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a
Resident, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
b
Professor, Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Table 2. Summary of postpolymerization units with corresponding technology, duration, wavelength, and manufacturers
Brands Technology Duration Wavelength Manufacturers
LC-3DPrint Box Ultraviolet light 30 min Range 315-550 nm, peaks at approximately 360 and 435 nm NextDent
Otoflash G171 Flashlight, nitrogen 2 processes of 2000 flashes Range 300-700 nm, peaks at approximately 480 and 530 nm NK Optik
atmosphere
Labolight DUO Light-emitting diode 2 processes of 3 min Range 380-510 nm, peaks at approximately 395 and 475 nm GC Europe
Vickers diamond indenter (a=136 degrees) with a force of Table 3. Mean and standard deviation of Martens hardness (HM in
9.8 N for 10 seconds. The minimum indenter depth was N/mm2) for materials for fabrication of occlusal devices, measured
always greater than 5 mm. HM and EIT were calculated directly after fabrication and after water storage in days (d)
Postpolymerization
with software (testX-pert V12.3 Master; Zwick) according Units ND FL DX TP
to the ISO specification32: Printbox
Initial 142 ±6.21c,ii 130 ±7.22b,ii 97.0 ±8.21a,ii 114 ±6.7
F
HM = ; 14 d 78.0 ±12.6a,iii 77.4 ±10.7a,ii 73.7 ±8.18a,iii 111 ±6.76
As ðhÞ
28 d 75.9 ±13.6b,i 64.8 ±8.92a,ii 74.6 ±4.64b,iii 112 ±6.34
Otoflash
where HM is in N/mm2, F (test force) in N, As (h)
Initial 140 ±4.30b,ii 147 ±8.11c,iii 99.5 ±2.41a,ii d
(surface area of the indenter at distance h from the tip) in
14 d 73.5 ±9.13b,ii 95.6 ±4.10c,iii 58.5 ±4.32a,ii d
mm2, h (indentation depth under applied test force) in
28 d 112.7 ±11.8b,ii 119 ±1.50c,iii 51.5 ±3.56a,ii d
mm, and Labolight
−1 pffiffiffiffi Initial 109 ±4.66b,i 120 ±6.96c,i 89.5 ±8.55a,i
1 1−v 2i p
d
EIT = 1 − v s ×
2
− with Er = pffiffiffiffiffiffi ;
a,i b,i
14 d 39.4 ±4.00 50.7 ±8.07 61.3 ±7.69c,i d
Er Ei 2C Ap 28 d 74.6 ±4.64b,i 81.4 ±10.9c,i 38.1 ±5.89a,i d
DX, Freeprint Splint; FL, Formlabs Dental LT Clear; ND, NextDent Ortho Clear; TP, Temp
where EIT (elastic modulus of the indenter) is in N/mm2, Premium. a,b,c describe significant differences between materials within one aging level
C (compliance of the contact), vs (Poisson ratio of the test and one polymerization unit. i,ii,iii describe significant differences between polymerization
units within one aging level and one material.
piece), and vi (Poisson ratio of the indenter) with vs=0.433
and vi=0.3.
For each measurement, the corresponding load- combinations of the 3 independent parameters (aging,
displacement curve was recorded. material, and postpolymerization unit) was also signifi-
The data were analyzed descriptively and globally by cant (P<.001, HM: hP2=0.473; EIT: hP2=0.402). Therefore,
using univariate analysis, and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov the data were analyzed separately according to the test
test was used to test the normal distribution. The sta- hypothesis.
tistical differences among the test groups were calculated In specimens postpolymerized by using Printbox, ND
by using nonparametric tests, including the Kruskal- reported the highest initial Martens parameters, followed
Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests by using by FL (P<.001). The lowest values were observed for DX
statistical software (IBM SPSS Statistics, v25; IBM Corp) (P<.001). After 28 days of water storage, however, DX
(adjusted by Bonferroni correction, a=.05/27=.002). presented the highest values with ND, whereas FL re-
ported the lowest (P<.001). For specimens post-
RESULTS
polymerized by using Otoflash, FL reported the highest
Descriptive statistics are represented in Tables 3 and 4 Martens parameters, regardless of the aging level, fol-
and in Figures 1 and 2. According to the univariate an- lowed by ND (P<.001) and DX (P<.001).
alyses, the highest influence on HM parameters was In specimens postpolymerized by using Labolight, FL
shown by artificial aging (partial eta squared: HM: reported the highest initial Martens parameters (P<.001),
hP2=0.840, EIT: hP2=0.855, P<.001), followed by material followed by ND, whereas DX presented the lowest values
(HM: hP2=0.690 EIT: hP2=0.845, P<.001) and post- (P<.001). After 14 days of water storage, however, DX
polymerization unit (HM: hP2=0.649, EIT: hP2=0.778, reported higher HM values than FL (P<.001) and ND
P<.001). The interaction effect of the trinary (P<.001).
