Comparison of the cytotoxicity of 3D-printed aligners using different post-curing procedures: an in vitro study

Abstract Objective Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology represents a novel method for manufacturing aligners. The aim of the present study was to assess in-vitro cytotoxicity 3D-printed aligners using different post-polymerisation conditions. Materials Aligners were printed same 3D-print resin (TC-85DAC, Graphy, Seoul, Korea) and printer (AccuFab-L4D, Shining 3D Tech. Co., Hangzhou, China), followed by post-curing procedures. Six post-polymerised 14 min Tera Harz Cure nitrogen generator curing machine (THC2, (P1). A further six post-cured 30 on each side Form (FormLabs Inc, Somerville, USA) (P2). cut into smaller specimens (2 mm×2 mm) sterilised at 121°C. placed in 96-well plates containing Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) 37° 7 or days. viability MC3T3E-1 pre-osteoblasts cultured with DMEM evaluated 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. optical density cell culture measured viability, following which data statistically analysed two-way one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Results comparison revealed significant differences between procedures MTT timings ( P < 0.001). After days, P2 significantly reduced compared P1 control groups 0.001), while showed no controls. Overall, exhibited moderate cytotoxicity, highly biocompatible. Conclusions Different may affect Clinicians should adhere manufacturer’s recommendations when resin.