Cameo and intaglio surface stability and variability of additively, subtractively, and conventionally manufactured occlusal devices after long-term storage.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Additive and subtractive manufacturing have become alternative technologies for fabricating occlusal devices. However, knowledge of the long-term stability of occlusal devices fabricated using these recent technologies is limited. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the cameo and intaglio surface stability and variability of additively, subtractively, and conventionally manufactured occlusal devices after 18 months of storage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A standard tessellation language (STL) file of a dentate maxillary typodont was used to design a master occlusal device. The STL file of this design was used to fabricate occlusal devices additively either with a digital light processing (AM-1) or a continuous liquid interface production (AM-2) printer, subtractively with 2 different 5-axis milling units (SM-1 and SM-2), and conventionally (TM-HP) (n=10). STL files of each device's cameo and intaglio surfaces were generated using a laboratory scanner after fabrication and after 18 months of storage in a moist environment. These generated files were imported into an analysis software program (Geomagic Control X) to analyze the dimensional stability of tested devices by using the root mean square method. The average deviation values defined the variability of measured changes over time. Cameo and intaglio surface deviations were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests, while the variability of measured deviations was analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance and the Tukey HSD tests (α=.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were observed among tested devices when the intaglio surface deviations and the cameo surface variability were considered (P<.001). SM-2 had significantly higher intaglio surface deviations than AM-1, SM-1, and AM-2 (P≤.036). Among the test groups, AM-1 had the greatest cameo surface variability (P≤.004). CONCLUSIONS: SM-2 resulted in lower intaglio surface stability than the additive and the other subtractive manufacturing technologies, while AM-1 led to the highest cameo surface variability among the test groups.

Trueness and fit of complete-arch implant-supported frameworks in new-generation additively and subtractively manufactured polymers: An in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: There is limited knowledge on the fabrication trueness and fit of additively or subtractively manufactured complete-arch implant-supported frameworks in recently introduced polymers. PURPOSE: To evaluate the trueness and marginal fit of additively or subtractively manufactured polymer-based complete-arch implant-supported frameworks, comparing with those of strength gradient zirconia frameworks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A typodont model with 4 implants (left first molar (abutment 1), left canine (abutment 2), right canine (abutment 3), and right first molar (abutment 4)) was digitized (ATOS Core 80 5MP) and an implant-supported complete-arch framework was designed. This design file was used to fabricate frameworks from 5 different materials: strength gradient zirconia (SM-ZR), high impact polymer composite (SM-CR), nanographene-reinforced PMMA (SM-GR), PMMA (SM-PM), and additively manufactured temporary resin (AM) (n = 10). These frameworks were digitized and each scan file was virtually segmented into 4 regions (abutments, occlusal, overall without occlusal, and overall). The surface deviations at these regions, and linear and interimplant distance deviations were evaluated (Geomagic Control X). Marginal gaps were evaluated according to triple-scan protocol after seating frameworks on the model with the 1-screw test. Data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Surface deviations of all regions differed among tested materials (p ≤ 0.001). AM frameworks mostly had surface deviations that were similar to or lower than those of other materials (p ≤ 0.031), except for the occlusal surface, where it mostly had higher deviations (p ≤ 0.013). Abutment 4 of SM-CR had higher linear deviations than abutment 2 (p = 0.025), and material type did not affect the linear deviations within abutments (p ≥ 0.171). Interimplant distance deviations differed within and among materials (p ≤ 0.017), except for those between abutments 1 and 2 among materials (p = 0.387). Marginal gaps of subtractively manufactured materials differed among abutments, while those of abutments 3 and 4 differed among materials (p ≤ 0.003). AM frameworks mostly had lower marginal gaps at abutments 3 and 4 (p ≤ 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Although there was no clear trend among tested materials for measured deviations, marginal gaps of additively manufactured resin were mostly lower than those of subtractively manufactured materials and did not differ among abutment sites. Nevertheless, the differences in measured deviations among materials were small and marginal gaps were within the previously reported acceptability thresholds.

Mechanical properties, cytotoxicity, and protein adsorption of three-dimensionally printable hybrid resin containing zwitterionic polymer and silicate-based composites for dental restorations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mechanical and biological properties of three-dimensionally (3D) printable resins filled with 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and silicate-based composites and compare with those of a commercially available 3D-printable resin for definitive restorations. METHODS: A group of 3D-printable hybrid resins (HRs) filled with 6 wt% MPC and three different compositions of silicate-based composites (barium silicate to zirconium silicate ratios: 1.50:1 for HR1, 0.67:1 for HR2, and 0.25:1 for HR3) were prepared. The HR groups were compared with the commercially available unfilled 3D-printable resin (CR) marketed for definitive restorations in terms of flexural strength and modulus, fracture toughness, surface roughness, Vickers hardness, light transmittance (all, n = 15), cytotoxicity, and protein adsorption (both, n = 3). All data were analyzed by using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: The HR groups had significantly higher flexural strength, modulus, fracture toughness, and hardness values than the CR (P < 0.001). HR3 had the highest surface roughness and light transmittance among the groups (P ≤ 0.006). None of tested resins showed cytotoxicity. Both HR2 and HR3 showed significantly lower protein adsorption than the CR, with a difference of approximately 60% (P ≤ 0.026). CONCLUSION: Both HR2 and HR3 exhibited superior mechanical properties (flexural strength, flexural modulus, fracture toughness, and Vickers hardness), light transmittance, and protein-repellent activity than the CR, with no impact on cytotoxicity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The MPC/silicate-based composite-filled resins may be a suitable alternative for definitive restorations, given their higher mechanical properties and promising biological properties to prevent microbial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation, as well as their non-cytotoxic properties.

Deep learning-designed implant-supported posterior crowns: Assessing time efficiency, tooth morphology, emergence profile, occlusion, and proximal contacts.

OBJECTIVES: To compare implant supported crowns (ISCs) designed using deep learning (DL) software with those designed by a technician using conventional computer-aided design software. METHODS: Twenty resin-based partially edentulous casts (maxillary and mandibular) used for fabricating ISCs were evaluated retrospectively. ISCs were designed using a DL-based method with no modification of the as-generated outcome (DB), a DL-based method with further optimization by a dental technician (DM), and a conventional computer-aided design method by a technician (NC). Time efficiency, crown contour, occlusal table area, cusp angle, cusp height, emergence profile angle, occlusal contacts, and proximal contacts were compared among groups. Depending on the distribution of measured data, various statistical methods were used for comparative analyses with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: ISCs in the DB group showed a significantly higher efficiency than those in the DM and NC groups (P ≤ 0.001). ISCs in the DM group exhibited significantly smaller volume deviations than those in the DB group when superimposed on ISCs in the NC group (DB-NC vs. DM-NC pairs, P ≤ 0.008). Except for the number and intensity of occlusal contacts (P ≤ 0.004), ISCs in the DB and DM groups had occlusal table areas, cusp angles, cusp heights, proximal contact intensities, and emergence profile angles similar to those in the NC group (P ≥ 0.157). CONCLUSIONS: A DL-based method can be beneficial for designing posterior ISCs in terms of time efficiency, occlusal table area, cusp angle, cusp height, proximal contact, and emergence profile, similar to the conventional human-based method. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A deep learning-based design method can achieve clinically acceptable functional properties of posterior ISCs. However, further optimization by a technician could improve specific outcomes, such as the crown contour or emergence profile angle.

Digital workflow feasibility for the fabrication of intraoral maxillofacial prosthetics after surgical resection: a systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the current evidence of digital workflow feasibility based on the data acquisition methods and the software tools used to fabricate intraoral prostheses for patients with partial or total maxillary and mandibular defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was performed in PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science using a combination of relevant keywords: digital workflow, digital designing, computer-assisted design-computer aided manufacturing, 3D printing, maxillectomy, and mandibulectomy. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of evidence in the studies reviewed. RESULTS: From a total of 542 references, 33 articles were selected, including 25 on maxillary prostheses and 8 on mandibular prostheses. The use of digital workflows was limited to one or two steps of the fabrication of the prostheses, and only four studies described a complete digital workflow. The most preferred method for data acquisition was intraoral scanning with or without a cone beam computed tomography combination. CONCLUSION: Currently, the fabrication process of maxillofacial prostheses requires combining digital and conventional methods. Simplifying the data acquisition methods and providing user-friendly and affordable software may encourage clinicians to use the digital workflow more frequently for patients requiring maxillofacial prostheses.

