Quality Assessment and Comparison of 3D-Printed and Milled Zirconia Anterior Crowns and Veneers: In Vitro Pilot Study

Abstract: The esthetic rehabilitation of a patient is a demanding yet rewarding procedure, improving the form, function, and well-being of a patient. Three-dimensional (3D) printed, or additive manufactured, zirconia has recently entered the dental space, but without a thorough assessment or comparison. This pilot study utilized digital impressions of two demonstration casts: Cast 1 prepared both central incisors for full ceramic crown coverage, while cast 2 had a lateral incisor (#22) prepared for a ceramic veneer. Both casts underwent digital scanning (Straumann CARES 3, Straumann, Basel, Switzerland) to create virtual STL models. Cast 1 had two full zirconia anterior crowns digitally designed, and Cast 2 had a zirconia veneer digitally designed, using Exocad GmbH software by a certified dental technician at Schulich Dentistry. The STL files were used for fabricating six milled zirconia crowns for central incisor (#21) and six 3D-printed zirconia crowns for the other central incisor (#11). Similarly, for Cast 2, milled and 3D-printed zirconia veneers were made for the prepared lateral incisor (#22). Statistical analysis employed Minitab 16.1.0 software to construct a 2 × 2 table for cross-tabulation and chi-squared analysis. This statistical approach assessed the relationship between restoration design and processing method. Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test evaluated categorical variables considering different classification variables. Milled restorations showed minor variations, while 3D-printed units displayed consistency. Statistical tests found no significant associations. This in vitro study suggests 3D-printed zirconia for crowns and veneers meets precementation standards akin to conventionally milled restorations. Further research can assess its potential benefits for dentistry's efficiency, cost, and sustainability.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Quality Assessment and Comparison of 3D-Printed and Milled Zirconia Anterior Crowns and Veneers: In Vitro Pilot Study ; volume:13 ; number:02 ; year:2024 ; pages:081-089 ; European journal of general dentistry ; 13, Heft 02 (2024), 081-089

Contributors, Places and Time

• Contributor: Kalman, Les ; Tribst, João Paulo Mendes

Further information

• DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1782183
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2407111442232.343719383922
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:55 AM CEST