The Influence of Laboratory Scanner versus Intra-Oral Scanner on Determining Axes and Distances between Three...

Area of Science:

• Digital Dentistry
• Dental Implantology
• 3D Scanning Technologies

Background:

• Accurate digital impressions are crucial for dental implant restorations.
• Comparing laboratory scanners (LBS) and intra-oral scanners (IOS) is essential for understanding their clinical applicability.
• Intra-oral scan bodies (ISBs) are key components in capturing precise implant data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the accuracy of LBS versus IOS in measuring inter-implant distance, inter-implant axis, and intra-implant axis.
• To evaluate the influence of two different intra-oral scan bodies (MIS and Zirkonzhan) on scanning accuracy.

Main Methods:

• A 3D printed model with three implant analogs was used for in vitro scanning.
• Two types of titanium intra-oral scan bodies (MIS ISB and Zirkonzhan ISB) were scanned with LBS and IOS (Primescan).
• Stereolithography (STL) files were compared using 3D analysis software, with statistical analysis (Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Mann-Whitney tests).

Main Results:

• Both scanner types and ISBs showed variations in all measured parameters.
• The MIS ISB demonstrated significantly lower changes in inter-implant distance compared to the Zirkonzhan ISB.
• The Zirkonzhan ISB showed significantly lower changes in intra-implant angle compared to the MIS ISB.

Conclusions:

• The geometry of the intra-oral scan body significantly impacts the accuracy of digital implant measurements.
• Differences exist between LBS and IOS, and the choice of ISB affects specific dimensional and angular measurements.
• Further research is needed to explore the influence of scan abutment geometry, material, and components on overall scanning trueness.