Evaluation of the accuracy of 2 digital intraoral scanners: A 3D analysis study

Abstract

Statement of problem: Evidence for the accuracy of a recently introduced intraoral scanner is lacking. Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the trueness (validity) and precision (reliability) of 2 intraoral scanners by scanning a quadrant and a sextant. Material and methods: A maxillary typodont with plastic teeth made from a shade A3 polymethyl methacrylate was scanned (n=10) with each intraoral scanner (Planmeca Emerald and 3Shape TRIOS 3) to obtain sextant and quadrant scans. Control scans were made with an industrial optical scanner. The scans were analyzed with a 3D reverse engineering software program and an independent samples t test and general linear model 2-way analysis of variance (α=.05). Results: The 3Shape TRIOS 3 scanner showed no significant difference between the sextant and quadrant scans in trueness (P=.118) or in precision (P