Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for JFB Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Digital Design and Biomechanical Analysis of Dental Materials

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983). This special issue belongs to the section "Dental Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 April 2027 | Viewed by 8204

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Vladimir Prpić

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: prosthodontics; dental materials; digital dentistry; 3D printing; biodegradable materials

Prof. Dr. Nikša Dulčić

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Removable Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: prosthodontics; dental materials; digital dentistry; milling

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Digital design has revolutionized dental medicine by transforming the manufacturing of dental restorations and treatment planning. The integration of advanced digital technologies has enabled greater precision, efficiency, and customization. Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) enables the virtual design of restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and veneers, while digital workflow eliminates the need for traditional impressions, reducing patient discomfort and expediting treatment processes. Central to this workflow are digital scanners, which capture intraoral data to accurately replicate a patient’s oral situation. The CAM component then translates the digital designs into physical restorations using techniques such as milling or 3D printing. These digital workflows have also enhanced communication between dental clinicians and laboratories. These advances in digital technologies are thus are improving the efficiency and predictability of dental medicine.

The rapid evolution of digital tools has significantly influenced the development of compatible dental materials. Modern materials are engineered to align with CAD/CAM systems, improving the accuracy and longevity of restorations. Understanding their mechanical properties is essential to ensure long-term durability and optimal clinical outcomes. Despite the existing research, further exploration is needed in this rapidly developing field.

This Special Issue, Digital Design and Biomechanical Analysis of Dental Materials, highlights recent advances in digital dentistry, focusing on the use of technologies, such as milling and 3D printing, in the fabrication of dental restorations. The in vitro biomechanical testing of materials will provide critical insights into their performance under conditions simulating the oral environment. This Special Issue encourages original studies that investigate progress in digital dentistry and material science, particularly those that demonstrate a potential to enhance treatment effectiveness and patient well-being.

Dr. Vladimir Prpić
Prof. Dr. Nikša Dulčić
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Biomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

digital design
biomechanical properties
dental materials
computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
3D printing
milling

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

15 pages, 2369 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Yttria Content and Margin Design on the Fracture Resistance of Monolithic Zirconia Crowns

by Beyza Güney, Elif Yılmaz Biçer, Dilan Gizem Doğan and Merve Bankoğlu Güngör

J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(5), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17050219 - 2 May 2026

Viewed by 873

Abstract

Background: Zirconia ceramics are generally used in monolithic restorations, and their microstructural, mechanical, and optical properties continue to improve. Several factors affect the mechanical properties of these restorations; however, the combined effects of yttria content and margin design on the fracture resistance remain unclear. Methods: Sixty monolithic zirconia crowns were fabricated and assigned to six groups (n = 10) based on three different yttria contents (strength-gradient multilayer zirconia containing 3 mol% yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystals in the dentin region and 5 mol% yttria-partially stabilized zirconia in the occlusal region: 3Y-TZP/5Y-PSZ [ZP], 3 mol% yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystals: 3Y-TZP [HTML], and 4 mol% yttria-partially stabilized zirconia: 4Y-PSZ [STML]), and two different margin designs (chamfer and rounded shoulder). Crowns were adhesively bonded to standardized 3-dimensional-printed resin dies and subjected to thermal and mechanical aging (10,000 thermocycles at 5–55 °C, and 1.2 million mechanical cycles at 50 N, 1.6 Hz). Fracture resistance values were recorded in Newtons, and fracture types were evaluated. Data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Bonferroni adjustment was used for multiple comparisons (α = 0.05). Results: A significant interaction between yttria content and margin design was found (p = 0.005). In the chamfer margin design groups, ZP (2208.5 ± 501.9 N) and HTML (2069.6 ± 463.3 N) showed significantly higher fracture resistance than STML (1444 ± 303.2 N) (p < 0.05). In the rounded shoulder margin design groups, no significant differences were observed among ZP (1662.8 ± 293.8 N), HTML (1940.9 ± 341.6 N), and STML (1795.6 ± 529.6 N) (p > 0.05). ZP and HTML showed higher fracture resistance values with the chamfer margin design, while STML showed higher fracture resistance with the rounded shoulder margin design. Conclusions: The fracture resistance of zirconia restorations is influenced by both the margin design and the yttria content. Designing the margin geometry based on the type of zirconia to be used can enhance the mechanical properties of the restorations and support clinical decision-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Design and Biomechanical Analysis of Dental Materials)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 3363 KB

Open AccessArticle

Accuracy of Static Computer-Aided Implant Surgery: A Clinical Comparison of Tooth-, Bone-, and Mucosa-Supported Surgical Guides

by Igor Smojver, Roko Bjelica, Marko Vuletić, Luka Stojić, Vlatka Njari Galić and Dragana Gabrić

J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(4), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17040194 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1544

