Evaluation of dental arch reproduction using three-dimensional optical digitization

Application of three-dimensional reconstruction technology in dentistry: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional(3D) reconstruction technology is a method of transforming real goals into mathematical models consistent with computer logic expressions and has been widely used in dentistry, but the lack of review and summary leads to confusion and misinterpretation of information. The purpose of this review is to provide the first comprehensive link and scientific analysis of 3D reconstruction technology and dentistry to bridge the information bias between these two disciplines.

METHODS

The IEEE Xplore and PubMed databases were used for rigorous searches based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, supplemented by Google Academic as a complementary tool to retrieve all literature up to February 2023. We conducted a narrative review focusing on the empirical findings of the application of 3D reconstruction technology to dentistry.

RESULTS

We classify the technologies applied to dentistry according to their principles and summarize the different characteristics of each category, as well as the different application scenarios determined by these characteristics of each technique. In addition, we indicate their development prospects and worthy research directions in the field of dentistry, from individual techniques to the overall discipline of 3D reconstruction technology, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Researchers and clinicians should make different decisions on the choice of 3D reconstruction technology based on different objectives. The main trend in the future development of 3D reconstruction technology is the joint application of technology.

Evaluating the accuracy of CAD/CAM optimized stones compared to conventional type IV stones

This study compared the accuracy (trueness and precision) of stone models fabricated using two brands of CAD/CAM optimized stones Cerec Stone (BC) and Elite Master (EM), and a conventional type IV stone Elite Rock Fast (ERF). 30 conventional Type IV and scannable stone complete-arch models were scanned with a blue LED extraoral scanner, and root mean square values were obtained. 6 abutments were used in complete-arch models. The digital models were compared with the master model to evaluate their trueness using model superimposition with Geomagic software. Precision was determined for each case by superimposing combinations of the 10 datasets in each group. The point cloud density of each model was calculated with MeshLab software. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney non-parametric tests were used for the statistical analysis. The trueness of the stone models was 96 μm for the BC, 88.2 μm for the EM, and 87.6 μm for the ERF. There were no significant differences between the tested dental stones (p = .768). However, the EM models (35.6 μm) were more precise than the BC (46.9 μm) and ERF (56.4 μm) models (p = .001, p < .001). EM models also showed the highest point cloud density. There were significant differences in point cloud density (p = .003). The EM models showed significant differences in precision but no significant differences in terms of trueness. Although EM was more precise and had the highest point cloud density, all models were within the clinically acceptable limit.

Dimensional Accuracy Evaluation of Temporary Dental Restorations with Different 3D Printing Systems

With the advent of 3D printing technologies in dentistry, the optimization of printing conditions has been of great interest, so this study analyzed the accuracy of 3D-printed temporary restorations of different sizes produced by digital light processing (DLP) and liquid crystal display (LCD) printers. Temporary restorations of 2-unit, 3-unit, 5-unit, 6-unit, and full-arch cases were designed and printed from a DLP printer using NextDent C&B or an LCD printer using Mazic D Temp (n = 10 each). The restorations were scanned, and each restoration standard tessellation language (STL) file was superimposed on the reference STL file, by the alignment functions, to evaluate the trueness through whole/point deviation. In the whole-deviation analysis, the root-mean-square (RMS) values were significantly higher in the 6-unit and full-arch cases for the DLP printer and in the 5-unit, 6-unit, and full-arch cases for the LCD printer. The significant difference between DLP and LCD printers was found in the 5-unit and full-arch cases, where the DLP printer exhibited lower RMS values. Color mapping demonstrated less shrinkage in the DLP printer. In the point deviation analysis, a significant difference in direction was exhibited in all the restorations from the DLP printer but only in some cases from the LCD printer. Within the limitations of this study, 3D printing was most accurate with less deviation and shrinkage when a DLP printer was used for short-unit restorations.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation on Accuracy of Conventional and Milled Gypsum Models and 3D Printed Photopolymer Models

