Reliability of Extraoral Scanners in Capturing 3D Geometry for Dental Prostheses: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND This systematic review aimed to evaluate literature on the use and reliability of extraoral facial scanning/extraoral scanning in capturing 3D geometry in association with intraoral evaluation for dental prostheses fabrication. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two independent reviewers performed a systematic database search of PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus with MeSH terms (keywords), including "extraoral Scanner", "facial scanner", "intraoral scanner", and "dental prosthesis" to identify studies on extraoral facial scanning/extraoral scanning reliability in association with intraoral evaluation measurements (from January 1, 2012 to June 1, 2024). The study was registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42024544106) and followed the PRISMA statement. The focused question was "Does data obtained from extraoral facial scanning/extraoral scanning provide a reliable guideline in association with intraoral evaluation for dental prostheses fabrication?" The main measure used to assess reliability was the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Risk of bias was assessed using Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). RESULTS Out of 1066 studies, 8 studies were included based on eligibility criteria. The studies showed that extraoral facial scanning/extraoral scanning captured 3D geometry of tissues with a high ICC, indicating excellent consistency and accuracy. Elevated ICC values (ICC >0.75; range 0.75-0.99) indicated that these systems possess the ability to consistently reproduce facial geometries, which is a critical factor in fabricating precise and comfortable prostheses using intraoral scanners. CONCLUSIONS The study findings support that extraoral facial scanning/extraoral scanning can be combined with intraoral evaluation and digitized workflow to provide high-quality dental prosthetics.