Evaluation of Dimensional Accuracy and Density of Dental Structures Manufactured by Different Technologies

This study focuses on the fabrication and analysis of a total of 90 dental structures (metal parts of dental prostheses – coping, bridges) of 3 types made of cobalt-chromium alloy through different fabrication technologies which include casting, additive manufacturing by selective laser melting (SLM) and subtraction technology by CNC milling. The manufacturing accuracy analysis was carried out by comparing the nominal model and the actual model obtained by 3D scanning of the fabricated dental structures in GOM Inspect software. Density measurements were performed by helium-based gas pycnometry. The data obtained were statistically analysed and a statistically significant difference was confirmed between the subtraction and additive technology. Based on the available manufacturing technologies, materials and equipment used to fabricate the samples for this study, it can be concluded that dentures fabricated by 3D printing are more accurate than dental structures fabricated by milling or casting technology.