The flexural strength of temporary restorations made with various resins and 3D printing technology: A systematic review

Study Aim: The study aims to evaluate existing research on the flexural strength of temporary restorations fabricated using 3D printing technology with various resin materials. The study show the impact of material type, manufacturing method, and post-processing conditions on mechanical properties, flexural strength, surface roughness, microhardness, and bond strength. Method: The study follows the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, using keywords in relation to flexural strength, 3D printing, provisional restorations, polymer resins, and photopolymers. We include studies published from 2016 to 2025 were included. Experimental and in vitro studies comparing 3D-printed provisional restorations to conventional or CAD-CAM-milled alternatives were eligible for inclusion. Case reports, opinion papers, and narrative reviews were excluded. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data, with a third reviewer resolving discrepancies. Results: our study found that 3D-printed provisional restorations show superior surface hardness and elasticity, and CAD-CAM restorations show higher flexural strength. Some studies found a variability in adhesion strength depending on resin composition and post-processing methods. Conclusion: 3D-printed dental restorations show a good mechanical properties, and CAD-CAM remains the gold standard for high-load applications. Advancements in resin formulations and post-processing can improve long-term durability and clinical performance, which make 3D-printed materials more competitive for provisional dental applications.