Work

Mechanical Performance of a Monolithic 3D-Printed Orthodontic Bracket–Crown System: An In-Vitro Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluated the resistance under load of a novel monolithic prosthetic design integrating functional orthodontic components within a digitally fabricated framework. Sixty-six specimens were allocated into three groups: (1) a Design Group consisting of one-piece 3D-printed customized metal copings with integrated brackets or tubes; (2) a Porcelain Crown Group with conventionally bonded orthodontic attachments; and (3) a Natural Teeth Group with brackets and tubes bonded to extracted human teeth. Each group included premolar (bracket) and molar (tube) subgroups (n = 11). All specimens were subjected to shear loading using a universal testing machine. Higher resistance values were observed in the monolithic group (92.56 ± 63.88 MPa) (p < 0.001); however, these values represent structural resistance rather than shear bond strength. Despite the wide variability, all measured values remained above the clinically accepted threshold. No statistically significant differences were observed between porcelain crowns and natural teeth in premolar or molar subgroups. The findings indicate that eliminating the adhesive interface enhances structural integrity under shear forces. This monolithic orthodontic–prosthetic approach may provide a clinically relevant alternative in cases where conventional bonding is not feasible and supports a fully digital, patient-specific workflow through scanner library integration.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma19081584

Authors: Selcen Eser Mısır, Serkan Görgülü, Simel Ayyıldız, Gökhan Serhat Duran, Kübra Gülnur Topsakal

Institution: Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi

Language: English

Topic: Dental materials and restorations

Subfield: Orthodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi