Which 3D printing parameters impact the mechanical and structural properties of occlusal devices? A systematic review of methods
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
3D-printed occlusal devices are now routine in many labs and practices; this review shows that print-layer thickness, build orientation, and post-curing protocols directly affect flexural strength and fit—factors that determine breakage rates, chair time, and remake frequency for any clinician delivering splints or night guards.
Key points
- Systematic review evaluated 24 in-vitro studies published 2018-2025 that tested 3D-printed occlusal splints on mechanical properties (flexural strength, hardness) and dimensional trueness.
- Layer thickness ≤50 µm and 45–90° build angles consistently produced higher flexural strength and lower internal gaps; thicknesses ≥100 µm correlated with 20–30 % lower fracture resistance.
- Post-curing with ≥405 nm LED for ≥30 min improved degree-of-conversion and wear resistance; under-cured devices showed 2× higher early fracture rates in simulated bruxing tests.
- Authors note absence of long-term clinical RCTs; recommend clinicians verify validated printer/resin combinations rather than adopting new low-cost workflows without mechanical data.
Who should care
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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