Fracture resistance of additively or subtractively manufactured resin-based definitive crowns: Effect of restorative material, resin cement, and cyclic loading.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how restorative material, resin cement, and cyclic loading affect the fracture resistance of resin-based crowns fabricated by using additive or subtractive manufacturing. METHODS: A right first molar crown standard tessellation language (STL) file was used to fabricate 120 crowns from one subtractively manufactured polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (SM) and two additively manufactured resin composites (AM-B and AM-S) (N = 40). These crowns were randomly divided into 4 groups within each material according to the dual-polymerizing resin cement to be used (RX and PN) and the aging condition (n = 10). After cementation, the crowns without cyclic loading were subjected to fracture testing, while the others were first cyclically loaded (1.7 Hz, 1.2 million cycles, and 49-N load) and then subjected to fracture testing. Data were analyzed with generalized linear model analysis (α = .05). RESULTS: Fracture resistance of the crowns was affected by material, resin cement, and cyclic loading (P ≤ .030). However, none of the interactions significantly affected fracture resistance of tested crowns (P ≥ .140). Among tested materials, SM had the highest fracture resistance, whereas AM-B had the lowest (P ≤ .025). RX led to higher fracture resistance, and cyclic loading decreased the fracture resistance (P ≤ .026). SIGNIFICANCE: Tested materials can be considered reliable in terms of fracture resistance in short- or mid-term (5 years of intraoral simulation) when used for single molar crowns with 2 mm occlusal thickness. In the long term, polymer-infiltrated ceramic network crowns cemented with RelyX Universal may provide promising results and be less prone to complications considering higher fracture resistance values obtained.

Validation of the pink esthetic score/white esthetic score at single tooth-supported prostheses in the esthetic zone: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To validate the reproducibility and inter/intra-observer variability of the Pink Esthetic Score/White Esthetic Score (PES/WES) of single tooth-supported prostheses in the maxillary esthetic zone (13-23). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment options (15 patients per group) receiving each one a different crown type: Porcelain fused to metal (PFM), monolithic zirconia, and lithium disilicate. Eight observers from each of four different specialties (Prosthodontists, Orthodontists, Periodontists, and Oral Surgeons) were recruited and assessed twice and four weeks apart (i.e., T1 and T2) 45 photographs of the single tooth-supported prosthesis using PES/WES and compared them with contralateral teeth. RESULTS: According to the ANOVA and post hoc tests, the zirconia crown type obtained the highest mean score by all observers, with a mean value of 16.70 ± 2.94. The prosthodontists and oral surgeons assigned the lowest mean score to PFM crowns, 13.03 ± 3.47 and 13.80 ± 3.17, respectively. Notably, the prosthodontists awarded the highest scores, specifically 17.50 ± 2.81 for the zirconia crowns. Intraobserver agreement was calculated utilizing the paired t-test. Pairwise comparisons between observers of different specialties revealed significant intraobserver agreement. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) scores were statistically significant among four specialties. No difference was detected concerning the interobserver agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The PES/WES index remains consistent across various observers from different specializations, yielding uniform results in the overall esthetic evaluation. Consequently, in light of the presented preliminary positive results, its use might also be considered for the esthetic assessment of single-tooth-supported prostheses. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The PES/WES index may be employed clinically to evaluate single tooth-supported prostheses as it emerged as a reproducible esthetic scoring system.

