The Impact of Surface Treatments and 3D Printing Machines on the Biaxial Flexural Strength of 3D-Printed Composite Resins

The use of 3D-printed composite resins, such as BEGO TriniQ, has gained popularity in dentistry due to their potential for durable and aesthetic restorations. However, the biaxial flexural strength of these materials, which is essential for their ability to withstand the stresses of oral function, remains an area requiring further study. Surface treatments like sandblasting and hydrofluoric acid etching are frequently used to enhance the strength of dental materials, yet their specific impact on 3D-printed resins is not fully understood. Furthermore, the choice of 3D printing technology may influence the mechanical properties of these materials. This study aims to investigate how surface treatments and printing machines affect the biaxial flexural strength of BEGO TriniQ resin, providing valuable insights for optimizing its clinical use.

This study aimed to assess the effects of various surface treatments and 3D printing machines on the biaxial flexural strength of BEGO TriniQ, a 3D-printed composite resin.

Eighty BEGO TriniQ composite resin specimens were 3D-printed, with 40 specimens produced using the Asiga MAX UV printer and 40 using the SprintRay Pro printer. Specimens, each with a diameter of 14 mm and thickness of 2 mm, were subjected to the following surface treatments: no treatment (control), sandblasting, hydrofluoric acid etching, and a combination of sandblasting and hydrofluoric acid etching.

Biaxial flexural strength was tested using a universal testing machine, and the effects of surface treatments and printing machines were analyzed using two-way ANOVA.

The biaxial flexural strength of BEGO TriniQ resin ranged from 103.29 MPa to 113.60 MPa. Specimens printed with the Asiga MAX UV showed slightly higher values compared to the SprintRay Pro, though the differences were not statistically significant. Surface treatments did not significantly improve the biaxial flexural strength, and no meaningful differences were observed between treatment groups (p > 0.05). Post-hoc analyses also confirmed no significant interaction between surface treatments and printing machines.

Neither surface treatments nor the type of 3D printing machine significantly impacted the biaxial flexural strength of BEGO TriniQ resin. These results suggest that surface treatments alone may not enhance the mechanical properties of 3D-printed composite resins, highlighting the need for alternative strategies, especially for high-stress dental applications.