium copings fabricated by the selective laser melting (SLM) and conventional techniques using a profilometer. In this in vitro study sample size was calculated to be a total of 10 in two groups (n = 5). A brass model was used that had a circular cross-section with a round shoulder margin with 0.5 mm thickness and axial walls with 10 mm length and 6° taper. The copings fabricated with both techniques (SLM and casting method) were placed on the model, and vertical marginal gap was measured using a profilometer. The internal fit of copings was assessed by weighing the light-body addition silicone applied inside them, which simulated the cement. Data were analyzed through parametric (Independent t-test) and nonparametric (Mann-Whitney U-test, Bootstrap, Spearman, and Pearson Correlation) analysis. All analyses were performed at a significant level (α = 0.05) using SPSS. The mean marginal gap in the casting group (132.93 ± ) was significantly higher than that in the SLM group (67.14 ± 15.67 μm) (P < 0.05). The mean weight of light-body silicone was 9.60 ± in the SLM and 8.70 ± 1.21 mg in the casting group. No significant difference was noted between the two groups regarding the internal fit (P > 0.05). The copings fabricated by the SLM technique showed a smaller vertical marginal gap compared to the casting group. However, the two groups were not significantly different in terms of internal fit.

Assessing the Accuracy of Casting and Additive Manufacturing Techniques for Fabrication of a Complete Palatal Coverage Metal Framework.

To provide information regarding the accuracy of additive manufacturing in comparison to conventional casting, specifically for fabrication of complete palatal coverage metal frameworks. Three additive manufacturing techniques were tested: selective laser melting (SLM), electron beam melting (EBM), and computer-aided design/cast (CADcast), with conventional casting as the control. Both the SLM and EBM groups were tested pre- and post-finishing, for a total of six test groups (n = 10/group). A digital master design was used as the standard to which all frameworks were digitally compared by best-fit analysis, which generated root mean square values using proprietary software. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to test for statistical differences among materials, followed by a post-hoc multiple comparison test (Tukey's test HSD). Surface roughness for one framework arbitrarily selected from each group was analyzed using a profilometer. There was a significant difference in accuracy among the materials (F = 99.79,p< 0.0001). A post-hoc Tukey test indicated that CADcast differed significantly from the other five materials (i.e., most accurate, p < 0.01). EBM prefinished and EBM finished were both significantly different from the other materials (i.e., least accurate). Color mapping images help visualize the differences between each framework compared to the master design. The surface roughness values ranged from 22 to 63.5 µm, with CADcast being the smoothest, and EBM prefinished the roughest. CADcast and SLM techniques were as or more accurate than the conventional technique for producing an uncomplicated framework design. Further investigation is recommended regarding the surface roughness of additive manufacturing products and potential biological complications.

Marginal fit of metal-ceramic crowns fabricated by using a casting and two selective laser melting processes before and after ceramic firing

Statement of problemFew studies have investigated changes in the marginal fit of metal-ceramic restorations fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) techniques after the application of veneering ceramic. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the marginal fit (silicone replica technique) and internal porosity (cross-section analysis) of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloy metal crowns prepared by using 2 SLM processes together with a casting technique before and after ceramic veneering. Material and methodsCast single Co-Cr crowns and SLM-processed crowns with large (SLML) or small (SLMS) porosity were prepared (n=20/group), and half were subjected to ceramic veneering. On a single Co-Cr master die, the marginal discrepancy (MD) and absolute marginal discrepancy (AMD) of the crowns were measured by using the silicone replica technique, in which each replica was cut into 4 sections before and after ceramic veneering (n=10 for each subgroup). After marginal fit measurements, each metal coping was cross-sectioned into 4 parts, and 5 rectangular optical microscope images were acquired on both outer corners of each quarter. The porosity was then calculated as the ratio of the black-to-white pixels on the binarized images. The data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and the post hoc test (Tukey or Student t test) (α=.05). ResultsBefore ceramic veneering, the 2 SLM groups showed significantly larger MDs than the casting group (56.4 ±10.4 μm) (P<.05). A significant increase in MD after ceramic veneering was detected only in the SLML group (P<.001). The AMD values showed a similar trend with MD values. The 2 SLM groups (in particular, SLML) showed a significantly higher amount of porosity than the casting group before ceramic veneering (P<.001). Only the SLML group showed a significant decrease in the amount of porosity after ceramic veneering (P<.001). ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this in vitro study, large internal porosity within the SLM-fabricated Co-Cr metal copings affected the marginal fit of the metal-ceramic crowns. However, all the MD values of the 3 groups were lower than the acceptable range even after the application of veneering ceramic.

The Fit Accuracy of Removable Partial Denture Metal Frameworks Using Conventional and 3D Printed Techniques: An In Vitro Study

To evaluate the accuracy of removable partial denture (RPD) metal frameworks fabricated by the conventional lost-wax (CLW) technique and those made by the selective laser melting (SLM). A dentoform of a mandibular Kennedy class III, modification 1 dental arch were surveyed, and rest seats were prepared on the abutment teeth. The dentoform was then duplicated into a metal die which was used as a reference model. Thirty RPD metal frameworks were fabricated by two techniques; fifteen for each technique. Polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impression material was painted on the intaglio surface of the rests of each framework which is then seated on the reference die. PVS specimens that represent the gap under the rest were measured in four zones: buccal, lingual, marginal and central by a single examiner using a digital microscope at 50x in micrometers. Comparison between the two techniques for each abutment tooth revealed that the CLW technique had better fit in one tooth, while the SLM technique showed a better fit in two teeth. Regarding the edentulous span length within the SLM technique, the long edentulous span had a significantly better fit. When comparing the four measured rest zones, it was found that in the CLW technique group, the marginal zone had the highest fit accuracy while the lingual zone showed the lowest fit accuracy. In the SLM group, the central zone had the best fit and the buccal zone had the worst fit. RPD frameworks fabricated using the SLM technique showed better fit accuracy than those made by the CLW technique, however, the difference was not statistically significant. SLM is a promising technique for the fabrication of RPD frameworks in routine clinical practice.