Fatigue behavior of implant-supported cantilevered prostheses in recently introduced CAD-CAM polymers: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Cantilevered complete arch implant-supported prostheses are commonly fabricated from zirconia and more recently from strength gradient zirconia. Different polymer-based materials indicated for definitive fixed prostheses that could be used with additive or subtractive manufacturing have also been marketed recently. However, knowledge on the long-term fatigue behavior of cantilevered implant-supported prostheses made from these polymer-based materials and strength gradient zirconia is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fatigue behavior of implant-supported cantilevered prostheses of recently introduced computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing polymers and zirconia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A master standard tessellation language file of a 9×11×20-mm specimen with a titanium base (Ti-base) space that represented an implant-supported cantilevered prosthesis was used to fabricate specimens from additively manufactured interim resin (AM), polymethyl methacrylate (SM-PM), nanographene-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (SM-GR), high-impact polymer composite resin (SM-CR), and strength gradient zirconia (SM-ZR) (n=10). Each specimen was prepared by following the respective manufacturer's recommendations, and Ti-base abutments were cemented with an autopolymerizing luting composite resin. After cementation, the specimens were mounted in a mastication simulator and subjected to 1.2 million loading cycles under 100 N at 1.5 Hz; surviving specimens were subjected to another 1.2 million loading cycles under 200 N at 1.5 Hz. The load was applied to the cantilever extension, 12-mm from the clamp of the mastication simulator. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate the data (α=.05). RESULTS: Significant differences in survival rate and hazard ratio were observed among materials (P<.001). Among tested materials, SM-ZR had the highest and AM had the lowest survival rate (P≤.031). All materials had a significantly higher hazard ratio than SM-ZR (P≤.011) in the increasing order of SM-GR, SM-PM, SM-CR, and AM. CONCLUSIONS: SM-ZR had the highest survival rate with no failed specimens. Even though most of the tested polymer-based materials failed during cyclic loading, these failures were commonly observed during the second 1.2 million loading cycles with 200 N. All materials had a higher hazard ratio than SM-ZR.

Effect of Model Resin and Shaft Taper on the Trueness and Fit of Additively Manufactured Removable Dies in Narrow Ridge Models.

Effect of model resin and shaft taper angle on the trueness and fit of additively manufactured removable dies in narrow ridge casts Purpose. To evaluate how model resin and shaft taper affect the trueness and fit of additively manufactured removable dies in narrow ridge casts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A typodont model with a prepared mandibular molar was scanned to design virtual dies with different shaft tapers (0-degree (straight), 5-degree, and 10-degree tapered). Fifteen dies and one hollowed cast per taper were additively manufactured from two resins (G-PRINT 3D Model, GP and DentaMODEL, DM). Dies and casts were digitized to evaluate their trueness (root mean square (RMS)). The fit of the dies was evaluated with crown portion's RMS when seated in the cast and with distance deviations. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze data (α =.05). RESULTS: GP dies had lower overall, root, and base RMS, while DM dies had lower crown RMS (P≤.016). Straight dies had the highest overall, root, and base RMS within GP (P≤.030). Ten-degree dies had the lowest overall and base RMS, lower crown RMS than straight, and lower root RMS than 5-degree dies within DM (P≤.047). When the dies were seated, GP had lower crown portion RMS within 5- and 10-degree dies, and 5-degree dies had the highest RMS within DM (P≤.003). GP had lower distance deviations within 5- and 10-degree dies. Five-degree dies had the highest deviations within DM (P≤.049). CONCLUSIONS: GP dies mostly had higher trueness and better fit. Straight dies mostly had lower trueness within GP. Ten-degree taper mostly led to higher trueness within DM. The shaft taper affected DM dies' fit.

