Comparing CBCT to model scanner for dental model scanning. An in vitro imaging accuracy study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Radiology
• Digital Imaging

Background:

• Traditional model scanners are widely used for creating digital dental models.
• Assessing the accuracy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) for this application is crucial for advancing digital dentistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the accuracy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) with conventional model scanners for scanning dental models.
• To evaluate the trueness and precision of CBCT in dental model digitization.

Main Methods:

• Dental models were scanned using both CBCT and a model scanner.
• Trueness was assessed by comparing single scans to reference STL files.
• Precision was evaluated by repeatedly scanning a master model and comparing to the reference STL file.
• 3D best-fit comparisons were performed using reverse engineering software.

Main Results:

• CBCT demonstrated significantly higher trueness with a mean RMS of 0.06±0.01mm compared to 0.15±0.02mm for model scanners (P<0.01).
• CBCT also showed significantly higher precision with a mean RMS of 0.0056±0.001mm versus 0.153±0.002mm for model scanners (P<0.01).

Conclusions:

• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a highly accurate method for scanning dental models.
• CBCT outperforms conventional model scanners in terms of both trueness and precision for dental model digitization.