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Comparative evaluation of precision, morphology, and structural stability in AI-based dental crown design software
Jae-Hyun Sim1, Mi-Jun Noh2, Hee-Ryung Kim3
1Doctoral student, Department of Healthcare Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; and Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Healthcare Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Conventional CAD software offers superior precision for dental crown design compared to AI-based systems. However, AI designs impact cusp angle and occlusal morphology, with finite element analysis revealing design-dependent stress distribution differences.
Area of Science:
- Dental CAD/CAM
- Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry
- Biomaterials and Biomechanics
Background:
- The comparative performance of artificial intelligence (AI)-based computer-aided design (CAD) systems versus conventional CAD software for dental crown fabrication remains underexplored.
- Evaluating AI-driven design outcomes is crucial for understanding their clinical applicability and potential advantages or limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the precision, morphological characteristics, and structural stability of dental crowns designed using AI-based software against those designed with conventional CAD software.
- To assess the accuracy, cusp angle, and stress distribution of crowns produced by different CAD systems.
Main Methods:
- Dental crowns were designed using conventional CAD (3Shape Dental Designer) and two AI-based CAD systems (3Shape Automate, Dentbird) from a standardized digital cast.
- Precision was quantified using root mean square (RMS) deviation, morphology was assessed via functional cusp angle, and structural stability was evaluated using finite element analysis (FEA).
- A sample size of 10 specimens per group was fabricated, and statistical significance was determined using Kruskal-Wallis and 1-way ANOVA tests.
Main Results:
- Conventional CAD (CC group) demonstrated the highest precision with the lowest RMS deviation (13.9 ±3.8 µm), significantly outperforming AI-based groups (AD and AA).
- AI-based designs showed altered morphology, with the AA group exhibiting a significantly smaller functional cusp angle (64.4 ±3.5 degrees).
- FEA revealed design-dependent stress distribution; the AA group experienced the highest von Mises stress (839.8 MPa), while the AD group showed the most homogeneous stress distribution and least displacement.
Conclusions:
- Conventional CAD systems provide superior precision for dental crown design compared to current AI-based systems.
- AI-driven designs result in modifications to cusp angle and occlusal morphology, necessitating careful clinical consideration.
- FEA highlights significant design-dependent variations in stress distribution and crown displacement, impacting structural integrity.