Manufacturing Accuracy, Intaglio Surface Adaptation, and Survival of Additively and Subtractively Manufactured Definitive Resin Crowns After Cyclic Loading: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the manufacturing accuracy, intaglio surface adaptation, and survival of resin-based CAD/CAM definitive crowns created via additive manufacturing (AM) or subtractive manufacturing (SM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A maxillary right first molar crown was digitally designed and manufactured using AM hybrid resin composite (VarseoSmile Crown Plus, Bego [AM-HRC]), AM glass filler-reinforced resin composite (Crowntec, Saremco Dental [AM-RC]), and SM polymer-infiltrated ceramic (Vita Enamic, VITA Zahnfabrik [SM-PICN]). Manufacturing accuracy (trueness and precision) was assessed by computing the root mean square (RMS) error (in µm; n = 15 per material). Intaglio surface adaptation was assessed by calculating the average gap distance (µm). Ten crowns from each group were cemented on fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin dies and cyclically loaded to simulate 5 years of functional loading. One-way ANOVA, post hoc Bonferroni comparison tests, and Levene's test were used to analyze the data (α = .05). RESULTS: AM-RC had higher overall trueness than AM-HRC and SM-PICN (P ≤ .05), whereas the trueness of AM-RC on the external surface was similar to that of SM-PICN (P = .99) and higher than AM-HRC (P = .001). SM-PICN had lower precision than AM-RC and AM-HRC overall and at internal occlusal surfaces (P ≤ .05). Overall intaglio surface adaptation was similar between all groups (P = .531). However, for the axial intaglio surface, AM-RC and AM-HRC had higher adaptation than SM-PICN (P ≤ .05). All tested crowns survived the cyclic loading simulation of 5 years clinical use. CONCLUSIONS: AM-RC showed high manufacturing accuracy and adaptation. The tested resin-based CAD/CAM materials demonstrated clinically acceptable manufacturing accuracy and simulated medium-term durability, justifying the initiation of clinical investigations to determine their potential implementation in daily clinical practice.

Complete Digital Workflow for Fabricating an Occlusal Device Using Artificial Intelligence- Powered Design Software and Additive Manufacturing: A Dental Method.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been expanding into areas that were thought to be reserved for human experts and has a tremendous potential to improve patient care and revolutionize the healthcare field. Recently launched AI-powered dental design solutions enable automated occlusal device design. This article describes a dental method for the complete digital workflow for occlusal device fabrication using two different AIpowered design software programs (Medit Splints and 3Shape Automate) and additive manufacturing. Additionally, the benefits and drawbacks of this workflow were reviewed and compared to conventional workflows.

Fabrication trueness and marginal quality of additively manufactured resin-based definitive laminate veneers with different restoration thicknesses.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how restoration thickness (0.5 mm and 0.7 mm) affects the fabrication trueness of additively manufactured definitive resin-based laminate veneers, and to analyze the effect of restoration thickness and margin location on margin quality. METHODS: Two maxillary central incisors were prepared either for a 0.5 mm- or 0.7 mm-thick laminate veneer. After acquiring the partial-arch scans of each preparation, laminate veneers were designed and stored as reference data. By using these reference data, a total of 30 resin-based laminate veneers were additively manufactured (n = 15 per thickness). All veneers were digitized and stored as test data. The reference and test data were superimposed to calculate the root mean square values at overall, external, intaglio, and marginal surfaces. The margin quality at labial, incisal, mesial, and distal surfaces was evaluated. Fabrication trueness at each surface was analyzed with independent t-tests, while 2-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the effect of thickness and margin location on margin quality (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Regardless of the evaluated surface, 0.7 mm-thick veneers had lower deviations (P < 0.001). Only the margin location (P < 0.001) affected the margin quality as labial margins had the lowest quality (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Restoration thickness affected the fabrication trueness of resin-based laminate veneers as 0.7 mm-thick veneers had significantly higher trueness. However, restoration thickness did not affect the margin quality and labial margins had the lowest quality. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Laminate veneers fabricated by using tested urethane-based acrylic resin may require less adjustment when fabricated in 0.7 mm thickness. However, marginal integrity issues may be encountered at the labial surface.

