Advanced manufacturing techniques for dental prosthetics could dramatically reduce oral infections in millions of denture wearers worldwide. The choice between 3D printing, milling, or traditional processing methods appears to influence how readily harmful bacteria establish colonies on artificial teeth and gums.
This controlled laboratory study tested biofilm formation by two key oral pathogens—Streptococcus mutans and S. sanguinis—across three manufacturing approaches over 21 days. Researchers found that milled PMMA materials consistently resisted S. sanguinis colonization compared to 3D-printed and conventionally processed alternatives. S. sanguinis formed substantially more biofilm than S. mutans across all material types, suggesting this species poses the greater clinical threat for denture-related infections.
These findings carry significant implications for the 36 million Americans wearing full or partial dentures. Biofilm accumulation directly contributes to denture stomatitis, a painful inflammatory condition affecting up to 65% of denture wearers. The superior biofilm resistance of milled materials likely stems from their smoother surface finish achieved through subtractive manufacturing, creating fewer microbial attachment sites.
However, this single in vitro study represents early-stage evidence requiring validation in clinical trials. Real-world factors like saliva flow, diet, and oral hygiene practices may override manufacturing-related differences. Additionally, the 21-day timeframe doesn't capture long-term material degradation that could alter biofilm susceptibility. While promising for guiding material selection, these results need confirmation in actual denture wearers before reshaping clinical recommendations.