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Published on: April 29, 2014
Effect of a stackable scanning guide, intraoral scanner type, and operator on the accuracy of maxillary full-arch
Gülce Cakmak1, Nando Bazelli2, Vanadis Schenk2
1Department of Reconstructive Dentistry and Gerodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Digital Dental Technology Laboratory, Department of Prosthodontics, Geriatric Dentistry and Craniomandibular Disorders, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Dentistry, Biruni University, İstanbul, Turkey.
Stackable scanning guides improve digital implant scan accuracy for full arches, outperforming conventional impressions. Scanner type influenced deviations, but operator impact was minimal, especially with the guide enhancing distal site precision.
Area of Science:
- Dental implantology
- Digital dentistry
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Accurate digital impressions are crucial for full-arch implant restorations.
- Conventional impressions can be cumbersome and prone to errors.
- Intraoral scanners offer a digital alternative, but their accuracy needs evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the influence of a stackable scanning guide, intraoral scanner type, and operator on the accuracy of maxillary full-arch implant scans.
- To compare digital scanning methods with conventional impressions.
Main Methods:
- A maxillary model with four implants was scanned using two intraoral scanners (Primescan and Trios 4) with and without a stackable scanning guide.
- Conventional open-tray impressions were also taken.
- Accuracy was evaluated by assessing 3D, angular, and interimplant distance deviations against a reference scan.
Main Results:
- Digital scans were more accurate than conventional impressions.
- The stackable scanning guide improved 3D accuracy, particularly at distal implant sites.
- Scanner type influenced deviation patterns, with Trios 4 showing more consistent accuracy; operator influence was minimal.
Conclusions:
- Digital implant scanning is superior to conventional impressions for full-arch cases.
- Stackable scanning guides enhance scan accuracy by providing stable landmarks, reducing errors.
- The findings support the use of digital workflows with scanning guides for improved implant restoration outcomes.