A 3D-simulation study of the deformation, tension, and stress of 3D-printed and conventional denture base materials after immersion in artificial saliva

Introduction: The worldwide application of digital technology has presented dentistry with transformative opportunities. The concept of digital dentures, incorporating computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) techniques, holds the promise of improved precision, customization, and overall patient satisfaction. However, the shift from traditional dentures to their digital counterparts should not be taken lightly, as the intricate interplay between oral physiology, patient comfort, and long-term durability requires thorough examination. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the dimensional changes of 3D printed (NextDent, 3D Systems, The Netherlands) and conventional heat-cured (Vertex BasiQ 20, 3D Systems, The Netherlands) denture base resin after immersion in artificial saliva for different periods (7, 14, and 30 days) and then applying 3D simulated deformation, tensional strength, and stress, using the ANSYS software (ANSYS Inc., Pennsylvania, USA). Materials and methods: For the manufacturing of the test specimens, an STL file was created, using the Free CAD Version 0.19 (Free CAD, Stuttgart, Germany). The dimensions of each specimen were 20 mm in width, 20 mm in length, and 3 mm in thickness. Two hundred experimental bodies were created and divided into two groups (n=100), with half fabricated using a 3D printer (NextDent 5100, NextDent, 3D Systems, The Netherlands) and the other half prepared using the traditional method of heat-curing polymerization in metal flasks. The test samples were then weighed using an analytical balance, immersed in artificial saliva for three periods (7, 14, and 30 days), and reweighed after water absorption. After desiccation at 37°C for 24 hours and then at 23±1°C for 1 hour, the samples were weighed again. Then the data were entered into the specialized program ANSYS and the 3D simulation tests for deformation, tension, and stress were performed. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics Version 0.26 statistical software, which includes descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA analysis. Results: The findings weren’t statistically significant and indicated that the average metrics for the 3D-printed experimental test samples were marginally greater than those recorded for the conventional samples. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it is possible to conclude that 3D-printed resin has a lower capacity to withstand deformation, tension, and stress under simulated conditions than conventional dental resin. However, they do not exceed the values accepted by the ISO standard for clinical application of this type of material

Future Prospects and Challenges in Additive Manufacturing for Complete Dentures: A Narrative Review

The utilization of computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques in the creation of complete dentures (CDs) has piqued the interest of many people. This article seeks to provide a comprehensive, critical, and objective analysis of the current knowledge of CDs and related technology. The aim of this study is to assess existing literature concerning 3D-printed complete dentures, covering aspects like innovative biomaterials, manufacturing methods and processes, workflow, and clinical effectiveness. The design of the current study included an initial review of 172 titles, an appraisal of abstracts, and finally a selection of articles for rigorous textual analysis. Inconsistencies discovered throughout the selection process were amicably resolved through discourse, culminating in the identification of 65 items. The publications retrieved from a thorough search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases spanned the years 1994 to 2023. Contemporary digital technology provides evident advantages, but its successful incorporation necessitates meticulous preparation. In the realm of dental healthcare, the digital workflow showcases versatility and a range of applications

A 3D-simulation study of the deformation, tension, and stress of 3D-printed and conventional denture base materials after immersion in artificial saliva

