3D Printed Dental Crowns Surface Modification via Embedded Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing processes for producing dental or orthodontic restorations face challenges in achieving easy surface modification and improved fixation to tooth surfaces, particularly due to the need for complex surface roughening and multiple cementation steps.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the use of a radiation-curable composition for building up 3-dimensional articles layer by layer, followed by partial removal of the uncured composition, treatment with particles, and an additional curing step using heat and/or radiation, to enhance surface roughness and facilitate better adhesion with dental cements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sandblasting is used to roughen the inner surface of dental composite crowns, then mechanical retention for dental cement is improved, but the process complexity and difficulty of surface modification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by incorporating particles into the uncured radiation-curable composition before the article is removed from the printing vat. This preliminary particle incorporation eliminates the need for subsequent sandblasting or surface roughening steps, as the particles are already embedded in the surface layer during the printing process itself, thereby simplifying the overall process while achieving the desired mechanical retention.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple cleaning and post-curing steps are applied to remove uncured resin and ensure full curing, then surface accuracy and mechanical properties are improved, but the number of process steps and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple process steps into a single integrated approach. By incorporating particles into the uncured composition during printing and then applying a single post-curing step after article removal, the process combines what would traditionally require separate cleaning and curing operations. This reduces the total number of steps and time consumption while maintaining surface accuracy and achieving full curing.
3Ease of operation
If the inner surface of dental composite crowns is roughened to enhance retention, then adhesion to tooth surfaces is improved, but the ease of manufacture and surface modification become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by incorporating particles into the uncured radiation-curable composition before the article is removed from the printing vat. This preliminary particle incorporation eliminates the need for subsequent sandblasting or surface roughening steps, as the particles are already embedded in the surface layer during the printing process itself, thereby simplifying the overall process while achieving the desired mechanical retention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process allows for easy surface modification of 3-dimensional articles, improving their adhesion to tooth surfaces using dental cements, such as glass ionomer cements, which was previously not possible, thereby simplifying the fixation process and enhancing the mechanical properties of the dental restorations.
Implementation Method 1
building up a 3-dimensional article by radiation-curing the radiation-curable composition layer by layer
Implementation Method 2
applying an additional curing step to the 3-dimensional article, preferably by applying heat and/or radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A process of producing a surface-modified 3-dimensional article, the process comprising the steps of providing a radiation-curable composition, building-up a 3-dimensional article by radiation-curing the radiation-curable composition layer by layer, preferably by using a stereolithography or digital light processing unit, partially removing radiation-curable composition which sticks to the surface of the 3-dimensional article, treating only a portion of the surface of the 3-dimensional article to which the radiation-curable composition is stuck with particles, applying an additional curing step to the 3-dimensional article, preferably by applying heat and/or radiation. A 3-dimensional article which can be obtained by such a process and a kit of parts comprising such a 3-dimensional article.