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of dental models fabricated by conventional, milling, and three-dimensional (3D) printing methods. A reference model with inlay, single crown, and three-unit fixed dental prostheses (FDP) preparations was prepared. Conventional gypsum models (CON) were manufactured from the conventional method. Digital impressions were obtained by intraoral scanner, which were converted into physical models such as milled gypsum models (MIL), stereolithography (SLA), and digital light processing (DLP) 3D printed photopolymer models (S3P and D3P). Models were extracted as standard triangulated language (STL) data by reference scanner. All STL data were superimposed by 3D analysis software and quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed using root mean square (RMS) values and color difference map. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test with Bonferroni’s correction. For full arch, the RMS value of trueness and precision in CON was significantly smaller than in the other groups (p < 0.05/6 = 0.008), and there was no significant difference between S3P and D3P (p > 0.05/6 = 0.008). On the other hand, the RMS value of trueness in CON was significantly smaller than in the other groups for all prepared teeth (p < 0.05/6 = 0.008), and there was no significant difference between MIL and S3P (p > 0.05/6 = 0.008). In conclusion, conventional gypsum models showed better accuracy than digitally milled and 3D printed models.

The effect of scanning distance on the accuracy of intra-oral scanners used in dentistry

The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting intra-oral scanner accuracy by analyzing variation in measurements of a dental model according to scanning distance. A dental cast, including a prepared left mandibular first molar, was used. Rectangular frames measuring 20 × 30 mm with heights of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mm were made. The model was scanned 10 times with a reference scanner to obtain the true value. Scanning was performed 10 times at four distances of 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mm with the frame of each height using the following intra-oral scanners: TRIOS; CS 3500; and PlanScan. In the linear distance measurement method (2D), measurements were taken at five parameters using the Rapidform software. In the best-fit alignment method (3D), using the Geomagic Control X, the root mean square values of the two scan images were calculated. In the 2D comparison, the different from the reference value was the smallest at 2.5 and 5.0 mm. In the 3D comparison, 2.5 and 5.0 mm were the most accurate, and 0 mm was the least accurate among the four distances. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first to evaluate the accuracy of scanning distances, and found a difference between the accuracy of the scanning distance and the accuracy of the scanner. Moreover, the results of this study indicated that the scanning distance was a variable affecting accuracy. Clin. Anat. 32:430-438, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Maxillary first molar wear: a longitudinal study of children

The aim of this study is to examine the correlation between tooth wear and age by quantitatively measuring maxillary first molar wear in children. A total of 150 maxillary dental models were analyzed in 30 subjects (male, 11; female, 19) with an age range of 6-14 years. Maxillary first molar wear were assessed based on area, volume and the shortest distance from the buccal occlusal plane to the central pit point (BCPH). The area and volume of the tooth cusps were measured at four different offset-plane heights (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mm). Relationship between age and the amount of wear or BCPH were statistically analyzed. Correlation and regression analyses were also performed, and age estimation was obtained with linear regression analysis. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences between age and the amount of wear based on area, volume, and offset-plane height. Except age of 8 and 10, 12 and 14's 0.2-mm offset-plane-measured volume, all area and volume measurement of all ages and offset-plane height showed a significant amount of increase. Wear speeds were calculated using the BCPH. Among age and measurement variables, the correlation coefficient was strongest when the volume was measured from the 0.4-mm offset-plane. As age increases, the amount of wear, as quantified by area and volume measurements, also increases. According to this study, a regression equation that can be used for age estimation is follows: Age (y)=0.16×0.4V+0.85 (R ²=0.490) using volume.

Effect of techniques, trays and materials on accuracy of impressions clinically made

Abstract Introduction Making accurate and dimensionally stable impressions to duplicate oral conditions and tooth morphology is an essential step of prosthetic dentistry for fabricating well-fitted indirect restorations and, consequently, ensure the longevity and success of the treatment. Several authors describe pros and cons of different impression techniques, although there is no unanimity among them about the best one. Objective This study evaluated casts’ accuracy made by different impression techniques, trays and materials. Material and method 10 patients were selected and 20 impressions from teeth #13 to #16 were performed using single-step (SS) and two-step techniques, made with metal stock and customized acrylic resin partial trays, vinyl polysiloxane and condensation silicone rubbers. Type IV gypsum was used to pour the casts. Three photographs of each patient (baseline), as their respective gypsum casts, were taken, measured in their interested buccal surface area. Comparisons of area values among experimental groups and baseline were performed. Data showed adherence to normal curve, being submitted to 3-way ANOVA/Bonferroni test (α=.05). Result Technique produced significant differences (P=0.02). SS technique was more accurate than BUR one (P=0.003; 95=1.22 to 5.98), but both resulted in similar casts to PVC, MOV and NR techniques, which were similar to each other (P>0.05). Conclusion SS technique showed the closest absolute values to baseline.