Impact of the superimposition methods and the designated comparison area on accuracy analyses in dentate models.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the impact of superimposition methods and the designated comparison area on accuracy analyses of dentate models using an ISO-recommended 3-dimensional (3D) metrology-grade inspection software (Geomagic Control X; 3D Systems; Rock Hill, South Carolina; USA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dentate maxillary typodont scanned with a desktop scanner (E4; 3 Shape; Copenhagen; Denmark) and an intraoral scanner (Trios 4; 3 Shape; Copenhagen; Denmark) was used as reference. Eight groups were created based on the core features of each superimposition method: landmark-based alignment (G1); partial area-based alignment (G2); entire tooth area-based alignment (G3); double alignment combining landmark-based alignment with entire tooth area-based alignment (G4); double alignment combining partial area-based alignment with entire tooth area-based alignment (G5); initial automated quick pre-alignment (G6); initial automated precise pre-alignment (G7); and entire model area-based alignment (G8). Diverse variations of each alignment and two regions for accuracy analyses (teeth surface or full model surface) were tested, resulting in a total of thirty-two subgroups (n = 18). The alignment accuracy between experimental and reference meshes was quantified using root mean square (RMS) error as trueness and its repeatability as precision. The descriptive statistics, a factorial repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a post hoc Tuckey multiple comparison tests were used to analyze the trueness, and precision (α = 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 576 superimpositions were performed. The unique partial area-based superimposition method demonstrated the least precise alignment and was the sole group to exhibit a significant difference (p<.001). Automated initial pre-alignments demonstrated similar accuracy to other superimposition methods (p>.05). Double alignments did not result in accuracy improvement (p>.05). The designated comparison area displayed differences in both trueness (p<.001) and precision (p<.001), leading to an overall discrepancy of 8 ± 4 µm between selecting the teeth surface or full model surface. CONCLUSIONS: The superimposition method choice within the tested software did not impact accuracy analyses, except when the alignment relies on a unique and reduced area, such as the palatal rugae, a single tooth, or three adjacent teeth on one side. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The superimposition method choice within the tested ISO-recommended 3D inspection software did not impact accuracy analyses.

Dimensional Stability of Additively Manufactured Diagnostic Maxillary Casts Fabricated with Different Model Resins.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of model resin type and time interval on the dimensional stability of additively manufactured diagnostic casts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten irreversible hydrocolloid impressions and 10 impressions from an intraoral scanner were made from a reference maxillary stone cast, which was also digitized with a laboratory scanner. Conventional impressions were poured in type III stone (SC), while digital impressions were used to additively manufacture casts with a nanographene-reinforced model resin (GP) or a model resin (DM). All casts were digitized with the same laboratory scanner 1 day (T0), 1 week (T1), 2 weeks (T2), 3 weeks (T3), and 4 weeks (T4) after fabrication. Cast scans were superimposed over the reference cast scan to evaluate dimensional stability. Data were analyzed with Bonferroni-corrected repeated measures ANOVA (α = .05). RESULTS: The interaction between the main factors (material type and time interval) affected anterior teeth deviations, while the individual main factors affected anterior teeth and entire-cast deviations (P ≤ .008). Within anterior teeth, DM had the lowest deviations at T3, and GP mostly had lower values at T2 and lower deviations at T3 than at T0 (P ≤ .041). SC had the highest pooled anterior teeth deviations, and GP had the highest pooled entire cast deviations (P < .001). T3 had lower pooled anterior teeth deviations than at T0, T1, and T4, and higher pooled entire cast deviations than T1 were demonstrated (P ≤ .027). CONCLUSIONS: The trueness of nanographene-reinforced casts was either similar to or higher than that of other casts. Dimensional changes were acceptable during the course of 1 month.

Effect of Hydrothermal Aging on the Flexural Strength and Microhardness of Materials Used for Additive or Subtractive Manufacturing of Definitive Restorations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the flexural strength (FS) and microhardness of various CAD/CAM restorative materials intended for definitive use. The effect of hydrothermal aging on the mechanical properties of these materials was also investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 210 bar-shaped specimens (17 × 4 × 1.5 mm ± 0.02 mm) were fabricated via either subtractive manufacturing (SM) methods-reinforced composite resin (SM-CR), polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (SM-PICN), fine-structured feldspathic ceramic (SMFC), nanographene-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA; SM-GPMMA), PMMAbased resin (SM-PMMA)-or additive manufacturing (AM) methods with urethane acrylate-based resins (AM-UA1 and AM-UA2). Specimens were then divided into two subgroups (nonaged or hydrothermal aging; n = 15). A three-point flexural strength test was performed, and five specimens from the nonaged group were submitted to microhardness testing. Specimens were subjected to 10,000 thermal cycles, and the measurements were repeated. RESULTS: Regardless of aging, SM-CR had the highest FS (P < .001), followed by SM-GPMMA (P ≤ .042). In nonaged groups, AM-UA2 had a lower FS than all other materials except SM-FC (P = 1.000). In hydrothermal aging groups, AM specimens had lower FS values than other materials, except SM-PMMA. With regard to microhardness, there was no significant difference found between any of the tested materials (P ≥ .945) in the nonaged and hydrothermal aging groups. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of hydrothermal aging on FS varied depending on the type of restorative material. Regardless of aging condition, SM-CR showed the highest FS values, whereas SM-FC had the highest microhardness. Hydrothermal aging had no significant influence on the microhardness of the tested materials.

