3D printing technology Lithography-based Ceramic Manufacturing for manufacture of implant-supported fixed partial dentures: marginal misfit, structural characterization, mechanical tests, biomechanical behavior and three-dimensional precision

• Grant number: 23/12376-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Ferraz Mesquita
• Grantee: Marcelo Ferraz Mesquita
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The 3D printing technologies are constantly advancing in Dentistry. Nevertheless, there are still few research results addressing the characteristics of materials fabricated using these technologies for future clinical applications. In this context, Lithography-based Ceramic Manufacturing (LCM) proves to be a promising technology for the production of prostheses using ceramic materials such as zirconia or alumina. Therefore, the objective of this in vitro project will be: 1) to evaluate marginal misfit; 2) to characterize microstructure; 3) to assess mechanical properties; and 4) to evaluate the biomechanical behavior and (5) analyze the three-dimensional precision of samples fabricated in 3 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (3Y-TZP) obtained by LCM (experimental group), comparing the results with those obtained from samples fabricated using conventional machining (control group). For measuring marginal misfit values, three-dimensional precision and conducting biomechanical tests, samples in the form of fixed partial denture frameworks supported by implants with 3 elements will be fabricated. For characterization and mechanical testing, disks with dimensions of 14x1,2mm will be machined and printed. The surface characterization will involve scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), profilometry, and wettability tests. Mechanical properties will be analyzed using Vickers microhardness, flexural strength, and elastic modulus tests. Biomechanical behavior will be evaluated through strain gauge analysis, loosening torque testing and 3D finite element analysis. Marginal misfit and loosening torque tests will be conducted before and after mechanical cycling, simulating one year of prosthetic use. The three-dimensional analyzes will be carried out by scanning the structures of interest and analyzing them in appropriate software. The results will undergo exploratory analysis, and appropriate statistical tests will be applied. (AU)