Accuracy of Implant Casts Generated with Conventional and Digital Impressions-An In Vitro Study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of digital dental impressions with the accuracy of impressions obtained via conventional techniques.

METHODS

Two different master models were created, one with parallel implants (model 1) and the other with non-parallel implants (model 2). These reference master models included 4 Klockner KL RP implants (Klockner Implant System SA, Barcelona, Spain), which were juxta-placed and equidistant in the intermentoneal region. In model 1 the implants were placed parallel to each other, whereas in model 2 the implants were placed such that there was a divergence angle of 15° between the more distal implants, and a convergence angle of 15° between the two central implants. A total of four types of impressions were obtained from model 1 (four groups, n = 10 each), including closed tray impressions with replacement abutments; open tray impression groups for dragging copings, without splinting; open tray impressions for ferrules; and impressions obtained using the 3M^TM True Definition Scanner system. For model 2 three groups were created (three groups, n = 10 each), including closed tray impressions with replacement abutments; open tray impression for dragging copings, without splinting; and impressions obtained using the 3M^TM True Definition Scanner system. The master models and the models obtained using conventional methods were digitalized in order to compare them via an extraoral high-resolution scanner (Imetric IScan D104i, Porretruy, Switzerland). The STL (Stereo Lithography (format for transferring 3 dimensional shape information)) digital values were loaded into reverse-engineering software and superimposed with their respective STL master models in order to evaluate deviations in three dimensions. We then analyzed the squares of the deviations in the three axes and evaluated the median and the sum of the deviation square. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM Corp. Released 2016. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. The normality of the distributions was analyzed according to a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The median comparison was performed using the differences between the medians, analyzed using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests with a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS

For model 1, the deviations of the digital impressions were smaller than those associated with the conventional techniques. The sum value in group D was 1,068,292, which was significantly lower than those of groups A, B, and C, which were shown to be 2,114,342, 2,165,491, and 1,265,918, respectively. This improvement was not observed when using model 2, however, where the conventional techniques yielded similar results. Group F simultaneously presented the lowest total square sum of the three deviations (1,257,835), indicating a significantly higher accuracy for this group in model 2, while the sum values were 1,660,975 and 1,489,328 for groups E and G, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Digital impressions of full-arch models were able to achieve the accuracy of conventional impressions in an in vitro model. Nevertheless, further in vivo studies are needed to validate these in vitro results.

Comparative analysis of 3D data accuracy of single tooth and full dental arch captured by different intraoral and laboratory digital impression systems

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of digital impressions taken by different intraoral and laboratory scanners. For this purpose a synthetic jaw model with prepared tooth was scanned using intraoral scanning systems: 3D Progress (MHT S.P.A., IT - MHT Optic Research AG, CH); True Definition (3M ESPE, USA); Trios (3Shape A/S, DNK); CEREC AC Bluecam, CEREC Omnicam (Sirona Dental System GmbH, DE); Planscan (Planmeca, FIN); and laboratory scanning systems: s600 ARTI (Zirkonzahn GmbH, IT); Imetric Iscan D104, CH); D900 (3Shape A/S, DNK); Zfx Evolution (Zfx GmbH, DE) (each n=10). Reference-scanning was done by ATOS Core (GOM mbH, DE). The resulting digital impressions were superimposed with the master-scan. The measured deviations by points (trueness) for intraoral scanners were: True Definition - 15.0±2.85 μm (single tooth) and 45.0±19.11 µm (full arch); Trios - 17.1±1.44 and 58.8±27.36 µm; CEREC AC Bluecam - 22.3±5.58 and 20.3±4.13 µm; CEREC Omnicam - 25.0±1.06 and 78.5±27.03 µm; 3D Progress - 26.4±5.75 and 213.5±47.44 µm; Planscan - 54.6±11.58 and 205.2±21.73 µm. For laboratory scanners: Imetric Iscan D104 - 10.2±0.87 μm (stamp) and 65.3±5.36 µm (full arch); Zfx Evolution - 12.8±0.83 and 66.4±2.80 µm; Zirkonzahn s600 ARTI - 15.1±1.36 and 65.9±1.33 µm; 3Shape D900 - 19.9±0.53 and 63.6±0.83 µm. Precision was: True Definition - 19.9±2.77 μm (single tooth) and 40.1±11.04 µm (full arch); Trios - 25.8±2.49 and 69.9±18.95 µm; CEREC AC Bluecam - 36.4±2.78 and 46.6±3.44 µm; CEREC Omnicam - 37.6±3.29 and 76.2±13.36 µm; 3D Progress - 76.9±11.04 and 102.2±8.06 µm; Planscan - 74.3±6.58 and 93.9±15.32 µm. For laboratory scanners: Imetric Iscan D104 - 11.7±4.39 μm (stamp) and 31.2±5.58 µm (full arch); Zfx Evolution - 8.4±0.49 and 24.8±3.98 µm; Zirkonzahn s600 ARTI - 13.4±6.74 and 20.7±4.34 µm; 3Shape D900 - 10.4±0.93 and 17.8±0.62 µm. Whole deviation of the dental arch was: 3D Progress - 98.0±5.70 µm; True Definition - 47.1±9.61 µm; Trios - 59.6±18.77 µm; Omnicam - 77.8±8.79 µm; Planscan - 107.9±1.58 µm; Bluecam - 46.8±1.22 µm; Imetric - 36.4±1.62 µm; Zfx Evolution - 29.5±0.58 µm; S600 ARTI - 35.0±1.04 µm; 3Shape D900 - 32.7±0.29 µm. The results indicate that digital impressions provide enough accuracy for clinical application.

