Influence of Different Post-Processing Procedures on the Accuracy of 3D Printed Dental Models Using Vat Polymerization: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has rapidly evolved across various fields of medicine and dentistry, particularly in orthodontics. One key application in orthodontics is the fabrication of dental models. Numerous parameters throughout the dental cast fabrication workflow can influence the accuracy of 3D-printed models. This review aims to evaluate the influence of post-processing procedures, specifically post-curing and post-rinsing, on the dimensional accuracy of 3D-printed dental casts. Materials and Methods: An initial data search was conducted using specific keywords across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). A secondary search of references and citations was also performed. This systematic review ultimately identified five studies that met the inclusion criteria (in vitro studies and studies referred to post-processing only of 3D-printed models) for further evaluation and analysis, whereas reviews, opinion studies, and papers in languages other than English were excluded. Based on the QUIN tool, all studies were assessed for their risk of bias. Because of the studies’ heterogeneity, a qualitative descriptive synthesis was conducted. Results: All five included studies were in vitro investigations. One study examined the influence of the post-curing process on dimensional accuracy, while the remaining four explored the impact of post-rinsing procedures on both dimensional accuracy and other surface characteristics of 3D-printed dental casts. Conclusions: According to the findings of the included studies, both post-curing and post-rinsing procedures had statistically significant effects on the dimensional accuracy of 3D-printed dental models. Nevertheless, all five studies concluded that the observed deviations remained within clinically acceptable limits, rendering the casts suitable for diagnostic orthodontic purposes or device fabrication. However, further research is needed to reinforce current findings and to enhance our understanding of the optimal post-processing protocols of additively manufactured dental casts.