Evaluation of model materials for CAD/CAM in vitro studies

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Digital Dentistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Accurate in vitro models are crucial for validating computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) workflows.
• Evaluating material properties for model fabrication impacts the reliability of digital dentistry research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the suitability of various materials for creating models used in CAD/CAM in vitro studies.
• To investigate the trueness, precision, and dimensional stability of different model materials when used with intraoral scanners.

Main Methods:

• Six materials (die stone, CoCrMo, epoxy resin, polyurethane, titanium, zirconia) were used to fabricate models for a 10-unit prosthesis.
• Intraoral scanners captured scans, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) generated reference datasets.
• Trueness, precision, and dimensional stability were evaluated over six weeks using 3D analysis software.

Main Results:

• Cobalt-chrome molybdenum (CoCrMo), epoxy resin (EPOX), and polyurethane (PU) models demonstrated adequate trueness.
• CoCrMo and zirconia (ZI) scans exhibited the highest precision.
• Only CoCrMo models maintained dimensional stability throughout the six-week study period.

Conclusions:

• Cobalt-chrome molybdenum (CoCrMo) emerged as the sole material meeting all criteria for CAD/CAM in vitro study models.
• Other materials showed limitations in dimensional stability or scan accuracy and reproducibility.