Evaluation of Accuracy of Different Print Angulations for 3D Printed Dental Crowns

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as additive printing, is increasing its importance in every field of dentistry. There are different methods of AM, one of these being digital light processing (DLP). Several factors can influence the accuracy of printed crowns, and one of them is the building or printing orientation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the trueness and precision of temporary crowns produced via DLP with different printing angles. An artificial molar prepared to receive a full crown was scanned. A total of 15 resin crowns were printed through DLP and divided into three groups considering 3 different printing angulations: 90°, 45° or a custom angulation. Trueness and precision were evaluated considering the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). Regarding the internal fit, the 90° printing angulation showed a higher accuracy compared to the other angulations, whereas regarding the occlusal aspect, Custom angulation crowns were better. Custom Crowns showed a higher precision when considering the internal aspect, being equal to the 90° printing angulation regarding the occlusal aspect. 135° printing angulation value performed equal or worse precision and accuracy in all zones. In terms of trueness and precision, custom angulation crowns showed acceptable internal and occlusal results for 3D printed provisional crowns.