journal article·2026-05-19Open access

Geometric Accuracy of 3D-Printed Composite Dental Restorations Compared with the Original STL Design

Tommaso Rossi, Giulia Pascoletti, Michele Calì, Giuliana Baiamonte, Fulvia Concetta Rita Monaco, Elisabetta Maria Zanetti, Alberto Audenino, Gianpaolo Serino, Bartolomeo Coppola, Andrea Messina, Nicola Scotti

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables customized, efficient restorative workflows, though the accuracy of 3D-printed restorations may be compromised by polymerization, sintering shrinkage, and post-processing. This study evaluated the geometric accuracy of 3D-printed partial restorations compared with the computer-aided design (CAD) reference. The null hypothesis stated that no significant differences would be found between Varseo Smile Crownplus (by BEGO, Italy) and IRIXMax (by DWS System, Italy) materials, which are printed and cured with different technologies. A model was prepared for an overlay and designed with a 1.5 mm uniform thickness. Restorations were produced in two groups with two different printing processes: DLP (digital light processing)-printed Varseo Smile Crownplus and SLA (stereolithography)-printed IRIXMax. Six samples per group were printed at 90° orientation and scanned. Meshes were aligned to the master geometry via pre-alignment and ICP (Iterative Closest Point) registration. Deviations were quantified in CloudCompare using mean, standard deviation (SD), and 90th percentile values. IRIXMax showed the lowest deviations from the ideal geometry, while Varseo Smile Crownplus exhibited greater variability. Pairwise comparisons found IRIXMax significantly more accurate than Varseo Smile Crownplus. Color maps confirmed material-specific deviation patterns. IRIXMax provided the highest geometric accuracy. Material-specific calibration is essential for reliable 3D-printed definitive restorations.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Dental materials and restorations · Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies · Anatomy and Medical Technology

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Surgical Sciences, Dental School Lingotto, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy

Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, Via Duranti 93, 06125 Perugia, Italy

Electric, Electronics and Computer Engineering Department, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy

Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT), Politecnico di Torino, 10129 Turin, Italy

Funding

European Union

References (45)

Show source-provided references
1. Mahran, G.A., El-Banna, A., and El-Korashy, D.I. (2025). Evaluation of a 3D-printed nanohybrid resin composite versus a milled resin composite for flexural strength, wear and color stability. BMC Oral Health, 25.10.1186/s12903-025-05861-2 ↗
2. Additive manufacturing technologies used for processing polymers: Current status and potential application in prosthetic dentistry10.1111/jopr.12801 ↗
3. 3D printing in dentistry10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.914 ↗
4. A new method for the evaluation of the accuracy of full-arch digital impressions in vitro10.1007/s00784-015-1626-x ↗
5. Oberoi, G., Nitsch, S., Edelmayer, M., Janjić, K., Müller, A.S., and Agis, H. (2018). 3D Printing—Encompassing the Facets of Dentistry. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol., 6.10.3389/fbioe.2018.00172 ↗
6. In vivo precision of conventional and digital methods of obtaining complete-arch dental impressions10.1016/j.prosdent.2015.09.011 ↗
7. The accuracy of 3D-printed fixed dental restorations10.1111/jerd.13365 ↗
8. Effects of build direction on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed complete coverage interim dental restorations10.1016/j.prosdent.2015.12.002 ↗
9. Build angle: Does it influence the accuracy of 3D-printed dental restorations using digital light-processing technology?10.11607/ijp.5117 ↗
10. Precision and trueness of dental models manufactured with different 3-dimensional printing techniques10.1016/j.ajodo.2017.05.025 ↗
11. Mechanical properties of 3D-printed and milled composite resins for definitive restorations: An in vitro comparison of initial strength and fatigue behavior10.1111/jerd.13132 ↗
12. Resin composite—State of the art10.1016/j.dental.2010.10.020 ↗
13. Resin composite restorative materials10.1111/j.1834-7819.2010.01296.x ↗
14. Effect of manufacturing trinomial and restoration thickness on the fabrication trueness, fit, and margin quality of additively manufactured resin-based ultrathin laminate veneers10.1016/j.jdent.2025.105606 ↗
15. Factors involved in the development of polymerization shrinkage stress in resin composites: A systematic review10.1016/j.dental.2005.04.018 ↗
16. Farag, E., Sabet, A., Ebeid, K., and El Sergany, O. (2024). Build angle effect on 3D-printed dental crowns marginal fit using digital light-processing and stereolithography technology: An in vitro study. BMC Oral Health, 24.10.1186/s12903-024-03851-4 ↗
17. Son, K., Lee, J.-H., and Lee, K.-B. (2021). Comparison of intaglio surface trueness of interim dental crowns fabricated with SLA 3D printing, DLP 3D printing, and milling technologies. Healthcare, 9.10.3390/healthcare9080983 ↗
18. Evaluation of the Support Structure Removal Techniques for Additively Manufactured Ti6AL4V Parts10.1155/2022/2259974 ↗
19. Additive Manufacturing of Metal Load-Bearing Implants 1: Geometric Accuracy and Mechanical Challenges10.1002/cite.202300171 ↗
20. CAD-CAM-RTV-Lost-wax casting technology for medical implants10.1108/13552540910960316 ↗
21. Micro-CT analysis of 3D printed provisional crowns fitting
22. Trueness and marginal fit of implant-supported complete-arch fixed prosthesis frameworks made of high-performance polymers and titanium: An explorative in-vitro study10.1016/j.jdent.2021.103784 ↗
23. Tooth structure removal associated with various preparation designs for posterior teeth
24. A comparison of accuracy of 3 intraoral scanners: A single-blinded in vitro study10.1016/j.prosdent.2019.10.023 ↗
25. Effect of 3D printing technology and print orientation on the trueness of additively manufactured definitive casts with different tooth preparations10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105244 ↗
26. Objects build orientation, positioning, and curing influence dimensional accuracy and flexural properties of stereolithographically printed resin10.1016/j.dental.2018.09.011 ↗
27. 3D printing with polymers: Challenges among expanding options and opportunities10.1016/j.dental.2015.09.018 ↗
28. Printing accuracy, mechanical properties, surface characteristics, and microbial adhesion of 3D-printed resins with various printing orientations10.1016/j.prosdent.2019.05.034 ↗
29. Accuracy evaluation of complete-arch models manufactured by three different 3D printing technologies: A three-dimensional analysis10.2186/jpr.JPOR_2019_579 ↗
30. A systematic review of CAD/CAM fit restoration evaluations
31. Marginal adaptation of ceramic crowns: A systematic review10.1016/j.prosdent.2013.08.003 ↗
32. Irshad, T.B., Pascoletti, G., Pagano, S., Valenti, C., and Zanetti, E.M. (2025). A Novel Integrated CAD-Multibody Approach for TMJ Prosthesis Design. Designs, 9.10.3390/designs9040078 ↗
33. Marginal fit evaluation of CAD/CAM all ceramic crowns obtained by two digital workflows: An in vitro study using micro-CT technology10.1111/jopr.13115 ↗
34. Comparative analysis of the degree of conversion of temporary dental resin materials fabricated by different 3D printing technologies
35. Photopolymerization and shrinkage in additive manufacturing
36. Dimensional accuracy and degree of conversion of 3D printed dental resin according to post-curing time
37. New resins for dental composites
38. Digital light processing 3D printing of conductive complex structures
39. Investigation of light scattering and curing behavior in DLP printing
40. Understanding dental CAD/CAM for restorations—Accuracy from a mechanical engineering viewpoint
41. Shin, S.H., Lim, J.H., Kang, Y.J., Kim, J.H., Shim, J.S., and Kim, J.E. (2020). Evaluation of the 3D printing accuracy of a dental model according to its internal structure and cross-arch plate design: An in vitro study. Materials, 13.10.3390/ma13235433 ↗
42. Accuracy of CAD/CAM-fabricated bite splints: Milling vs 3D printing10.1007/s00784-020-03329-x ↗
43. Baiamonte, G., Pascoletti, G., Monaco, F., Calì, M., and Zanetti, E.M. (2025). Emerging Technologies and Performing Materials in Manufacturing Dental Prostheses: The Role of Chewing Simulators. International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Springer Nature.10.1007/978-3-032-05610-8_38 ↗
44. Considerations in measurement of marginal fit10.1016/0022-3913(89)90170-4 ↗
45. Evaluation of the fatigue behavior of implant-supported 3D-printed and milled resins for definitive crowns