Abstract

The accuracy of static computer-aided implant surgery (s-CAIS) is fundamental for predictable clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different guide-support modalities on the linear and angular accuracy of implant placement. In this retrospective clinical investigation conducted at a single specialty hospital, a total of 180 implants were analyzed, divided into three equal groups (n = 60) based on the guide support type: tooth-supported, bone-supported, and mucosa-supported. Accuracy was assessed by superimposing preoperative virtual plans with postoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, measuring linear deviations at the neck and apex of the implant, as well as angular discrepancies. The type of guide support was found to be a significant factor associated with surgical accuracy (p < 0.001). Tooth-supported guides demonstrated the highest level of accuracy, with a mean angular deviation of 1.81° ± 0.45° and linear deviations at the neck and apex of 0.59 ± 0.18 mm and 0.73 ± 0.19 mm, respectively. These were followed by bone-supported guides (2.14° ± 0.48°; 1.04 ± 0.26 mm; 1.61 ± 0.31 mm), while mucosa-supported guides exhibited the greatest deviations (2.95° ± 0.60°; 1.47 ± 0.29 mm; 1.87 ± 0.37 mm). Significant intergroup differences and large effect sizes were observed, particularly regarding angular and horizontal discrepancies. These findings demonstrate a distinct gradient of accuracy based on guide support, establishing tooth-supported guides as the most accurate, followed by bone-supported and, lastly, mucosa-supported guides. While all modalities are clinically applicable, the use of mucosa-supported guides necessitates increased safety margins to account for the increased risk of linear and angular discrepancies inherent to mucosal tissue displacement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Design and Biomechanical Analysis of Dental Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1440 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Printing Orientation on the Dimensional Accuracy of 3D-Printed Denture Base

by Ivet Dzhondrova, Ilia Liondev, Todor Bogdanov, Todor Uzunov, Nickolay Apostolov, Rangel Todorov and Dimitar Kirov

J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(3), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17030109 - 24 Feb 2026

Viewed by 730

Abstract

Additive manufacturing is now an integral part of digital prosthodontic workflows, and although stereolithography (SLA) is widely used for denture base fabrication, the dimensional accuracy of printed dentures remains highly dependent on manufacturing parameters, particularly build orientation. This study evaluated the influence of build orientation on the trueness and precision of SLA-printed maxillary and mandibular denture bases. Thirty complete denture bases were fabricated using SLA and divided into three groups according to build orientation: 0°, 45°, and 90° (n = 10). The intaglio surfaces of the printed dentures were scanned and compared with their corresponding digital reference models using three-dimensional inspection software. Trueness was quantified using root mean square error (RMSE) and directional deviations, while precision was assessed based on the variability of RMSE values within each group. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (p ≤ 0.05). Build orientation significantly affected the trueness of maxillary denture bases, with dentures printed at 90° demonstrating the lowest RMSE values. No statistically significant differences in trueness were observed among build orientations for mandibular denture bases. Precision was not influenced by build orientation for maxillary dentures, whereas mandibular dentures printed at 90° exhibited significantly greater variability compared with 0° and 45°. Build orientation is a critical factor influencing the dimensional accuracy of SLA-printed denture bases in an arch-dependent manner. Optimizing build orientation may enhance both accuracy and reproducibility, thereby improving the predictability and clinical reliability of additively manufactured denture bases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Design and Biomechanical Analysis of Dental Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2674 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Dimensional Accuracy of 3D-Printed Aligners: An In Vitro Study Using Reverse Engineering Analysis

by Samuele Avolese, Fabrizio Sanna, Simone Parrini, Giada Chiarello, Danila Lava, Ambra Sedran, Andrea Deregibus and Nicola Scotti

J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17010022 - 30 Dec 2025

Viewed by 840

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the dimensional deformation that can occur during the fabrication of a 3D-printed aligner made with the TC-85 DAC resin (Graphy Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea) and determine if the manual removal of the print supports before final aligner curing affects the dimensional accuracy. Methods: 10 subjects with permanent dentition were selected, and a set of aligners was digitally designed using the uDesign Direct Aligner beta software (Graphy Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea). Each aligner was 3D-printed using TC-85 DAC resin (Graphy Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea) twice: one copy was produced removing the print supports before final curing, whereas the other was cured with the supports still attached. The aligners were digitized and compared to the original design of the digitally designed aligner using RMS and Inter-second molar distance data to identify variations between 3D-produced aligners and their respective digital design. Results: the comparison between aligners produced in two different ways was statistically significant with a p-value < 0.0001 for both the records used. Conclusions: the manual removal of the print supports before final curing affects the dimensional accuracy of aligners made by direct 3D printing, permanently altering the aligner’s internal geometry, confirming that post-processing conditions significantly affect dimensional stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Design and Biomechanical Analysis of Dental Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1690 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Printing Orientation and Post-Curing Time on the Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Denture Base Resin

by Ivet Dzhondrova, Ilia Liondev, Iva Taneva, Todor Bogdanov, Todor Uzunov and Dimitar Kirov

