A novel method for testing accuracy of bite registration using intraoral scanners

Area of Science:

• Dental Technology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Digital Dentistry

Background:

• The accuracy of dental bite registration using intraoral scanners is not well-established.
• Existing methods for evaluating accuracy can be imprecise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel method for assessing the accuracy of bite registration obtained with intraoral scanners.
• To quantify the errors associated with current intraoral scanning technologies in capturing occlusal relationships.

Main Methods:

• A 3D-printed triangular frame with posts was used to standardize occlusal registration in models (stone and acrylic teeth).
• Bite registration accuracy was measured by the distance between opposing posts, with roll and pitch orientation errors also calculated.
• Three intraoral scanners (Medit i500, Primescan, Trios 4) were tested using the developed method.

Main Results:

• The average maximum error in interocclusal registration surpassed 50 μm.
• Orientation errors (roll and pitch) exceeded 0.1 degrees, contributing additional errors of approximately 40 μm.
• Models with acrylic teeth demonstrated greater registration errors compared to stone models.

Conclusions:

• A simplified, accurate method for evaluating intraoral scanner bite registration was developed, eliminating the need for reference hardware.
• The findings suggest that intraoral scanners may produce clinically significant errors in reproducing interocclusal relationships.
• Further research is needed to improve the accuracy of intraoral scanners for precise dental applications.