Mechanical properties of dental restoration materials fabricated using 3D printing polymers and CAD/CAM hybrid blocks: a comparative study

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of dental restorative materials fabricated using three-dimensional printing and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing hybrid composite resin blocks. METHODS: Four restorative materials were tested: two three-dimensionally printed permanent resins (TC-80DP and C&B MFH) and two computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing nanohybrid composite resin blocks (Mazic Duro and Shofu Disk). A total of 120 specimens were prepared, consisting of rectangular bars for flexural testing and cubes for microhardness and wear resistance evaluations. Flexural strength and load-displacement behavior were measured using a universal testing machine. Flexural Toughness was estimated by calculating the area under the load-displacement curve. Volumetric wear loss was assessed after simulated mastication using a chewing simulator and three-dimensional scanning, and surface microhardness was determined with a Vickers hardness tester. RESULTS: The three-dimensionally printed permanent resins demonstrated flexural strength comparable to that of the computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing hybrid composite blocks. Among all materials, TC-80DP exhibited the greatest toughness. However, the hybrid composite blocks showed significantly higher surface microhardness and superior wear resistance compared with the three-dimensionally printed permanent resins. CONCLUSIONS: Although three-dimensionally printed permanent resins exhibited promising flexural strength and flexural toughness, their lower wear resistance and surface hardness indicate that further material improvements are necessary before they can be considered viable alternatives for long-term permanent dental restorations.