Accuracy and patient satisfaction of intraoral scanner in preschool-aged children: a combined in vivo and in vitro study

Jie Peng ^1,2,3,4, Huan Zeng ^1,2,3,4, Yang Liao ^1,2,3,4

⁰The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401147, China.

Bmc Oral Health +

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November 29, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Intraoral scanners (IOS) provide accurate scans in primary dentition for both intraoral and extraoral applications. Preschool children found IOS comfortable and preferred them over traditional impressions.

Area Of Science

Pediatric Dentistry
Dental Technology
Digital Dentistry

Background

Accurate dental impressions are crucial for pediatric dental treatments.
Intraoral scanners (IOS) offer a digital alternative to conventional alginate impressions (CI).
Evaluating IOS accuracy and patient acceptance in primary dentition is essential.

Purpose Of The Study

To assess the accuracy of IOS for intraoral and extraoral scans in primary dentition.
To compare IOS accuracy with conventional alginate impressions.
To evaluate patient satisfaction and comfort with IOS among preschool children.

Main Methods

Forty-one preschool children participated in the study.
Intraoral scans were acquired using the iTero Element 2 scanner.
Accuracy was measured using Geomagic Control 2022, comparing IOS and desktop scans of plaster models. Patient comfort was assessed via questionnaire.

Main Results

Intraoral scans showed high trueness (maxilla: 0.1282 mm, mandible: 0.1341 mm).
Extraoral scans demonstrated significantly higher trueness (maxilla: 0.0399 mm, mandible: 0.0430 mm).
Preschool children reported significantly greater comfort and preference for IOS (P=0.014).

Conclusions

IOS exhibit high accuracy for both intraoral and extraoral scanning in primary dentition.
IOS are well-accepted by preschool-aged children, indicating potential for broader use in pediatric dentistry.
Digital scanning offers a viable and preferred alternative for pediatric dental impressions.

Keywords:

Impression accuracy Intraoral scanner Patient comfort Primary dentition