Marginal and internal fit of 3D printed provisional crowns according to build directions

Abstract

PURPOSE

This study aimed to fabricate provisional crowns at varying build directions using the digital light processing (DLP)-based 3D printing and evaluate the marginal and internal fit of the provisional crowns using the silicone replica technique (SRT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The prepared resin tooth was scanned and a single crown was designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Provisional crowns were printed using a DLP-based 3D printer at 6 directions (120°, 135°, 150°, 180°, 210°, 225°) with 10 crowns in each direction. In total, sixty crowns were printed. To measure the marginal and internal fit, a silicone replica was fabricated and the thickness of the silicone impression material was measured using a digital microscope. Sixteen reference points were set and divided into the following 4 groups: marginal gap (MG), cervical gap (CG), axial gap (AG), and occlusal gap (OG). The measurements were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Dunnett T3.

RESULTS

MG, CG, and OG were significantly different by build angle groups ( P<.05). The MG and CG were significantly larger in the 120° group than in other groups. OG was the smallest in the 150° and 180° and the largest in the 120° and 135° groups.

CONCLUSION

The marginal and internal fit of the 3D-printed provisional crowns can vary depending on the build angle and the best fit was achieved with build angles of 150° and 180°.