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Effects of scan body splinting material types and heights on scanning accuracy and duration
Selin Atay1, Ayşegül Kurt1, Onur Doğan Dağ1
1Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Trakya University.
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of scan body splinting material types and heights on scanning accuracy and duration for a completely edentulous mandible.
Methods:
Scan bodies on multi-unit abutments were splinted at heights of 2 mm and 6 mm using orthodontic elastic ligatures (OELs) and three-dimensionally printed attachments (3D-As). Forty scans were obtained (n = 10 per combination) and analyzed with Geomagic Control X software. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess normality, and nonparametric data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (P < 0.05).
Results:
Scanning time varied significantly among groups (P = 0.000), being longest in the 2-mm-OEL and shortest in the 6-mm-3D-A group. Greater splinting height significantly reduced scan time (P < 0.001), and 3D-A showed shorter durations than OELs (P = 0.008). Angular deviation differed significantly among the groups (P = 0.012), although height and material alone had no significant effect (P > 0.05). Linear deviation did not differ significantly overall (P = 0.062), but lower values were observed in OEL groups (P = 0.018).
Conclusion:
Splint height and material type significantly influence scanning time. The potential impact of splinting material type and height on accuracy should be carefully considered when planning digital impression protocols.