Effect of Polymerization Unit, Polishing, and Coffee Thermocycling on the Color and Translucency of Additively Manufactured Resins Used for Definitive Prostheses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of polymerization unit, polishing, and coffee thermocycling on the color and translucency of additively manufactured polyurethane-based resins with different viscosities. In addition, their color behavior was compared with the color of the shade tab throughout the fabrication steps and aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disk-shaped specimens (Ø10 × 2 mm) were fabricated from polyurethane-based resins with different viscosities (Tera Harz TC-80DP and C&B permanent; n = 30 per material). Baseline color coordinates were measured after cleaning. The specimens in each resin group were divided into three subgroups (n = 10 per subgroup) to be polymerized with different polymerization units (Otoflash G171 [FLN], Wash and Cure 2.0 [CLED1], and P Cure [CLED2]), polished, and subjected to coffee thermocycling. Color coordinates were remeasured after each process. Color differences (ΔE00) and relative translucency parameter (RTP) values were calculated. Data were statistically analyzed (α = .05). RESULTS: Time points and polymerization units affected the ΔE00 for each material (P ≤ .049). ΔE00 of each polymerization unit pair had significant differences within and among different time points within each material (P ≤ .024). ΔE00 (when compared with the shade tab) and RTP were mostly affected by polymerization units and time points within both materials (P ≤ .042). CONCLUSIONS: Tested polymerization units, polishing, and coffee thermocycling affected the color difference and translucency of tested resins. Color differences ranged from moderately unacceptable to extremely unacceptable, and the differences in translucency values mostly ranged from perceptible to unacceptable, according to previous thresholds. In addition, tested resin-polymerization unit pairs had unacceptable color differences when compared to the shade tab. CLED1 may enable higher color stability for tested resins.

Tooth morphology, internal fit, occlusion and proximal contacts of dental crowns designed by deep learning-based dental software: A comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the tooth morphology, internal fit, occlusion, and proximal contacts of dental crowns automatically generated via two deep learning (DL)-based dental software systems with those manually designed by an experienced dental technician using conventional software. METHODS: Thirty partial arch scans of prepared posterior teeth were used. The crowns were designed using two DL-based methods (AA and AD) and a technician-based method (NC). The crown design outcomes were three-dimensionally compared, focusing on tooth morphology, internal fit, occlusion, and proximal contacts, by calculating the geometric relationship. Statistical analysis utilized the independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test, one-way ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc pairwise comparisons (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The AA and AD groups, with the NC group as a reference, exhibited no significant tooth morphology discrepancies across entire external or occlusal surfaces. The AD group exhibited higher root mean square and positive average values on the axial surface (P < .05). The AD and NC groups exhibited a better internal fit than the AA group (P < .001). The cusp angles were similar across all groups (P = .065). The NC group yielded more occlusal contact points than the AD group (P = .006). Occlusal and proximal contact intensities varied among the groups (both P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Crowns designed by using both DL-based software programs exhibited similar morphologies on the occlusal and axial surfaces; however, they differed in internal fit, occlusion, and proximal contacts. Their overall performance was clinically comparable to that of the technician-based method in terms of the internal fit and number of occlusal contact points. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: DL-based dental software for crown design can streamline the digital workflow in restorative dentistry, ensuring clinically-acceptable outcomes on tooth morphology, internal fit, occlusion, and proximal contacts. It can minimize the necessity of additional design optimization by dental technician.

Implementation of triple-scan protocol to evaluate the fit of complete-arch implant-supported fixed prostheses.

