Following Up on Patients with Complete 3D Printed Dentures Made with Hybrid Nanocomposite

IMTS

Share this Article

Researchers from Turkey and Romania have come together recently to finish a project as they evaluate patients in a follow-up study, outlined in ‘Eighteen Months Follow-Up with Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment of Complete Dentures Manufactured Using a Hybrid Nanocomposite and Additive CAD/CAM Protocol.’ Initially, patients received 3D printed dentures made from a composite material, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)–nanoTiO2.

Thirty-five patients participated in the study, as researchers evaluated the effectiveness of their dentures later. The new material being used is critical as previously other materials and techniques reflected poor fit and resistance. Here, the authors were relying on innovative nanotechnology for the creation of materials with ‘improved characteristics.’

“Due to the high demand for rapid, accurate, and resistant material suitable for long‐term 3D‐printed complete dentures manufacturing, we proposed an improved nanocomposite based on poly(methyl methacrylate) with titanium dioxide nanoparticle inclusions,” explained the authors. “The newly obtained poly(methyl methacrylate)–TiO2 matrix allowed a material with proven antimicrobial action, smooth surface aspect, and better mechanical and thermal characteristics to be obtained, suitable for use with additive technology.

“In order to assess the improved hybrid nanocomposite in clinical environment, a protocol for long‐term DLP 3D‐printed complete denture manufacturing was proposed, and an objective clinical assessment and morphological analysis was performed.”

Along with the long-term clinical assessment and analysis, the researchers also asked each participant to fill out a questionnaire (49 questions) regarding their ‘subjective perceptions’ about treatment. Questions were relevant to:

  • Functional limitation
  • Pain
  • Psychological discomfort
  • Physical disability
  • Psychological disability
  • Social disability
  • Handicap

The dentures were created on an EnvisionTEC Perfactory® 3D printer, featuring a layer thickness from 25  μm to 150  μm. Post-processing required dentures to be soaked in a solvent quickly, and then supports were removed, the dentures were polished and then subjected to a light cure bath in post-curing. Patients received their dentures at their third visits, along with post-operative instructions.

SEM images of (a) Dent 100 (not polymerized) and (b) newly obtained nanocomposite (not
polymerized). Low‐angle backscattering electron image of (c) 3D‐printed E‐Dent 100 and (d) newly
obtained 3D‐printed nanocomposite. Titania nanoparticles are marked with yellow circles in subfigures (b) and (d).

(a) SEM images of TiO2 powder; (b) particle measurements for 3D‐printed denture sample.

EDX analysis for the newly obtained 3D‐printed nanocomposite (denture).

Two sets of dentures were broken in the first six months of use, and patients each received a new set to replace them.

Boxplots for the changes in OHIP‐EDENT overall scores.

The dentures were studied 18 months later in the assessment, and the researchers noted ‘satisfactory uniformity,’ with no defects. Patients noted ‘significant improvement’ related to their oral health as the dentures provided good retention and stability.

Slice images using micro‐CT performed on a sample of the 3D‐printed denture.

“The proposed workflow with the nanoTiO2 composite material used is a viable treatment option for patients diagnosed with complete edentulism,” concluded the researchers.

“The results indicate that the OHRQoL was significantly improved, and patients’ satisfaction scores for aesthetic, speech, masticatory efficiency, hygiene, and comfort were significantly higher upon new denture insertion, with these improvements being maintained throughout the entire evaluation period.”

3D printing of dentures continues to be improved around the world, offering an incredible opportunity for medical technicians and patients alike, from those that are made to prevent infection, to removable partials, those that are 3D printed rapidly, and much more.

What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

[Source / Images: ‘Eighteen Months Follow-Up with Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment of Complete Dentures Manufactured Using a Hybrid Nanocomposite and Additive CAD/CAM Protocol’]

 

Share this Article


Recent News

Will There Be a Desktop Manufacturing Revolution outside of 3D Printing?

Know Your Würth: CEO AJ Strandquist on How Würth Additive Can Change 3D Printing



Categories

3D Design

3D Printed Art

3D Printed Food

3D Printed Guns


You May Also Like

Featured

Pressing Refresh: What CEO Brad Kreger and Velo3D Have Learned About Running a 3D Printing Company

To whatever extent a business is successful thanks to specialization, businesses will nonetheless always be holistic entities. A company isn’t a bunch of compartments that all happen to share the...

Würth Additive Launches Digital Inventory Services Platform Driven by 3D Printing

Last week, at the Additive Manufacturing Users’ Group (AMUG) Conference in Chicago (March 10-14), Würth Additive Group (WAG) launched its new inventory management platform, Digital Inventory Services (DIS). WAG is...

Featured

Hypersonic Heats Up: CEO Joe Laurienti on the Success of Ursa Major’s 3D Printed Engine

“It’s only been about 24 hours now, so I’m still digesting it,” Joe Laurienti said. But even via Zoom, it was easy to notice that the CEO was satisfied. The...

Featured

3D Printing’s Next Generation of Leadership: A Conversation with Additive Minds’ Dr. Gregory Hayes

It’s easy to forget sometimes that social media isn’t reality. So, at the end of 2023, when a burst of doom and gloom started to spread across the Western world’s...