Table 4. Mean and standard deviation of indentation modulus (EIT in long-term mechanical stress such as tooth clenching. In
kN/mm2) for materials for fabrication of occlusal devices, measured contrast, additively manufactured occlusal devices might
directly after fabrication and after water storage in days (d) lose some precision of the functionally adjusted occlusal
Postpolymerization
Units ND FL DX TP
surface over time.
Printbox
The area between the loading and uploading curve
Initial 3.90 ±0.111c,iii 3.58 ±0.008b,ii 2.70 ±0.151a,ii 3.0 ±0.050 illustrates the permanent damage (Wp=1-hIT) that seems
14 d 2.66 ±0.228c,iii 2.50 ±0.232b,ii 2.01 ±0.195a,iii 2.90 ±0.001 to be dependent on the postpolymerization unit (Fig. 4).
28 d 2.49 ±0.293b,ii 2.15 ±0.210a,ii 2.19 ±0.096a,iii 2.90 ±0.046 After 2 weeks of water storage, TP revealed the lowest
Otoflash permanent damage and thus the highest elastic capacity.
Initial 3.82 ±0.089b,ii 3.92 ±0.061c,iii 2.78 ±0.041a,ii d DX postpolymerized in LC-3DPrint Box or Otoflash
14 d 2.53 ±0.167b,ii 2.94 ±0.081c,iii 1.77 ±0.103a,ii d G171 reported a similar property of permanent damage,
28 d 3.21 ±0.354b,iii 3.47 ±0.319c,iii 1.54 ±0.093a,ii d whereas after postpolymerization in Labolight DUO
Labolight (LL), it seemed to be the highest. Therefore, the choice of
Initial 3.23 ±0.092b,i 3.27 ±0.079c,i 2.48 ±0.212a,i d postpolymerization unit affects the desired viscoelastic
b,i b,i
14 d 1.60 ±0.079 1.64 ±0.138 1.56 ±0.199a,i d
behavior of the material and thus the deformation of the
28 d 2.19 ±0.096b,i 2.20 ±0.213b,i 0.950 ±0.146a,i d
occlusal devices in long-term use. Regarding artificial
DX, Freeprint Splint; FL, Formlabs Dental LT Clear; ND, NextDent Ortho Clear; TP, Temp aging, for the 3D-printed materials, creep as well as
Premium. a,b,c describe significant differences between materials within one aging level
and one polymerization unit. i,ii,iii describe significant differences between polymerization permanent damage seemed to increase after prolonged
units within one aging level and one material. storage time (Fig. 5). In contrast, the influence of artificial
aging seemed to be negligible for the control group, TP.
From a clinical point of view, this result favors milled
ND (P=.071) and DX (P=.160) reported no impact of
splints for long-term use.
postpolymerization unit on the initial HM values. The
Regarding the different 3D-printed materials, in gen-
lowest values were observed for the specimens post-
eral, the highest HM values were recorded for ND and FL,
polymerized by Labolight (P<.001).
followed by DX. The hardness of a material depends on
With respect to aging level, the initial measurements
its composition. For example, a higher filler content may
reported the highest values, regardless of the 3D-printed
lead to higher hardness. Because the manufacturers do
material and postpolymerization unit (P<.001). In gen-
not release the composition of the materials, it is difficult
eral, the values decreased with the increase in storage
to draw further conclusions from these results. In terms of
days. The exceptions were ND and FL, which were
patient safety and the potential for allergic reactions and
postpolymerized by using Otoflash or Labolight. In these
for further research projects, it would be desirable to
groups, the specimens reported higher values after 28
determine the composition of the different 3D-printed
days of water storage than after 14 days of storage
materials. The milling material TP is promoted by the
(P<.001). The control group reported no differences
manufacturer as a material for the fabrication of trans-
compared with 3D-printed specimens, and no impact of
parent occlusal devices or for long-term tooth colored
aging level was observed.
interim fixed dental protheses. This indication might
explain why TP reported higher HM and EIT values than
DISCUSSION
other milling materials, which are solely formulated for
This study demonstrated the impact of postpolymeriza- occlusal devices. Studies on the mechanical properties of
tion and water storage on the HM and EIT of different 3D-printed materials are scarce. To the authors’ knowl-
3D-printed materials for the fabrication of occlusal de- edge only the Prpic et al21 study is comparable with the
vices. Consequently, the null hypothesis was rejected. present investigation. They investigated the hardness and
All tested materials exhibited elastic-plastic behavior. flexural strength of conventional, 3D-printed, and milled
Their corresponding load-displacement curves revealed materials for the fabrication of occlusal devices. Hardness
different characteristics, which seem to be influenced by was measured after water storage of 50 hours by using the
the material itself, the postpolymerization unit, and Brinell method. The highest hardness was recorded for 1
artificial aging (Fig. 3). The curve peak plateau indicated milled material and 2 conventional materials, followed by
the materials’ creep characteristic under indentation load. 1 3D-printed material. The recorded values of the CSP
The plateau of the control group’s curve tended to be and ORR range are consistent with the corresponding
narrower than those of the 3D print materials, which materials in the present study.
