Comparison of Mechanical Properties of CAD/CAM-Milled and Selective Laser-Melted Ti-6Al-4V for Dental Superstructures

Purpose: To determine whether selective laser melting (SLM) is suitable for the fabrication of dental superstructures. Materials and Methods: Mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V, manufactured with SLM or numerically controlled milling, were evaluated and compared. Results and Conclusion: Both groups showed a mechanical strength greater than 500 MPa and an elongation greater than 2%, as required by the International Organization for Standardization 22674 standard. However, a reduced ductility was observed for SLM samples.