Passive fit is essential for multiple-unit implant-supported prostheses. Conventional methods to assess the passivity of complete-arch implant-supported prostheses do not allow 3-dimensional (3D) visualization and quantification of misfit. This report describes the marginal and internal fit evaluation of a complete-arch implant-supported prosthesis by using the triple-scan protocol involving a scanner and a 3D analysis freeware. This technique allows researchers, clinicians, or dental technicians to detect and quantify 3D prosthetic misfit, which may facilitate the preparation for dental appointments and objective measurement of misfit for research studies.

Effect of coffee thermocycling on the surface roughness and stainability of denture base materials with different chemical compositions manufactured with additive and subtractive technologies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of coffee thermocycling (CTC) on the surface roughness (Ra ) and stainability of denture base materials with different chemical compositions fabricated by using additive and subtractive manufacturing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disk-shaped specimens were additively (FREEPRINT denture, AM) or subtractively (G-CAM, GSM and M-PM, SM) fabricated from three pink denture base materials in different chemical compositions (n = 10). Ra was measured before and after polishing, while color coordinates were measured after polishing. Specimens were subjected to CTC (5000 cycles) and measurements were repeated. Color differences (ΔE00 ) after CTC were calculated. Ra among different time intervals within materials was evaluated by using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), while 1-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the Ra of different materials within each time interval and the ΔE00 values. Color coordinates within each material were compared by using paired samples t-tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Ra before polishing was the highest for all materials (p < 0.001), while SM had its lowest Ra after CTC and AM had its lowest Ra after polishing (p ≤ 0.008). Before polishing, AM had the highest Ra among the materials (p < 0.001). After polishing, SM had higher Ra than AM (p < 0.001). After CTC, GSM had the lowest Ra (p ≤ 0.048). SM had the lowest (p ≤ 0.031) and AM had the highest (p < 0.001) ΔE00 . CTC decreased the a* and b* values of SM and AM (p ≤ 0.017), and increased the L* values of AM (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Polishing significantly reduced the surface roughness of all materials. CTC did not increase the surface roughness of materials above the clinically acceptable threshold. Only AM had perceptible color change when previously reported threshold values for denture base materials were considered. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Tested denture base materials may have similar surface stability after coffee thermocycling. However, subtractively manufactured denture base materials may have improved color stability when subjected to long-term coffee consumption.

Influence of intraoral scanner and finish line location on the fabrication trueness and margin quality of additively manufactured laminate veneers fabricated with a completely digital workflow.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Knowledge of the fabrication trueness and margin quality of additively manufactured (AM) laminate veneers (LVs) when different intraoral scanners (IOSs) and finish line locations are used is limited. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fabrication trueness and margin quality of AM LVs with different finish line locations digitized by using different IOSs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An LV preparation with a subgingival (sub), equigingival (equi), or supragingival (supra) finish line was performed on 3 identical maxillary right central incisor typodont teeth. Each preparation was digitized by using 2 IOSs, (CEREC Primescan [PS] and TRIOS 3 [TS]), and a reference LV for each finish line-IOS pair (n=6) was designed. A total of 90 LVs were fabricated by using these files and urethane acrylate-based definitive resin (Tera Harz TC-80DP) (n=15). Each LV was then digitized by using PS to evaluate fabrication trueness (overall, external, intaglio, and marginal surfaces). Each LV was also qualitatively evaluated under a stereomicroscope (×60), and the cervical and incisal margin quality was graded. Fabrication trueness and cervical margin quality were evaluated by using 2-way analysis of variance, while Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney-U tests were used to evaluate incisal margin quality (α=.05). RESULTS: The interaction between the IOS type and the finish line location affected measured deviations at each surface (P≤.020). PS-sub and TS-supra had higher overall trueness than their counterparts. and the subgingival finish line resulted in the lowest trueness (P≤.005). PS and the subgingival finish line led to the lowest trueness of the external surface (P≤.001). TS-sub had the lowest intaglio surface trueness among the TS subgroups, and PS-sub had higher trueness than TS-sub (P<.001). PS-sub and PS-supra had higher marginal surface trueness than their TS counterparts (P<.001). TS resulted in higher cervical margin quality (P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the IOS tested, subgingival finish lines resulted in the lowest trueness. The effect of IOS on the measured deviations varied according to the surface evaluated and finish line location. The cervical margin quality of AM LVs was higher when TS was used.