Effects of washing agents on the mechanical and biocompatibility properties of water-washable 3D printing crown and bridge resin

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, otherwise known as additive manufacturing in a non-technical context, is becoming increasingly popular in the field of dentistry. As an essential step in the 3D printing process, postwashing with organic solvents can damage the printed resin polymer and possibly pose a risk to human health. The development of water-washable dental resins means that water can be used as a washing agent. However, the effects of washing agents and washing times on the mechanical and biocompatibility properties of water-washable resins remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of different washing agents (water, detergent, and alcohol) and washing time points (5, 10, 20, and 30 min) on the flexural strength, Vickers hardness, surface characterization, degree of conversion, biocompatibility, and monomer elution of 3D printed samples. Using water for long-term washing better preserved the mechanical properties, caused a smooth surface, and improved the degree of conversion, with 20 min of washing with water achieving the same biological performance as organic solvents. Water is an applicable agent option for washing the 3D printing water-washable temporary crown and bridge resin in the postwashing process. This advancement facilitates the development of other water-washable intraoral resins and the optimization of clinical standard washing guidelines.