Comparative study on the wear resistance of C&B-type polymer materials for temporary crowns manufactured using 3D DLP printing technology

Abstract

DLP (Digital Light Processing) 3D printing enables precise fabrication of temporary crowns. Tribological properties of these materials affect clinical durability, wear resistance, and masticatory function. This study compared three C&B-type photopolymers for DLP-printed temporary crowns: Gr-17.1 temporary It, Gr-17 temporary (Pro3dure), and VarseoSmile Temp (BEGO). Samples were printed, post-processed, and polished. Surface topography (Sa, Sz) was measured via white light interferometry, and scratch resistance was evaluated with a Rockwell indenter. Sliding wear tests under wet conditions (37 degrees C, 90% RH) were conducted using an SRV 4 tester at 25 N for 20,000 cycles. VarseoSmile Temp showed the highest scratch and sliding wear resistance, with the lowest mean volumetric wear (0.025 mm(3)) and residual scratch depth, reflecting its higher inorganic filler content (30-50 wt%). Gr-17.1 had the most stable coefficient of friction (similar to 0.3), while Gr-17 experienced the greatest wear (0.235 mm(3)). No direct correlation between friction and wear was observed. These findings indicate that wear resistance depends on microstructure and filler content, supporting tribological testing as a tool to evaluate the durability of 3D-printed temporary crowns.