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Dimensional accuracy of clear aligners fabricated using different LCD 3D printer resolutions: an in-vitro study
Jayaraj Ravi1, Mahalakshmi Krishnakumaran1, Balaji Krishnan1
1Tagore Dental College and Hospital Chennai Tamil Nadu India.
European Oral Research
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Higher resolution LCD 3D printers offer superior accuracy for dental models. An 8K printer demonstrated the best trueness and precision, making it reliable for orthodontic applications and clear aligner production.
Area of Science:
- Dental Technology
- Additive Manufacturing
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Accurate dental models are crucial for orthodontic treatments, including clear aligners.
- LCD 3D printing technology offers potential for producing high-fidelity dental models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the trueness and precision of dental models produced by three LCD 3D printers with varying horizontal resolutions (2K, 4K, and 8K).
- To evaluate the clinical suitability of these 3D printed dental models for orthodontic applications.
Main Methods:
- Thirty dental models were printed using three LCD 3D printers (2K, 4K, 8K) with manufacturer-recommended resins.
- Master digital models were compared to re-scanned printed models using surface superimposition and Geomagic Control X software.
- Trueness and precision were assessed via point deviation and Root-Mean-Square (RMS) analysis, with statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA.
Main Results:
- The 8K printer achieved the highest trueness and precision, with a mean RMS value of 0.121 ± 0.012 mm.
- The 4K and 8K printer models fell within the acceptable 0.25 mm error limit, unlike the 2K models.
- Deviations in the 8K models were primarily observed in the occlusal and gingival regions.
Conclusions:
- Horizontal resolution significantly impacts the dimensional accuracy of LCD 3D printed dental models.
- The 8K LCD 3D printer demonstrates superior accuracy and reproducibility, making it a reliable choice for producing orthodontic models and clear aligners.
