3D printed teeth with adhesive bridge preparation guide

Abstract

Abstract In this study a 3D printed tooth with adhesive bridge preparation guide was designed and tested for feasibility and evaluated by students. The tooth, printed by a stereolithographic printer, consisted of two differently colored layers with an integrated adhesive bridge preparation. This showed the extent and thickness of the preparation. 42 dental students in the fourth year of their studies were trained in a voluntary course. The printed teeth were evaluated with a questionnaire using German school grades from 1 (best) to 6 (worst). The production of the printed teeth for the adhesive bridge preparation was feasible and inexpensive. Overall, the students rated the teeth as good (Ø1.9 ± 0.2) in the questionnaire and evaluated the teaching method positively in the free text questions. This method supported the students to visualize the target preparation and develop a self-assessment through the ability to control their work directly on their own. The feasibility of this teaching concept was confirmed. It is suitable for teaching of new preparations forms such as adhesive bridges. The color-coded integrated preparation in the printed teeth and the printed tooth model enabled the students to learn the preparation of an adhesive bridge independently.

Keywords

• Dental education
• 3D printing
• Clinical practice
• Printed tooth
• Adhesive bridge preparation
• Additive manufacturing