The influence of filler load in 3D printing resin-based composites

Dent Mater. 2024 Jul;40(7):1041-1046. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2024.05.016. Epub 2024 May 18.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the influence of the barium glass (BG) filler in 3D printing resin-based composites for restorative structures.

Methods: Experimental 3D printing resin-based composites were formulated with UDMA 70%wt, Bis-EMA 20%wt, and TEGDMA 10%wt. Photoinitiators TPO and DFI (2%wt) were used. BG was incorporated at 40%wt and 50%wt. 0%wt BG was used as negative control and the VarseoSmile Crownplus (Bego) was used as a commercial control. Specimens were printed using a 3D printer. Subsequently, specimens were washed and submitted to post-curing with 405 nm at 60ºC for 2 × 20 min at FormCure (FormLabs). 3D printing resin-based composites were evaluated by flexural strength, degree of conversion, softening in solvent, radiopacity, and cytotoxicity against gingival fibroblasts. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05).

Results: No significant differences in flexural strength were showed between BG40% (90.5 ± 5,4 MPa), BG50% (102.0 ± 11.7 MPa) and VA (105.2 ± 11.7 MPa). Addition of 40% and 50% of BG showed no influence in the degree of conversion compared to VA (p > 0.05). All groups showed softening in solvent after immersion in ethanol (p < 0.05). All groups showed more than 1mmAl of radiopacity. BG50% showed significantly higher radiopacity (2.8 ± 0.3 mmAl) than other groups (p < 0,05). Cytotoxicity evaluation showed gingival cell viability higher than 80% for all groups.

Significance: Addition of up to 50%wt of barium glass in experimental 3D printing resin-based composites showed promising results for long-term restorative structures.

Keywords: Barium glass; Polymerization; Resin-based composite; Three-dimensional printing.

MeSH terms

  • Barium Compounds* / chemistry
  • Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate / chemistry
  • Composite Resins* / chemistry
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Flexural Strength
  • Gingiva
  • Glass / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Materials Testing*
  • Methacrylates* / chemistry
  • Photoinitiators, Dental / chemistry
  • Polyethylene Glycols* / chemistry
  • Polymerization
  • Polymethacrylic Acids / chemistry
  • Polyurethanes / chemistry
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional*
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Composite Resins
  • Barium Compounds
  • triethylene glycol dimethacrylate
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Methacrylates
  • Polyurethanes
  • Polymethacrylic Acids
  • urethane dimethacrylate luting resin
  • barium glass filler
  • Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate
  • ethoxylated bis-phenol A dimethacrylate
  • Photoinitiators, Dental
  • Silicon Dioxide