Do the Physicomechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Resin-Based Composite Materials Support Their Use for Definitive Restorations? A Narrative Review.

Abstract

Three-dimensional-printed resin-based composite (3D-RBC) materials for definitive restorations offer more cost-effectiveness and save more chair-side time compared to computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) or milled restorations. While the filler/resin ratio of 3D-RBCs is kept low to allow for vat photopolymerization and 3D printing, this can significantly influence their material-inherent properties and the mechanical behavior of 3D-RBC restorations intraorally. This narrative review aimed to critically review the literature on the physicomechanical properties of 3D-RBC materials for definitive restorations. Three electronic bibliographic databases (Medline via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched to identify studies on 3D-RBCs for definitive restorations. Ninety-nine studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. With lower mechanical properties and high susceptibility to color change, 3D-RBCs are not yet valid alternatives to CAD/CAM (milled) composite or hybrid materials for definitive restorations. 3D-RBC definitive restorations presented excellent marginal and internal adaptation, comparable to or superior to milled restorations. Clinical evidence on these restorations is still insufficient to draw definitive conclusions. However, 3D-RBCs seem more suitable for cases with less challenging occlusal conditions and aesthetic needs.