Optimization of Prosthodontic Computer-Aided Designed Models: A Virtual Evaluation of Mesh Quality Reduction Using...

Area of Science:

• Digital dentistry
• Computer-aided design (CAD) in prosthodontics
• 3D mesh processing

Background:

• Mesh optimization is crucial for reducing file size and computational demands of 3D models.
• Open-source software offers accessible tools for complex digital workflows.
• Evaluating mesh optimization in prosthodontics is essential for maintaining accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of open-source mesh optimization on 3D dental prostheses.
• To assess the trade-offs between file size reduction and data integrity in prosthodontic applications.

Main Methods:

• Conventional fabrication and laser scanning of auricular prosthesis, complete denture, and crowns.
• Independent mesh optimization using Meshmixer, Meshlab, Blender, and SculptGL at varying file size reductions (100% to 25%).
• Comparative analysis of mesh vertices, file size, surface area, volume, interpoint discrepancies, and volumetric similarity.

Main Results:

• Significant differences observed in vertices, file size, surface area, and volume across software and optimization levels.
• Software choice notably impacted parameters for auricular prosthesis and complete denture.
• Interpoint discrepancies remained below 0.1mm, with volumetric similarity exceeding 97%.

Conclusions:

• Open-source mesh optimization effectively preserves geometric and volumetric details for smaller dental prostheses.
• SculptGL exhibited the most significant changes in model parameters relative to the degree of optimization.
• The study validates the use of free software for accurate 3D mesh manipulation in prosthodontics.