Denture flask fabrication using fused deposition modeling three-dimensional printing

Abstract

Purpose: This paper describes a method for making a customized denture flask using fused deposition modeling (FDM) by three-dimensional (3D) printing. We have proposed a new digital dental prosthesis using conventional dental base materials and artificial teeth.

Methods: Using the universal development system software, a denture-designed Standard Tessellation Language (STL) file and a denture flask STL file were superimposed, and the denture region was set as an empty space. After setting the offset value to 200 μm between the denture base and teeth for artificial tooth positioning, the flask was created by FDM 3D printing. Conventional artificial teeth were inserted into the 3D-printed flask, and resin packing, finishing, and polishing were performed using the conventional method for fabricating the complete denture.

Conclusions: The 3D printing materials used to make digital dental prostheses have not yet been fully validated. Therefore, the production of a 3D-printed denture flask, which can use conventional complete denture materials, presents a new alternative to the digital fabrication of dentures.