illustrated a lower creep characteristic (Fig. 3). Regarding Devices manufactured by SLA require an appropriate
the creep properties of the 3D-printed materials, ND and posttreatment procedure to produce the mechanical
FL seemed to behave similarly, whereas DX displayed a properties suitable for service in the oral cavity. Post-
longer plateau and thus a higher creep tendency. polymerization of 3D-printed occlusal devices is essential
Consequently, TP was less prone to deformation from because the materials are resin based. The influence of
Material
ND FL DX
150
125
Printbox
100
75
50
25
150
Polymerization
125
Otoflash
100
HM
75
50
25
150
125
Labolight
100
75
50
25
Initial 14 d 28 d Initial 14 d 28 d Initial 14 d 28 d
Storage
Figure 1. Box plots of HM values (N/mm2) for different 3D-printed materials and different aging levels. FL, Formlabs Dental LT Clear; ND, NextDent
Ortho Clear; DX, Freeprint Splint; HM, Martens hardness.
the postpolymerization unit on hardness was apparent in and pressure made its polymer network more resistant
the present study. In general, specimens post- against degeneration in an aqueous solution. The HM
polymerized in the Printbox or the Otoflash unit had values for ND and FL increased between the aging levels
higher HM values than those postpolymerized in the of 14 days and 28 days but solely after postpolymeriza-
Labolight unit. This was true for each material and each tion in the Otoflash or the Labolight unit. A possible
storage time. That fact might be explained by the light explanation might be that continued polymerization
source of the postpolymerization Labolight unit (light- occurred during the artificial aging in heated water after
emitting diode) and the correlation between hardness the initial water uptake. Such behavior has been reported
and degree of conversion. It seems likely that LL pro- for direct composite resin materials.21 The post-
duced a lower degree of conversion than the other units. polymerization time in the Printbox was the longest for
A possible explanation might be that the emitting energy all the units (30 minutes). After such a long post-
or the wavelength of LL’s light source was not well polymerization period, it might be that there were no
adapted to the 3D-printed materials. more residual C=C double links within the specimens for
During their service time, occlusal devices are exposed later polymerization to occur. The missing occurrence of
to 100% humidity. The artificial aging protocol in this the phenomenon for DX might be explained by the
study aimed to simulate the condition in the oral cavity material’s composition and chemistry, which, again, is
and to investigate its impact on the properties of the not stated by the manufacturer.
materials. In general, a drop in HM values was recorded In contrast with milled materials, which are industri-
with prolonged storage time for 3D-printed materials. ally prefabricated, additively manufactured objects can be
This result is consistent with those of studies of resin- adversely affected by a range of parameters, including
based materials19,20 and might be explained by water their position on the printer platform, the postprocessing
uptake. The control group, TP, however, seems to have method, and the postpolymerization strategy. This might
been unaffected by the selected aging protocol, possibly explain why an abnormal distribution of the data was
because its industrial fabrication under high temperature recorded.
Material
ND FL DX
5
Printbox
3
Polymerization
4
Otoflash
3
Eit
Labolight
3
0
Initial 14 d 28 d Initial 14 d 28 d Initial 14 d 28 d
Storage
Figure 2. Box plots of EIT values (in kN/mm2) for different 3D-printed materials and different aging levels. FL, Formlabs Dental LT Clear; ND, NextDent
Ortho Clear; DX, Freeprint Splint. EIT, indentation modulus.
12 12
a b c d a b c d
10 10
8 8
Force [N]
Force [N]
6 6
4 4
2 2
0 0
0 20 40 60 0 20 40 60 80 100
µm]
Indentation [µ µm]
Indentation [µ
Figure 3. Load displacement curves of FL (a), ND (b), TP (c), and DX (d), Figure 4. Load displacement curves of TP (a), ND postpolymerized in
all 3D print materials postpolymerized in Otoflash. FL, Formlabs Dental Printbox (b), ND postpolymerized in Otoflash (c), and ND
LT Clear; ND, NextDent Ortho Clear; TP, Temp Premium; DX, Freeprint postpolymerized in Labolight (d) after 2 weeks of water storage.
Splint. TP, Temp Premium; ND, NextDent Ortho Clear.
In general, the EIT values behaved similarly to the HM result is consistent with that of a previous study25 and
values; that is, the elastic properties of the 3D-printed limits the long-term use of additively manufactured
materials decreased with prolonged water storage. This occlusal devices. They seem to become brittle over time
12 10. Strub JR, Rekow ED, Witkowski S. Computer-aided design and fabrication of
dental restorations: current systems and future possibilities. J Am Dent Assoc
2006;137:1289-96.
a-c d e f 11. Dawood A, Marti BM, Sauret-Jackson V, Darwood A. 3D printing in
10
dentistry. Br Dent J 2015;219:521-9.
12. Salmi M, Paloheimo K-S, Tuomi J, Ingman T, Mäkitie A. A digital process for
8 additive manufacturing of occlusal splints: a clinical pilot study. J R Soc
Interface 2013;10:2013-24.
Force [N]