Investigation of accuracy and reproducibility of abutment position by intraoral scanners

Abstract

We examined the accuracy, including trueness and precision, of the intraoral scanners comparing with laboratory desktop scanner to clarify the error level of intraoral scanners.

Measurements were performed using a computer numerical control coordinate measuring machine (CNCCMM) of the reference models as a control. Subsequently, intraoral scanners and a laboratory desktop scanner were used for measurements of the reference. Trueness and precision of distance were evaluated by image analyzing software.

The trueness measured by the True Definition Scanner(TDS) and Carestream3500 (CS) was bigger than that measured by TRIOS3(TR3) and KaVo(KA). With regard to reference model, there was a significant difference between the precision measured by CS and that measured by the other scanners. With regard to reference model, error of trueness measured by CS was significantly bigger, compared with the one measured by the other scanners. However, error range of intraoral scanners, except for CS, was considerably small.

The results of this study indicated that an optical impression method with an intraoral scanner could be applied to implant therapy for multiple teeth missing.