Evaluation of the Marginal Fit of Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing versus...

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Digital Dentistry
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Marginal adaptation is crucial for indirect restoration longevity and clinical success.
• Digital fabrication (CAD-CAM milling, 3D printing) offers improved precision but comparative marginal fit data is limited.
• This study addresses the need for comparative data on marginal fit in the Indian context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare the marginal fit of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled inlays versus three-dimensional (3D) printed inlays.
• To evaluate marginal adaptation on standardized Class II premolar preparations.
• To provide data relevant to the Indian dental context.

Main Methods:

• An in vitro study utilized 200 extracted human premolars, divided into CAD-CAM milled (n=100) and 3D-printed (n=100) inlay groups.
• Marginal fit was measured using the silicone replica technique under a stereomicroscope (× 40 magnification).
• Measurements were taken at occlusal, mesial, distal, and gingival margins; statistical analysis included independent t-tests and ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test.

Main Results:

• CAD-CAM milled inlays exhibited significantly lower overall marginal gaps (68.42 ± 12.36 μm) compared to 3D-printed inlays (82.17 ± 15.04 μm, P < 0.001).
• Occlusal margins showed the least marginal discrepancies in both groups.
• Gingival margins presented the highest marginal gaps for both CAD-CAM milled and 3D-printed inlays.

Conclusions:

• CAD-CAM milled inlays demonstrate superior marginal adaptation compared to 3D-printed inlays.
• The findings suggest a preference for CAD-CAM milling in clinical situations demanding precise marginal fit.
• Further research may explore long-term clinical performance.