Korean J Dent Mater.  2020 Jun;47(2):105-118. 10.14815/kjdm.2020.47.2.105.

Effects of thermoplastic appliance fabrication on the dimensional stability of 3D printed dental models

• Kang BM
• Choi SK

• KMID: 2504117
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14815/kjdm.2020.47.2.105

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of fabrication of thermoplastic appliance on the dimensional stability of 3D printed dental models. A digital reference model was printed by different printing materials and densities [acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA); 20, 40 and 60%]. Thermoplastic appliances were then fabricated with printed models for three times and models were scanned at three different stated; following the print out, following the fabrication for one time and three times. Tooth and arch measurements were performed to evaluate the accuracy and dimensional stability of printed models after fabrication of thermoplastic appliances. Printed models were not significantly different from the digital reference model regardless of different materials and densities. After the first fabrication of the appliance, most of measurements were decreased in PLA models ranged from 0.05 to 0.24 mm (p<0.05), whereas only a few measurements were decreased in ABS models (p<0.05). After fabrication for three times, measurements were more decreased in PLA models ranged from 0.04 to 0.42 mm (p<0.05) and some measurements were decreased in ABS models ranged from 0.08 to 0.27 mm (p<0.05). ABS models showed relatively good dimensional stability, but the PLA models showed significant dimensional changes even after initial fabrication of the appliance. Repeated fabrication of the appliances increased dimensional changes in printed models, especially printed with PLA.

Keyword

3D printing; Dimensional stability; Fused deposition modeling (FDM); Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); Polylactic acid (PLA)