Impact of Storage Temperature and Duration on Dimensional Stability and Mechanical Properties of 3D ‐Printed Implant Surgical Guides

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the impact of storage temperature and duration on the dimensional stability and mechanical properties of 3D‐printed surgical guides. Materials and Methods Sixty surgical guides were designed using two software programs (3Shape and SMOP) and printed with NextDent SG resin. Specimens were stored at 2°C, 20°C, and 30°C ( n = 10). Scans were performed at baseline and after 2, 4, and 6 weeks to assess dimensional stability by using root mean square (RMS) deviation. Additionally, 30 bar‐shaped and 30 disk‐shaped specimens were printed ( n = 10) to evaluate flexural strength, flexural modulus, and hardness after 6 weeks of storage at the respective temperatures. Results Storage temperature had no significant effect on dimensional stability for 3Shape or SMOP. However, RMS values increased significantly from 2 to 6 weeks for both groups. In standardized mechanical specimens, storage temperature significantly affected flexural strength ( p < 0.001) and flexural modulus ( p = 0.018), but not Vickers hardness ( p = 0.126). Flexural strength was highest at 30°C, while 2°C and 20°C did not differ significantly ( p = 0.772). Flexural modulus was higher at 20°C than at 2°C ( p = 0.038). Conclusions Storage temperature did not affect dimensional stability or hardness but influenced flexural properties in standardized specimens. Time‐dependent dimensional changes were detected. Based on mechanical data, storage at 20°C or 30°C may be preferable to refrigeration for maintaining flexural performance. Clinical Significance 3D‐printed surgical guides demonstrated dimensional stability across varying storage temperatures, although time‐dependent deviations were detected. Based on standardized mechanical specimens, refrigeration may not provide mechanical benefits compared with room‐temperature storage. Therefore, room‐temperature storage may be preferable when delayed use is expected, even in warmer climates.