Accuracy of three-dimensional (3d) printed dental digital models generated with three types of resin polymers by extra-oral optical scanning

Abstract

Digital impression devices are used alternatively to conventional impression techniques and materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision of extraoral digitalization of three types of photosensitive resin polymers used for 3D printing with the aid of a digital extraoral optical scanner. The alignment of the scans was performed by a standard best-fit alignment. Trueness and precision were used to evaluate the models. The trueness was evaluated by using bias as a measure and the standard deviation was used to evaluate the precision. After assessing the normality of the distributions, an independent Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the trueness and precision across the material groups. The Mann–Whitney test was used as a post-hoc test for significant differences. The result of the analysis showed significant differences (U = 66, z = −2.337, p = 0.019) in trueness of mesiodistal distances. Upon visual inspection of the models, defects were noticed on two out of nine of the models printed with a photosensitive polymer. The defects were presented as cavities caused by air bubbles and were also reflected in the scans. Mean precision did not vary too much between these three photosensitive polymer resins, therefore, the selection of 3D printing materials should be based on the trueness and the required precision of the clinical purpose of the model.