Investigation of the effects of storage time on the dimensional accuracy of impression materials using cone beam computed tomography

PURPOSE

The storage conditions of impressions affect the dimensional accuracy of the impression materials. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of storage time on dimensional accuracy of five different impression materials by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Polyether (Impregum), hydrocolloid (Hydrogum and Alginoplast), and silicone (Zetaflow and Honigum) impression materials were used for impressions taken from an acrylic master model. The impressions were poured and subjected to four different storage times: immediate use, and 1, 3, and 5 days of storage. Line 1 (between right and left first molar mesiobuccal cusp tips) and Line 2 (between right and left canine tips) were measured on a CBCT scanned model, and time dependent mean differences were analyzed by two-way univariate and Duncan's test (α=.05).

RESULTS

For Line 1, the total mean difference of Impregum and Hydrogum were statistically different from Alginoplast (P<.05), while Zetaflow and Honigum had smaller discrepancies. Alginoplast resulted in more difference than the other impressions (P<.05). For Line 2, the total mean difference of Impregum was statistically different from the other impressions. Significant differences were observed in Line 1 and Line 2 for the different storage periods (P<.05).

CONCLUSION

The dimensional accuracy of impression material is clinically acceptable if the impression material is stored in suitable conditions.

Effect of dental technician disparities on the 3-dimensional accuracy of definitive casts

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Studies that evaluated the effect of dental technician disparities on the accuracy of presectioned and postsectioned definitive casts are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the accuracy of presectioned and postsectioned definitive casts fabricated by different dental technicians by using a 3-dimensional computer-aided measurement method.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An arch-shaped metal master model consisting of 5 abutments resembling prepared mandibular incisors, canines, and first molars and with a 6-degree total angle of convergence was designed and fabricated by computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology. Complete arch impressions were made (N=110) from the master model, using polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) and delivered to 11 dental technicians. Each technician fabricated 10 definitive casts with dental stone, and the obtained casts were numbered. All casts were sectioned, and removable dies were obtained. The master model and the presectioned and postsectioned definitive casts were digitized with an extraoral scanner, and the virtual master model and virtual presectioned and postsectioned definitive casts were obtained. All definitive casts were compared with the master model by using computer-aided measurements, and the 3-dimensional accuracy of the definitive casts was determined with best fit alignment and represented in color-coded maps. Differences were analyzed using univariate analyses of variance, and the Tukey honest significant differences post hoc tests were used for multiple comparisons (α=.05).

RESULTS

The accuracy of presectioned and postsectioned definitive casts was significantly affected by dental technician disparities (P<.001). The largest dimensional changes were detected in the anterior abutments of both of the definitive casts. The changes mostly occurred in the mesiodistal dimension (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the accuracy of presectioned and postsectioned definitive casts is susceptible to dental technician differences.

The influence of occlusal morphology on occlusion time

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to assess how the morphology of the occlusal surfaces of premolars and molars influenced the occlusion time in a mixed gender group of young adults with full natural dentition.

METHODS

Fifty healthy volunteers with Angle's Class I occlusion were included in the study. After clinical examination, the alginate impressions of both arches were taken, and plaster casts were prepared. To assess the morphology of lateral teeth, the digital models were measured. Occlusal analysis was performed with the T-Scan^® III to assess occlusion time.

