In vitro scanning accuracy using different aids for multiple implants in the edentulous arch.

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Digital Dentistry
• Oral Implantology

Background:

• Accurate optical impressions of multiple implants in the edentulous arch are challenging due to indistinct surface morphology.
• Existing methods for multi-implant scanning require improvement in precision and ease of use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel scan aid in various designs and colors for enhancing the accuracy of multi-implant optical scans.
• To compare the trueness and precision of scans using the new scan aid against conventional methods.

Main Methods:

• A universal scan aid with three designs (circular, square, irregular) and three colors (beige, gray, white) was tested on a six-implant master model.
• Intra-oral and desktop optical scanners were used to acquire scans, with data analyzed for trueness and precision using specialized software.
• Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant differences (α = 0.05).

Main Results:

• The beige irregular scan aid demonstrated the highest trueness, significantly outperforming unsplinted scans.
• Scan precision results were more varied and generally decreased with the use of the scan aid.
• The irregular gray scan aid offered better ease of use due to its material properties.

Conclusions:

• The tested scan aid can improve the trueness of multi-implant optical scans compared to unsplinted scans.
• While the irregular beige design showed the best trueness, its material's fracture strength requires further development for practical application.