Dimensional accuracy and surface roughness of polymeric dental bridges produced by different 3D printing processes

Purpose: To compare the dimensions accuracy and surface roughness of polymeric dental bridges produced by different 3D printers. Design/methodology/approach: Four-part dental bridges were manufactured by three printing systems working on the basis of digital light projection (DLP) stereolithography (SLA), laser-assisted SLA and fused deposition modeling (FDM). The materials used from SLA printers are liquid methacrylate photopolymer resins, while FDM printer use thin wire plastic polylactic acid. The accuracy of the external dimensions of dental bridges was evaluated and the surface roughness was measured. Findings: It was found that compared to the base model, the dimensions of the SLA printed bridges are bigger with 1.25%-6.21%, while the corresponding dimensions of the samples, made by FDM are smaller by 1.07%-4.71%, regardless the position of the object towards the substrate. The samples, produced by FDM, are characterized with the highest roughness. The average roughness deviation (Ra) values for DLP SLA and lase-assisted SLA are 2.40 μm and 2.97 μm, respectively. Research limitations/implications: For production of high quality polymeric dental constructions next research should be targeted to investigation of the polymerization degree, stresses and deformations. Practical implications: Our study shows that 3D printers, based on laser-assisted and DLP SLA, can be successfully used for manufacturing of polymeric dental bridges – temporary restorations or cast patterns, while FDM system is more suitable for training models. The results will help the dentists to make right choice of the most suitable 3D printer. Originality/value: One of the largest fixed partial dentures – four-part bridges, produced by three different commercial 3D printing systems, were investigated by comparative analysis. The paper will attract readers’ interest in the field of biomedical materials and application of new technologies in dentistry