RESULTS

A direct correlation was found between the cusp distance for the first upper premolar and occlusion time (r = -0.29, p<0.05) and the distance between distal buccal and distal lingual cusps of the first lower premolar and occlusion time (r = 0.33, p<0.05). The parameters that had their impact on occlusion time were the opening angle of lingual cusps for the lower molars and the furrow angle of aperture between cusps for first upper premolar.

DISCUSSION

Occlusal surface morphologies of premolars may have direct impact on occlusion time. However, anterior guidance parameters and morphologies of molars could also influence the time teeth are in contact coming to maximal intercuspation.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the new tooth wear measurement parameters

Nowadays, there has been an increasing interest in the preservation of natural dentition and the proper occlusion related to tooth wear for quality of life. To overcome the problems of the existing qualitative tooth wear analysis method, virtual three-dimensional models have been used. This study was designed to develop and validate a new quantitative method using tooth wear measurement parameters with angles obtained from virtual vectors and planes of the three-dimensional models. Sixteen parameters were evaluated in the virtual models of 20 students (7.57±1.55 years old) and 20 adults (56.85±6.34 years old). There were 12 angle and 4 height parameters, and the number of parameters measured from the virtual planes and vectors were 10 and 6, respectively. For each parameter, means and standard deviations were calculated, and an unpaired sample t test was performed to compare the young and the adult groups. Also, differences between the means were determined and expressed as percentages. The results were statistically significant between the two groups (P<0.001). In general, parameters using virtual vectors showed greater change than virtual plane. Although there were statistically significant differences among all parameters using virtual planes (P<0.001), the changes of the three angles were similar, except distolingual cusp angle. It was found that the parameters using virtual vectors were effective and tooth wear took place in both buccal and lingual cusps. Likewise, the validation of the new measurement parameters suggests that they can also be applied in the assessment of tooth wear related to dental biomaterials.

In vivo precision of conventional and digital methods of obtaining complete-arch dental impressions

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Digital impression systems have undergone significant development in recent years, but few studies have investigated the accuracy of the technique in vivo, particularly compared with conventional impression techniques.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vivo study was to investigate the precision of conventional and digital methods for complete-arch impressions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Complete-arch impressions were obtained using 5 conventional (polyether, POE; vinylsiloxanether, VSE; direct scannable vinylsiloxanether, VSES; digitized scannable vinylsiloxanether, VSES-D; and irreversible hydrocolloid, ALG) and 7 digital (CEREC Bluecam, CER; CEREC Omnicam, OC; Cadent iTero, ITE; Lava COS, LAV; Lava True Definition Scanner, T-Def; 3Shape Trios, TRI; and 3Shape Trios Color, TRC) techniques. Impressions were made 3 times each in 5 participants (N=15). The impressions were then compared within and between the test groups. The cast surfaces were measured point-to-point using the signed nearest neighbor method. Precision was calculated from the (90%-10%)/2 percentile value.

RESULTS

The precision ranged from 12.3 μm (VSE) to 167.2 μm (ALG), with the highest precision in the VSE and VSES groups. The deviation pattern varied distinctly according to the impression method. Conventional impressions showed the highest accuracy across the complete dental arch in all groups, except for the ALG group.

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional and digital impression methods differ significantly in the complete-arch accuracy. Digital impression systems had higher local deviations within the complete arch cast; however, they achieve equal and higher precision than some conventional impression materials.

Accuracy of digital versus conventional implant impressions

OBJECTIVE

The accuracy of digital impressions greatly influences their clinical viability in implant restorations. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of gypsum models acquired from the conventional implant impression to digitally milled models created from direct digitalization by three-dimensional analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty gypsum and 30 digitally milled models, impressed directly from a reference model, were prepared. The models and reference model were scanned by a laboratory scanner, and 30 surface tessellation language datasets from each group were imported to an inspection software program. The datasets were aligned to the reference dataset by a repeated best-fit algorithm, and 10 specified contact locations of interest were measured in mean volumetric deviations. The areas were pooled by cusps, fossae, interproximal contacts, horizontal and vertical axes of implant position and angulation. The pooled areas were statistically analysed by comparing each group to the reference model to investigate the mean volumetric deviations accounting for accuracy and standard deviations for precision.

