Influence of postprinting cleaning methods on the cleaning efficiency and surface and mechanical properties of three-dimensionally printed resins

• Published in: The Journal of prosthetic dentistry 2024-10, Vol.132 (4), p.838.e1-838.e9
• Main Authors: Nam, Ok Hyung, Chung, Sang-Yeop, Hyun, Hong-Keun, Ye, Ju Ri, Jeong, Yuwon, Oh, Seo-Eun, Chae, Yong Kwon, Lee, Hyeonjong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0022-3913; 1097-6841; 1097-6841
• DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2024.02.026

The outcome of photopolymerized 3-dimensional (3D) printing is influenced by the methods used for postprinting cleaning, yet information on postprinting cleaning is sparse. The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the cleaning efficiency and surface and mechanical properties of 3D printed resin according to postprinting cleaning methods. Specimens were fabricated from a 3D model using resin materials (NextDent C&B MFH and DIOnavi-P. MAX) and were tested for postprinting cleaning methods for 5 minutes with isopropyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol + ultrasonic, ethyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol + ultrasonic, and ultrasonic alone. Postpolymerization was followed for 5 minutes. The cleaning efficiency, microcomputed tomography (µCT), surface roughness, Vickers hardness, and flexural strength of the specimens were evaluated. The 1-way ANOVA test was performed after considering normality. A post hoc analysis with Bonferroni was also performed (α=.008 or.005). Ultrasonic in addition to cleaning solutions significantly improved the cleaning efficiency in NextDent C&B MFH specimens (P.005). No significant changes in surface hardness were observed by postprinting cleaning methods (P>.008). In the NextDent C&B MFH, ethyl alcohol + ultrasonic significantly decreased the flexural strength (P.005). Ethyl alcohol was comparable with isopropyl alcohol for use as a postprinting cleaning solution for both NextDent C&B MFH and DIOnavi-P. MAX. The addition of ultrasonic to cleaning solutions should be applied with caution. These findings suggest that different postprinting cleaning methods can be recommended depending on the 3D printed resin materials.