Cuando se trata de 3D printing dental components—from temporary teeth to permanent prosthetics—the choice of plastic materials for 3D printing teeth directly impacts patient comfort, durabilidad, y seguridad. Not all plastics are suitable: some lack biocompatibility, others can’t withstand daily chewing forces, and many fail to mimic the natural appearance of real teeth. This article breaks down the 5 most common plastic materials, sus propiedades clave, usos ideales, and how to select the right one for specific dental needs.
1. El 5 Core Plastic Materials for 3D Printing Teeth: Propiedades & Usos
Each plastic material has unique strengths tailored to different dental applications. Below is a detailed breakdown using a “总分结构”—first an overview, then material-specific details with “具体数字 / 场景化” ejemplos.
| Tipo de material | Propiedades clave | Ideal Dental Applications | Real-World Performance Example |
| Light-Curable Resin | – Precisión: ± 0.05 mm de precisión, perfect for matching tooth contours. – Estética: Can replicate natural tooth color (shades A1–D4) and translucency; colorants can be added for custom matching. – Resistencia mecánica: Compressive strength of 80–120 MPa, flexural strength of 50–70 MPa (meets daily chewing needs). | Permanent prosthetics (P.EJ., coronas, puentes), carillas, and custom dental models. | A patient with a chipped front tooth receives a 3D-printed light-curable resin veneer. The veneer matches the adjacent tooth’s color (shade B2) and shape so closely that even a dentist can’t distinguish it from natural enamel. Después 2 años de uso, it shows no signs of cracking or discoloration. |
| Termoplástico (ordenador personal, Abdominales) | – Durabilidad: PC has a thermal deformation temperature of 135–145°C (resists hot drinks) and impact strength of 60–80 kJ/m². – Rentabilidad: 30–50% cheaper than light-curable resin. – Ease of Processing: Funciona con impresoras FDM; can be trimmed or polished post-printing. | Temporary teeth (for patients waiting for permanent crowns), orthodontic retainers, and dental splints. | A patient undergoing root canal treatment wears a temporary ABS tooth. Encima 3 meses, it withstands daily use (chewing bread, pasta) sin romper. When the permanent crown is ready, the ABS tooth is easily removed and recycled. |
| Resina biocompatible | – Seguridad: Se encuentra con ISO 10993-1 estándares (Sin lixiviación tóxica, Sin reacciones alérgicas). – Tissue Compatibility: Can be in direct contact with gums or bone for 6+ meses. – Esterilización: Withstands autoclaving (121° C, 15 psi) for dental tool disinfection. | Implant surgical guides, orthodontic aligner trays, denture bases (worn long-term in the mouth). | A dentist uses a 3D-printed biocompatible resin surgical guide to place a dental implant. The guide fits the patient’s gum line perfectly, ensuring the implant is positioned at a 30° angle (optimal for bite function). The patient experiences no inflammation or discomfort, as the resin doesn’t irritate gum tissue. |
| Goma de silicona | – Softness: Shore A hardness of 20–40 (mimics gum tissue’s texture). – Elasticidad: Can stretch 200–300% without tearing; rebounds to original shape. – Bite Force Cushioning: Absorbs 30–40% of bite pressure (reduces jaw pain). | Gum models (for training dentists), occlusal pads (for patients with bruxism), and temporary gum protectors. | A patient with bruxism (teeth grinding) uses a silicone rubber occlusal pad. The pad is worn at night, cushioning the 500–800 N bite force (normal bite force is 200–300 N) and preventing enamel wear. Después 6 meses, the pad shows minimal degradation and still fits snugly. |
| Cetona de éter poliéter (OJEADA) | – Alta fuerza: Compressive strength of 120–140 MPa (stronger than many metals). – Durabilidad a largo plazo: Resists wear and degradation for 10+ años. – Biocompatibilidad: Approved for long-term implantation in the human body. | Permanent dental implants (P.EJ., estacionamiento), partial denture frameworks, and pediatric dental appliances (for growing mouths). | A 70-year-old patient receives a PEEK partial denture framework. The framework is lightweight (50% lighter than metal) and strong enough to support 3 artificial teeth. Después 5 años, it shows no corrosion or weakening, and the patient reports no discomfort during eating. |
2. How to Select the Right Plastic Material: A 4-Step Decision Guide
Choosing the wrong material can lead to failed dental components (P.EJ., a temporary tooth that breaks in 2 semanas) or patient harm (P.EJ., an allergic reaction to non-biocompatible resin). Follow this “linear 叙述” workflow to make the right choice:
Paso 1: Define the Component’s Purpose & Esperanza de vida
Preguntar: Will this component be temporary (used for weeks/months) or permanent (used for years)?
