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

Abstract

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.