Objective: An analogue and digital workflow for the fabrication of a diagnostic 3D printed polymer template and its duplication for long-term injected composite resin interim restorations is described, because of the lack of scientific evidence in 3-dimensional (3D) printing applied to dentistry in terms of printer technology, printer parameters, postpolymerization processes, and material characteristics. In addition, in the case of 3D printed temporary resins, they cannot be relined successfully and its mechanical properties in the mouth have not been tested yet.
Conclusions: The main benefits of this approach relate to the improvement of clinical and laboratory procedures, as conventional waxing is eliminated, conventional master casts are not needed and the process is entirely automatized, improving the workflow, with minimal intervention of the laboratory technician.
Clinical significance: The additive manufactured diagnostic template represents the materialization of the digital diagnostic waxing and provides a powerful tool to visualize the digital diagnostic waxing in the patient's mouth and face. Furthermore, the diagnostic 3D printed template can be used for multiple applications including interim restorations, radiographical, or surgical guide fabrication. The duplication technique described provides a predictable workflow to obtain long-term injected resin composite restorations from an additive manufactured esthetic diagnostic template, improving the laboratory and chairside procedures.
Keywords: 3D printing; CAD-CAM; additive manufacturing technologies; esthetic dentistry; fixed prosthodontics; interim restorations.
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