Tribological performance of the pair human teeth vs 3D printed zirconia: An in vitro chewing simulation study

• Published in: Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials Vol. 110; p. 103900
• Main Authors: Branco, A.C., Silva, R., Jorge, H., Santos, T., Lorenz, K., Polido, M., Colaço, R., Serro, A.P., Figueiredo-Pina, C.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01-10-2020
• Subjects: Dental Porcelain; Dental Restoration Wear; Dental zirconia pieces; Humans; Mastication; Materials Testing; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Robocasting; Surface Properties; Tribological behaviour; Unidirectional compressing; Zirconium; Tribological behaviour; Robocasting; Dental zirconia pieces; Unidirectional compressing
• ISSN: 1751-6161; 1878-0180
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103900

This study aims to evaluate the tribological performance of the pair human teeth/robocasted zirconia, with a special focus on the enamel wear mechanisms. Zirconia pieces produced by robocasting (RC) and unidirectional compression (UC) were compared in terms of crystalline structure, density, porosity, hardness and toughness. Chewing simulation tests were performed against human dental cusps. The cusps wear was quantified and the wear mechanisms identified. Although most of the properties of UC and RC samples are similar, differences were observed for surface roughness and porosity. Although the samples did not suffer wear, the antagonist cusps worn in a similar way. In conclusion, robocasting seems a promising technique to produce customized zirconia dental pieces, namely in what concerns the overall tribological behaviour.
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•Zirconia dental pieces were produced by robocasting (RC) and unidirectional compressing (UC).•RC samples present higher porosity and roughness, and lower hardness and toughness.•Samples did not wear on chewing tests, but induced similar wear on antagonists cusps.•Cusps suffered mild abrasive wear, delamination and fatigue.•Robocasting allows producing zirconia pieces with adequate tribological properties.