Dental Physical Sciences, Institute of Dentistry, Francis Bancroft Building, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, U.K.
School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London, SE1 0AA, U.K.
J Microsc. 2018 Dec;272(3):207-212. doi: 10.1111/jmi.12725. Epub 2018 Jun 28.
Artificial teeth have several advantages in preclinical training. The aim of this study is to three-dimensionally (3D) print accurate artificial teeth using scans from X-ray microtomography (XMT). Extracted and artificial teeth were imaged at 90 kV and 40 kV, respectively, to create detailed high contrast scans. The dataset was visualised to produce internal and external meshes subsequently exported to 3D modelling software for modification before finally sending to a slicing program for printing. After appropriate parameter setting, the printer deposited material in specific locations layer by layer, to create a 3D physical model. Scans were manipulated to ensure a clean model was imported into the slicing software, where layer height replicated the high spatial resolution that was observed in the XMT scans. The model was then printed in two different materials (polylactic acid and thermoplastic elastomer). A multimaterial print was created to show the different physical characteristics between enamel and dentine. LAY DESCRIPTION: Objectives Trainee dentists practice procedures using artificial teeth that are far from real teeth. Using x-rays and 3D printing technology the project will recreate a real tooth, artificially. Methods X-rays produce a 3D image that can be printed out as a physical replica, after several conversions of files. Different settings can be used to allow the printed model, to be as accurate as possible. Data were collected on the forces from a dental drill on a tooth's surface, to measure hardness and resistance. Results Multiple teeth replicas were printed with a high accuracy. The materials printed did not mimic actual tooth properties, but using the data from real teeth, materials can be tested in future.
人工牙在临床前培训中有几个优势。本研究的目的是使用 X 射线微断层扫描（XMT）的扫描来 3D 打印精确的人工牙。分别对提取的和人工牙在 90 kV 和 40 kV 下进行成像，以创建详细的高对比度扫描。对数据集进行可视化处理，生成内外网格，然后将其导出到 3D 建模软件进行修改，最后发送到切片程序进行打印。在适当的参数设置后，打印机逐层沉积材料，以创建 3D 物理模型。对扫描进行处理，以确保干净的模型被导入到切片软件中，其中层厚复制了在 XMT 扫描中观察到的高空间分辨率。然后，使用两种不同的材料（聚乳酸和热塑性弹性体）打印模型。创建了多材料打印，以显示牙釉质和牙本质之间的不同物理特性。层描述：目的实习牙医使用远非真实牙齿的人工牙练习操作。使用 X 射线和 3D 打印技术，该项目将人工重建真实牙齿。方法 X 射线产生的 3D 图像可以在经过多次文件转换后打印成物理副本。可以使用不同的设置来使打印模型尽可能准确。收集了牙科钻头在牙齿表面的力的数据，以测量硬度和阻力。结果打印了多个具有高精度的牙齿复制品。打印的材料不能模拟实际牙齿的特性，但可以使用真实牙齿的数据来测试未来的材料。
