Radiographic evaluation of marginal accuracy of metal coping in sectioned and unsectioned 3d printed models and gypsum models

Abstract

Aim and objective: The aim of the study is to radiographically evaluate the marginal accuracy of metal coping in sectioned and unsectioned three-dimensional (3D) printed models and gypsum models. Materials and methods: A cross-over, double-blinded randomized control trial was performed on 20 patients. The patients were given metal copings fabricated by conventional (control group) and digital impression techniques (experimental group). Sectioned and unsectioned 3D printed models were obtained from the digital impressions. Marginal accuracy of the copings was evaluated using radiographs. Results: The marginal discrepancy was maximum in the copings fabricated by conventional impression (0.143 ± 0.24 mm), followed by 3D printed die-sectioned models (0.125 ± 0.16 mm), and the least marginal discrepancy was seen in the 3D printed undie-sectioned models (0.095 ± 0.15). Conclusion: It would be prudent to conclude that the digital impression technique producing 3D printed undie-sectioned models demonstrated the highest dimensional and marginal accuracy. However, in the clinical scenario, both the conventional and digital impression techniques demonstrate variations within clinically acceptable limits.