Introduction: The worldwide application of digital technology has presented dentistry with transformative opportunities. The concept of digital dentures, incorporating computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) techniques, holds the promise of improved precision, customization, and overall patient satisfaction. However, the shift from traditional dentures to their digital counterparts should not be taken lightly, as the intricate interplay between oral physiology, patient comfort, and long-term durability requires thorough examination. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the dimensional changes of 3D printed (NextDent, 3D Systems, The Netherlands) and conventional heat-cured (Vertex BasiQ 20, 3D Systems, The Netherlands) denture base resin after immersion in artificial saliva for different periods (7, 14, and 30 days) and then applying 3D simulated deformation, tensional strength, and stress, using the ANSYS software (ANSYS Inc., Pennsylvania, USA). Materials and methods: For the manufacturing of the test specimens, an STL file was created, using the Free CAD Version 0.19 (Free CAD, Stuttgart, Germany). The dimensions of each specimen were 20 mm in width, 20 mm in length, and 3 mm in thickness. Two hundred experimental bodies were created and divided into two groups (n=100), with half fabricated using a 3D printer (NextDent 5100, NextDent, 3D Systems, The Netherlands) and the other half prepared using the traditional method of heat-curing polymerization in metal flasks. The test samples were then weighed using an analytical balance, immersed in artificial saliva for three periods (7, 14, and 30 days), and reweighed after water absorption. After desiccation at 37°C for 24 hours and then at 23±1°C for 1 hour, the samples were weighed again. Then the data were entered into the specialized program ANSYS and the 3D simulation tests for deformation, tension, and stress were performed. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics Version 0.26 statistical software, which includes descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA analysis. Results: The findings weren’t statistically significant and indicated that the average metrics for the 3D-printed experimental test samples were marginally greater than those recorded for the conventional samples. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it is possible to conclude that 3D-printed resin has a lower capacity to withstand deformation, tension, and stress under simulated conditions than conventional dental resin. However, they do not exceed the values accepted by the ISO standard for clinical application of this type of material

Recent Advances in 3D Printing of Polymers for Application in Prosthodontics

Contemporary mass media frequently depict 3D printing as a technology with widespread utilization in the creation of dental prosthetics. This paper endeavors to provide an evidence-based assessment of the current scope of 3D printing’s integration within dental laboratories and practices. Its primary objective is to offer a systematic evaluation of the existing applications of 3D-printing technology within the realm of dental prosthetic restorations. Furthermore, this article delves into potential prospects, while also critically examining the sustained relevance of conventional dental laboratory services and manufacturing procedures. The central focus of this article is to expound upon the extent to which 3D printing is presently harnessed for crafting dental prosthetic appliances. By presenting verifiable data and factual insights, this article aspires to elucidate the actual implementation of 3D printing in prosthetic dentistry and its seamless integration into dental practices. The aim of this narrative review is twofold: firstly, to provide an informed and unbiased evaluation of the role that 3D printing currently plays within dental laboratories and practices; and secondly, to instigate contemplation on the transformative potential of this technology, both in terms of its contemporary impact and its future implications, while maintaining a balanced consideration of traditional dental approaches

Nutritional support in cancer patients : radiographers' perceptions

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of radiographers employed in an oncology centre regarding their ability to identify patients needing nutritional advice and to provide patients with the appropriate dietary support.peer-reviewe

Spectrophotometric Analysis of 3D Printed and Conventional Denture Base Resin after Immersion in Different Colouring Agents—An In Vitro Study

Three-dimensional printed denture base resins are relatively new materials, and their properties need to be thoroughly investigated to assess whether they can be used clinically. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the colour stability of 3D printed and conventional denture base resins after immersion in different staining solutions. A total of 200 specimens were manufactured from two types of materials: 3D printed dental resin NextDent Denture 3D+ (NextDent, 3D Systems, the Netherlands) and heat-polymerized PMMA Vertex (3D Systems, the Netherlands), which were immersed in four types of colourants—artificial saliva, coffee, red wine and coke (n = 25). For measuring the colour changes (CIE-L*a*b* system), a SpectroShade Micro spectrophotometer (SpectroShade, Oxnard, CA, USA) was used. After seven days (T1), 14 days (T2) and 21 days (T3), the mean ∆E values were calculated and compared by the Bonferonni post hoc test. The data were processed using the statistical software SPSS 26. The level of significance for rejecting the null hypothesis was fixed at p < 0.05. The highest mean values for ∆E were found for both types of dental resin in red wine, and the lowest mean values for ∆E were found for 3D printed specimens in artificial saliva. The 3D printed denture base resin demonstrated better colour stability than the conventional acrylic materials. The staining effect correlated with the immersion time, with the red wine and coke having the strongest chromogenic impact and the period with the highest colour changes being 21 days

