CAD-CAM complete denture resins: an evaluation of biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and surface characteristics

Objectives: This study evaluated the biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and surface roughness of CAD-CAM milled and rapidly-prototyped/3D-printed resins used for manufacturing complete dentures. Methods: Six groups of resin specimens were prepared, milled-base (MB), milled-tooth shade (MT), printed-tooth shade (PT), printed-base with manufacturer-recommended 3D-printer (PB1), printed-base with third-party 3D -printer (PB2), printed-base in a vertical orientation (PB2V). Human epithelial (A-431) and gingival (HGF-1) cells were cultured and tested for biocompatibility using Resazurin assays. Three-point bending and nano-indentation tests measured the mechanical properties of the resin groups. Surface roughness was evaluated using a high-resolution laser profilometer. ANOVA and post-hoc tests were used for statistical analyses (alpha = 0.05). Results: : There were no significant differences in biocompatibility between any of the investigated groups. MB revealed a higher ultimate strength (p = 0.008), elastic modulus (p = 0.002), and toughness (p = 0.014) than PB1. MT had significantly higher elastic modulus than PT (p < 0.001). Rapidly-prototyped resin samples with a manufacturer-recommended 3D-printer (PB1) demonstrated higher ultimate strength (p = 0.008), elastic modulus (p < 0.001), hardness (p < 0.001) and a reduced surface roughness (p < 0.05) when compared with rapidly-prototyped groups using a third-party 3D-printer (PB2). Rapidly-prototyped samples manufactured with a vertical printing orientation (PB2V) revealed a significantly lower elastic modulus than samples groups manufactured using horizontal printing orientation (PB2) (p = 0.011). Conclusions: : Within the limits of this present study, CAD-CAM milled and rapidly-prototyped complete denture resins performed similarly in terms of biocompatibility and surface roughness. However, the milled denture resins were superior to the rapidly-prototyped denture resins with regard to their mechanical properties. Printing orientation and type of 3D-printer can affect the resin strength and surface roughness.

Automated summary

The study found that CAD-CAM milled and rapidly-prototyped complete denture resins performed similarly in terms of biocompatibility and surface roughness, but milled resins were superior to rapidly-prototyped resins in terms of mechanical properties. The printing orientation and type of 3D printer used can affect the resin strength and surface roughness.