- Temporary (P.EJ., temporary teeth, 1–3 months use): Prioritize cost and ease of replacement—choose Abdominales or low-cost light-curable resin.
- Permanente (P.EJ., coronas, 5+ years use): Prioritize durability and biocompatibility—choose high-grade light-curable resin o OJEADA.
Paso 2: Evaluate Mechanical & Necesidades estéticas
- Mechanical Needs: If the component must withstand chewing (P.EJ., coronas, dentadura postiza), check its compressive strength (mínimo 80 MPA) y flexural strength (mínimo 50 MPA). Avoid soft materials like silicone rubber for load-bearing parts.
- Necesidades estéticas: For visible components (P.EJ., front teeth veneers), elegir light-curable resin (can match natural tooth color and translucency). For hidden components (P.EJ., implant abutments under gums), PEEK or biocompatible resin is sufficient (aesthetics don’t matter).
Paso 3: Confirm Biocompatibility & Seguridad
- For components that touch gums, bone, or saliva (P.EJ., denture bases, guías quirúrgicos), ensure the material meets ISO 10993-1 (Evaluación biológica de dispositivos médicos) o FDA Class I/II estándares. Never use non-biocompatible plastics (P.EJ., standard ABS for toys) in dental applications—they can leach toxic chemicals.
Paso 4: Match the Material to Your 3D Printing Technology
No todos los materiales funcionan con todas las impresoras. Use this quick checklist:
- Impresoras FDM: Works with thermoplastics (ordenador personal, Abdominales, OJEADA) and some rigid resins.
- SLA/DLP Printers: Ideal for light-curable resin and biocompatible resin (produces finer details).
- Silicone 3D Printers: Required for silicone rubber (standard FDM/SLA printers can’t print soft silicone).
3. Yigu Technology’s Perspective on Plastic Materials for 3D Printing Teeth
En la tecnología yigu, Hemos colaborado con 200+ dental clinics to optimize 3D printing workflows for teeth components. We’ve found that 70% of dental 3D printing failures stem from mismatched materials and applications—e.g., using a low-strength resin for a permanent crown. To solve this, we offer two solutions: 1) A dental material selection tool that recommends materials based on component type (P.EJ., “temporary tooth” → ABS) and patient needs (P.EJ., “allergic to resin” → PEEK); 2) Customized biocompatible resin blends (P.EJ., a resin with 10% higher flexural strength for posterior crowns). For dentists, choosing the right plastic isn’t just about specs—it’s about delivering safe, long-lasting solutions that improve patients’ quality of life.
Preguntas frecuentes: Common Questions About Plastic Materials for 3D Printing Teeth
- q: Can I use standard 3D printing PLA for temporary teeth?
A: No. PLA has low biocompatibility (may cause gum irritation) and poor mechanical strength (compressive strength of only 40–60 MPa)—it will break easily during chewing. Use medical-grade ABS or biocompatible resin instead.
- q: How long does a 3D-printed light-curable resin crown last compared to a traditional porcelain crown?
A: A high-quality light-curable resin crown lasts 5–7 years, while a traditional porcelain crown lasts 10–15 years. Sin embargo, resin crowns are cheaper (30–40% lower cost) and faster to produce (1–2 hours vs. 1–2 weeks for porcelain), making them ideal for patients on a budget or in need of quick replacements.
- q: Is silicone rubber safe for long-term use in the mouth (P.EJ., wearing an occlusal pad every night)?
A: Sí, if it’s medical-grade silicone rubber (se encuentra con ISO 10993-1 estándares). Medical-grade silicone doesn’t leach toxins, resist bacterial growth, and can be cleaned easily with dental hygiene products. Avoid industrial-grade silicone— it may contain chemicals that irritate gum tissue over time.