MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF DIGITALLY FABRICATED TEETH FOR USE IN COMPLETE DENTURE PROSTHODONTICS

Alexia-Ecaterina Cârstea, Robert-Cătălin Ciocoiu, Vlad-Gabriel Vasilescu, Ioana Peltea, Lucian-Toma Ciocan, Silviu-Mirel Pițuru, Marina Imre, Ana-Maria Cristina Țâncu

ABSTRACT
Aim of the study. Our study aimed to compare the fracture resistance and mechanical behavior under axial compression of artificial teeth manufactured using conventional prefabrication, CAD/CAM milling, and three-dimensional printing techniques.
Materials and methods. An in vitro study was performed on four groups of maxillary first molar artificial teeth (n = 10), produced by conventional, CAD/CAM, and 3D printing techniques. All specimens were standardized and subjected to axial compression using a universal testing machine at a constant crosshead speed until fracture.
Results. CAD/CAM-milled PMMA teeth showed the highest stiffness and fracture resistance under axial compression. Conventionally prefabricated teeth exhibited intermediate mechanical behavior with greater deformation prior to failure, while 3D-printed specimens demonstrated the lowest resistance and predominantly brittle fracture patterns.
Conclusions. The technique used for tooth fabrication plays a decisive role in determining mechanical integrity under compressive loading. Teeth produced by subtractive digital workflows show the most favorable resistance profile for demanding functional conditions, whereas conventionally manufactured specimens maintain acceptable performance in standard prosthetic indications. Additively manufactured teeth exhibit inferior resistance characteristics, limiting their current applicability to provisional or low-stress clinical situations.

DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2025.4.17.12