Dimensional Stability of 3D Printed and Heat Cure Resins for Removable Dentures - A Literature Review

Background: Current innovations in digital dentistry have successfully led to the fabrication of removable dental prostheses using CAD/CAM technologies. In comparison with the conventional PMMA dentures, the 3D printed ones have significant advantages and higher dimensional stability. The purpose of this article is to review the available literature on the dimensional changes of three - dimensionally printed complete dentures, in comparison to the conventional acrylic resin in terms of new biomaterials, fabrication techniques and workflow. Materials and methods: The chosen criteria for inclusion of the selected articles have been written in English and published between 2005 and 2021 on 3D printed dentures, technique articles that reported processing, clinical steps with 3D printed dentures. The methodology included applying a search strategy, defining criteria, selecting a number of studies to summarize the results. Results and conclusion: The role of the elapsed time and the degree of polymerization shrinkage for the strength and modulus of elasticity are of great importance for the manufacture of removable prosthetic restorations.3D printing has potential to modernize the denture fabrication techniques, materials and workflows. The advantages of this method consist of easier clinical performance and low cost - effectiveness.