Comparison between Conventional PMMA and 3D Printed Resins for Denture Bases: A Narrative Review

The aim of the current paper is to review the available literature reporting on comparative studies of heat-cured resins and three-dimensionally printed biomaterials for denture bases in terms of their composition, properties, fabrication techniques and clinical performance. The methodology included applying a search strategy, defining inclusion and exclusion criteria, selecting studies to summarize the results. Searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases were performed independently by three reviewers to gather literature published between 2018 and 2021. A total of 135 titles were obtained from the electronic databases, and the application of exclusion criteria resulted in the identification of 42 articles pertaining to conventional and 3D printed technology for removable dentures. The main disadvantages of the heat-cured resins for removable dentures are that they require lots of special equipment, skilled personnel and time. Emerging technologies, such as 3D printed dentures, have the potential to alleviate these problems allowing for faster patient rehabilitation. With the development of digital dentistry, it is becoming increasingly necessary to use 3D printed resin materials for the manufacturing of removable dentures. However, further research is required on the existing and developing materials to allow for advancement and increase its application in removable prosthodontics

Nutritional support in cancer patients : radiographers’ perceptions

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of radiographers working in a local Oncology Centre in regard to their ability to identify patients needing nutritional advice and to provide patients with the appropriate dietary support. Compatible body of literature is limited with no similar studies previously conducted in the local setting. Methodology: A cross-sectional, prospective, non-experimental method, using a quantitative approach was employed. An existing questionnaire was modified, using published guidelines to suit the aim of this study, and distributed to all radiographers working in the Radiotherapy Department of the selected Oncology Centre. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: With a response rate of 85% (22 completed questionnaires), 86% (n = 19) of respondents indicated that patients asked for advice on nutrition-related issues. 36% (n=8) of the participants did not have previous training on nutritional interventions whilst all participants expressed interest in receiving additional information or training to provide support in the nutritional management of side effects and to identify cases needing referral to a dietitian. 82% (n=18) of participants stated that a protocol for referrals to dietitians was available at their clinical site, however, only two respondents indicated that they referred patients to a dietitian. All radiographers self-rated as knowledgeable in identifying patients in need of dietary interventions and delivering the appropriate nutritional support. This was supported by the high level of agreement between literature recommendations and radiographers’ responses to the questionnaire. Conclusions: Findings suggest that radiographers perceive themselves as knowledgeable and provide patients with the appropriate nutritional support in accordance with literature. However, only two radiographers referred patients to dietitians and all radiographers indicated that they would like additional support. The researcher, therefore, proposed additional training, implementation of scripted nutritional advice and further studies into the lack of referrals to the dietetic team.N/

Color Stability Determination of CAD/CAM Milled and 3D Printed Acrylic Resins for Denture Bases: A Narrative Review

The aim of this paper is to review the available literature on the different methods for color stability determination of CAD/CAM milled and 3D printed resins for denture bases. The methodology included applying a search strategy, defining inclusion and exclusion criteria and selecting studies to summarize the results. Searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases were performed independently by three reviewers to gather the literature published between 1998 and 2022. A total of 186 titles were obtained from the electronic database, and the application of exclusion criteria resulted in the identification of 66 articles pertaining to the different methods for color stability determination of CAD/CAM acrylic resins for denture bases. Color change in dental materials is clinically very important for the dental operator, as it determines the clinical serviceability of the material. Discoloration of the denture bases can be evaluated with various instruments and methods. Dental resins may undergo color changes over time due to intrinsic and/or extrinsic factors. The extrinsic factors are considered the more frequent causes of color changes. According to a number of studies, CAD/CAM fabricated acrylics have achieved better color stability than the conventional PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) resins