RESULTS

Milled models from digital impressions had comparable accuracy to gypsum models from conventional impressions. However, differences in fossae and vertical displacement of the implant position from the gypsum and digitally milled models compared to the reference model exhibited statistical significance (P < 0.001, P = 0.020, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Milled models from digital impression are comparable to gypsum models from conventional impression.

A comparative evaluation of wear of enamel caused by ceramics with different fusion temperatures

Dental ceramics are the most used esthetic fixed Prosthodontic restorative material today. However, dentists remain suspicious about their potential abrasivity. Lower-fusing ceramic materials developed, are claimed to be wear friendly. This study was conducted to compare the wear of enamel of extracted teeth against one conventionally used ceramic VMK-95 (fusing temperature 930 °C) and two new lower-fusing ceramics-Omega 900 and Finesse with fusing temperatures 900 and 760 °C respectively, used for metal-ceramic restorations. Metal disks were prepared from ceramic alloy and divided into three groups of 10 disks each on which VMK-95, Omega 900 and Finesse ceramics were applied respectively. Ceramic disks and tooth specimen were mounted on custom-made wear simulator and subjected to predefined masticatory test. Each tooth specimen was profiled by laser triangulation sensor before and after masticatory test. Difference in height was calculated. The results showed that mean loss of height of tooth was least against Finesse (0.3431 + 0.0177 mm) followed by Omega 900 (0.4076 + 0.0135 mm) and VMK-95 (0.6177 + 0.014 mm). Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant difference between VMK-95 & Omega 900 and VMK-95 & Finesse. The difference in loss of height of tooth against Finesse & Omega 900 is statistically insignificant (P < 0.001). The results of this study indicate that lower-fusing dental ceramics cause less wear of opposing enamel.

Direct 3-D morphological measurements of silicone rubber impression using micro-focus X-ray CT

Three-dimensional computer models of dental arches play a significant role in prosthetic dentistry. The microfocus X-ray CT scanner has the advantage of capturing precise 3D shapes of deep fossa, and we propose a new method of measuring the three-dimensional morphology of a dental impression directly, which will eliminate the conversion process to dental casts. Measurement precision and accuracy were evaluated using a standard gage comprised of steel balls which simulate the dental arch. Measurement accuracy, standard deviation of distance distribution of superimposed models, was determined as +/-0.050 mm in comparison with a CAD model. Impressions and casts of an actual dental arch were scanned by microfocus X-ray CT and three-dimensional models were compared. The impression model had finer morphology, especially around the cervical margins of teeth. Within the limitations of the current study, direct three-dimensional impression modeling was successfully demonstrated using microfocus X-ray CT.

The Relationship between Digital Model Accuracy and Time-Dependent Deformation of Alginate Impressions

Objectives: To investigate the effects of different storage periods of alginate impressions on digital model accuracy.

Materials and Methods: A total of 105 impressions were taken from a master model with three different brands of alginates and were poured into stone models in five different storage periods. In all, 21 stone models were poured and immediately were scanned, and 21 digital models were prepared. The remaining 84 impressions were poured after 1, 2, 3, and 4 days, respectively. Five linear measurements were made by three researchers on the master model, the stone models, and the digital models. Time-dependent deformation of alginate impressions at different storage periods and the accuracy of traditional stone models and digital models were evaluated separately.

Results: Both the stone models and the digital models were highly correlated with the master model. Significant deformities in the alginate impressions were noted at different storage periods of 1 to 4 days. Alginate impressions of different brands also showed significant differences between each other on the first, third, and fourth days.

Conclusions: Digital orthodontic models are as reliable as traditional stone models and probably will become the standard for orthodontic clinical use. Storing alginate impressions in sealed plastic bags for up to 4 days caused statistically significant deformation of alginate impressions, but the magnitude of these deformations did not appear to be clinically relevant and had no adverse effect on digital modeling.

Computer-aided analysis of the influence of digitizing and surfacing on the accuracy in dental CAD/CAM technology

In dentistry, ceramic materials with high fracture resistance are needed for all-ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPDs). The sophisticated processing of advanced ceramics that can be used for such dental restorations demands the application of CAD/CAM technologies. These techniques necessitate digitizing of the prepared teeth or the planned restoration itself and surfacing of the acquired digital data before milling paths can be generated. As precision in fit is crucial for dental restorations, a computer-aided method for the quantitative and qualitative 3D analysis has been developed and applied. Factors influencing the obtainable precision in the application of CAD/CAM techniques were taken into consideration.