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The Bell BriefFrom Dr. Jennifer Bell, DDS
MEDIUMClinicalTier 1

Modified additive manufacturing and injection molding for diastema closure with an integrated occlusal prop

SourceJournal of Prosthetic Dentistry (JPD)Tier 1Peer-Reviewed Research

Originally at sciencedirect.com

Summary & scoring by The Bell Brief (Dr. Jennifer Bell) using the Drill-Down Protocol (Drill-Down Score) — not the original publisher.

Why it matters for dental

Prosthodontists and restorative dentists now have a chairside workflow that merges 3D-printed and injection-molded resins to close diastemas while simultaneously providing an occlusal stop—potentially cutting chair time and eliminating separate bite-registration steps.

Key points

  • The hybrid technique integrates an occlusal prop directly into the interim restoration, reducing the need for separate bite blocks or additional occlusal adjustment appointments.
  • Additive manufacturing (3-D printing) produces the outer shell; conventional injection molding fills the shell with a wear-resistant resin—combining the speed of printing with the polish and longevity of milled or pressed materials.
  • Early in-vitro data suggest improved marginal adaptation and occlusal accuracy, which may translate to fewer post-cementation adjustments for anterior esthetic cases.
  • The workflow targets diastema closure in the maxillary anterior segment, a high-volume cosmetic procedure for both solo practices and DSO cosmetic-focused clinics.

Who should care

SpecialistAssociate

Read the original on Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry (JPD)

Full reporting and any paywall content live on sciencedirect.com. We summarize and score; we do not republish.

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