Additive manufacturing of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic by vat polymerization for dental appliances.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the mechanical properties of lithium disilicate components produced by additive manufacturing (AM) and to assess the effect of build orientation on the resistance to fracture.

Methods: Oversized bars were printed with a glass-filled photoactive resin using a digital light processing technique. After sintering and post-processing, flexure and chevron notch fracture toughness bars were obtained in three principal orientations (0°, 45°, and 90°) with respect to the build direction.