DESIGN AND APPLICATION OF A TWO-PART QUADRANGULAR DEVICE FOR FABRICATION OF UNIFORM TEST SAMPLES FOR BOND STRENGTH TESTING BETWEEN ARTIFICIAL TOOTH AND DENTURE BASE

To improve the precision and standardization of biomechanical testing of bond strength between artificial teeth and denture bases, an innovative two-part quadrangular device was developed using 3D printing technology (Bambu Lab X-1 Carbon) with polymeric materials. The development was based on a digital model of a scanned artificial tooth (Atos Core 200), which served as a reference for producing uniform and reproducible samples. The lower part of the device is designed for forming the denture base and is filled with wax, while the upper part contains an opening with a specially designed guiding surface matching the dimensions of the scanned tooth, enabling precise positioning at a 90° angle relative to the base. This ensures that each sample is identical in orientation and dimensions, which is crucial for reducing variability in testing. The fabricated samples then undergo a standard dental laboratory waxing procedure identical to the waxing phase of removable denture models. This process ensures full compatibility with real clinical conditions of removable denture fabrication, contributing to the validity and relevance of the obtained results. The unique design of the device allows easy and safe removal of samples without damage, further increasing the reliability of mechanical testing. The produced test samples are then tested on a universal testing machine using a device for bond strength testing under variable loading angles, simulating the complex biomechanical conditions present during functional mandibular movements. This innovative approach enables more precise evaluation of adhesive properties between the tooth and denture base and represents a significant step forward in the development and optimization of removable dental prostheses, with the potential to improve their longevity and clinical reliability.