J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17010001 - 19 Dec 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1208

Abstract

Additive manufacturing is increasingly integrated into dental technology, yet the mechanical performance of 3D-printed denture base resins remains strongly influenced by printing orientation and post-curing duration. This study evaluated the combined effect of three printing orientations (0°, 45°, 90°) and three post-curing times (30, 45, 60 min) on the flexural strength and surface microhardness of a denture base resin. Specimens designed in Blender and fabricated using NextDent Denture 3D+ resin were subjected to three-point bending tests (n = 5 per group) and Vickers microhardness measurements (n = 10 per group). One-way ANOVA assessed main and interaction effects. Printing orientation had a significant influence on flexural strength, with horizontally printed specimens exhibiting the highest values, whereas vertically printed specimens were consistently weaker. Post-curing time did not significantly affect flexural strength within any orientation. In contrast, microhardness increased progressively with longer post-curing durations, regardless of orientation, indicating continued surface polymerisation. Because flexural strength and hardness responded differently to curing duration, no single post-curing time was universally optimal; however, 0° printing consistently produced the strongest specimens for this resin–printer system. This trade-off is clinically relevant, because dentures require high flexural strength to resist fracture and sufficient hardness to minimise wear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Design and Biomechanical Analysis of Dental Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2822 KB

Open AccessArticle

Does Printing Orientation Matter in PolyJet 3D Printed Teeth for Endodontics? A Micro-CT Analysis

by Cláudia Barbosa, Tiago Reis, José B. Reis, Margarida Franco, Catarina Batista, Rui B. Ruben, Benjamín Martín-Biedma and Jose Martín-Cruces

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(12), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16120471 - 18 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 852

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the optimal printing orientation (X, Y, or Z axis) and positioning of a mandibular molar presenting an isthmus using PolyJet™ technology. The influence of these parameters on dimensional accuracy and on the behavior of 3D-printed teeth (3DPT) during endodontic preparation with ProTaper Gold^® system was evaluated. Six groups (XA, XB, YA, YB, ZA, ZB; n = 10) were printed with different axis orientations and distinct isthmus positions relative to the build platform. All samples underwent micro-computed tomography scanning before and after endodontic preparation. Regarding preoperative analyses—canal volume, centroids, and total tooth volume and area—no significant differences were found between groups XA–YA or XB–YB (p > 0.05), supporting their comparability. In contrast, groups ZA and ZB differed significantly from all others (p < 0.05), failing to meet equivalence required for further comparison, and were therefore excluded. Postoperative evaluation—volume change, centroid displacement, transportation, and unprepared areas—revealed no significant differences between XA–YA and XB–YB. Within the limitations of this study, both printing orientation and position affected the accuracy and repeatability of 3DPT, with positioning exerting the greatest influence, while their behavior towards endodontic preparation remained consistent across orientations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Design and Biomechanical Analysis of Dental Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3261 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biological Response of Osteoblasts to Zirconia Manufactured via FFF, DLP, and Milling

by Christoph J. Roser, Ralf Erber, Andreas Zenthöfer, Stefan Rues, Christopher J. Lux, Dorit Nötzel, Ralf Eickhoff and Thomas Hanemann

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(11), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16110397 - 23 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1487

Abstract

(1) Background: Zirconia (ZrO₂) is increasingly used in dental implantology due to its biocompatibility and favorable mechanical and biological properties. While subtractive and stereolithographic additive manufacturing techniques are well established, the application of Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) for zirconia-based dental implants remains largely unexplored. (2) Methods: Cylindrical ZrO₂ specimens were fabricated using three different manufacturing techniques: milling (MIL), Digital Light Processing (DLP), and FFF. Surface topography was analyzed via white-light interferometry. Human fetal osteoblasts (hFOBs 1.19) were cultured on the specimens to evaluate cell adhesion after 4 and 24 h, proliferation for 4 days, cell surface coverage after 4 and 24 h, and osteogenic gene expression (RUNX2, ALPL, and BGLAP) after 24 h, 48 h, 7 days, and 14 days. (3) Results: The FFF samples exhibited significantly higher surface roughness than the MIL and DLP specimens. After 24 h, enhanced cell adhesion and the highest proliferation rates were observed on FFF surfaces. At 14 days, gene expression analysis revealed elevated expression of BGLAP on FFF surfaces, suggesting advanced osteogenic differentiation compared to MIL and DLP. (4) Conclusions: The inherent surface roughness of FFF-printed zirconia appears to promote osteogenic activity without additional surface treatment. These findings suggest that FFF may constitute a viable manufacturing method for the fabrication of customized zirconia components in dental implantology, warranting further investigations, particularly regarding their mechanical performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Design and Biomechanical Analysis of Dental Materials)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Digital Design and Biomechanical Analysis of Dental Materials

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI