Quando 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, durabilidade, e segurança. Nem todos os plásticos são adequados: alguns não têm biocompatibilidade, outros não conseguem suportar as forças diárias de mastigação, e muitos não conseguem imitar a aparência natural dos dentes reais. Este artigo detalha o 5 most common plastic materials, suas principais propriedades, ideal uses, and how to select the right one for specific dental needs.
1. O 5 Core Plastic Materials for 3D Printing Teeth: Propriedades & 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” exemplos.
| Tipo de material | Propriedades principais | Ideal Dental Applications | Real-World Performance Example |
| Light-Curable Resin | – Precisão: ±0.05mm accuracy, perfect for matching tooth contours. – Estética: Can replicate natural tooth color (shades A1–D4) and translucency; colorants can be added for custom matching. – Resistência Mecânica: Compressive strength of 80–120 MPa, flexural strength of 50–70 MPa (meets daily chewing needs). | Permanent prosthetics (por exemplo, coroas, pontes), folheados, 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. Depois 2 anos de uso, it shows no signs of cracking or discoloration. |
| Termoplásticos (PC, ABS) | – Durabilidade: PC has a thermal deformation temperature of 135–145°C (resists hot drinks) and impact strength of 60–80 kJ/m². – Custo-benefício: 30–50% cheaper than light-curable resin. – Facilidade de processamento: Works with FDM printers; 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. Sobre 3 meses, it withstands daily use (chewing bread, pasta) without breaking. When the permanent crown is ready, the ABS tooth is easily removed and recycled. |
| Biocompatible Resin | – Safety: Atende ISO 10993-1 padrões (no toxic leaching, no allergic reactions). – Tissue Compatibility: Can be in direct contact with gums or bone for 6+ meses. – Esterilização: 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. |
| Borracha de silicone | – Softness: Shore A hardness of 20–40 (mimics gum tissue’s texture). – Elasticidade: 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. Depois 6 meses, the pad shows minimal degradation and still fits snugly. |
| Poliéter Éter Cetona (ESPIAR) | – Alta resistência: Compressive strength of 120–140 MPa (stronger than many metals). – Long-Term Durability: Resists wear and degradation for 10+ anos. – Biocompatibilidade: Approved for long-term implantation in the human body. | Permanent dental implants (por exemplo, abutments), 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% mais leve que o metal) and strong enough to support 3 artificial teeth. Depois 5 anos, 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 (por exemplo, a temporary tooth that breaks in 2 semanas) or patient harm (por exemplo, an allergic reaction to non-biocompatible resin). Follow this “linear 叙述” workflow to make the right choice:
Etapa 1: Define the Component’s Purpose & Lifespan
Perguntar: Will this component be temporary (used for weeks/months) or permanent (used for years)?
- Temporary (por exemplo, temporary teeth, 1–3 months use): Prioritize cost and ease of replacement—choose ABS or low-cost light-curable resin.
- Permanente (por exemplo, coroas, 5+ years use): Prioritize durability and biocompatibility—choose high-grade light-curable resin ou ESPIAR.
Etapa 2: Evaluate Mechanical & Necessidades Estéticas
- Mechanical Needs: If the component must withstand chewing (por exemplo, coroas, dentures), check its resistência à compressão (mínimo 80 MPa) e flexural strength (mínimo 50 MPa). Avoid soft materials like silicone rubber for load-bearing parts.
- Necessidades Estéticas: For visible components (por exemplo, front teeth veneers), choose light-curable resin (can match natural tooth color and translucency). For hidden components (por exemplo, implant abutments under gums), PEEK or biocompatible resin is sufficient (aesthetics don’t matter).
Etapa 3: Confirm Biocompatibility & Safety
- For components that touch gums, bone, or saliva (por exemplo, denture bases, guias cirúrgicas), ensure the material meets ISO 10993-1 (avaliação biológica de dispositivos médicos) ou FDA Class I/II padrões. Never use non-biocompatible plastics (por exemplo, standard ABS for toys) in dental applications—they can leach toxic chemicals.
Etapa 4: Match the Material to Your 3D Printing Technology
Not all materials work with all printers. Use this quick checklist:
- FDM Printers: Works with thermoplastics (PC, ABS, ESPIAR) 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
Na tecnologia Yigu, we’ve collaborated with 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) UM dental material selection tool that recommends materials based on component type (por exemplo, “temporary tooth” → ABS) and patient needs (por exemplo, “allergic to resin” → PEEK); 2) Customized biocompatible resin blends (por exemplo, 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.
Perguntas frequentes: Common Questions About Plastic Materials for 3D Printing Teeth
- P: Can I use standard 3D printing PLA for temporary teeth?
UM: Não. 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.
- P: How long does a 3D-printed light-curable resin crown last compared to a traditional porcelain crown?
UM: A high-quality light-curable resin crown lasts 5–7 years, while a traditional porcelain crown lasts 10–15 years. No entanto, 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.
- P: Is silicone rubber safe for long-term use in the mouth (por exemplo, wearing an occlusal pad every night)?
UM: Sim, if it’s medical-grade silicone rubber (atende ISO 10993-1 padrões). 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.