Accuracy of Intraoral Digital Impressions for Whole Upper Jaws, Including Full Dentitions and Palatal Soft Tissues

Abstract

Intraoral digital impressions have been stated to meet the clinical requirements for some teeth-supported restorations, though fewer evidences were proposed for larger scanning range. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy (trueness and precision) of intraoral digital impressions for whole upper jaws, including the full dentitions and palatal soft tissues, as well as to determine the effect of different palatal vault height or arch width on accuracy of intraoral digital impressions. Thirty-two volunteers were divided into three groups according to the palatal vault height or arch width. Each volunteer received three scans with TRIOS intraoral scanner and one conventional impression of whole upper jaw. Three-dimensional (3D) images digitized from conventional gypsum casts by a laboratory scanner were chose as the reference models. All datasets were imported to a specific software program for 3D analysis by "best fit alignment" and "3D compare" process. Color-coded deviation maps showed qualitative visualization of the deviations. For the digital impressions for palatal soft tissues, trueness was (130.54±33.95)μm and precision was (55.26±11.21)μm. For the digital impressions for upper full dentitions, trueness was (80.01±17.78)μm and precision was (59.52±11.29)μm. Larger deviations were found between intraoral digital impressions and conventional impressions in the areas of palatal soft tissues than that in the areas of full dentitions (p<0.001). Precision of digital impressions for palatal soft tissues was slightly better than that for full dentitions (p = 0.049). There was no significant effect of palatal vault height on accuracy of digital impressions for palatal soft tissues (p>0.05), but arch width was found to have a significant effect on precision of intraoral digital impressions for full dentitions (p = 0.016). A linear correlation was found between arch width and precision of digital impressions for whole upper jaws (r = 0.326, p = 0.034 for palatal soft tissues and r = 0.485, p = 0.002 for full dentitions). It was feasible to use the intraoral scanner to obtain digital impressions for whole upper jaws. Wider dental arch contributed to lower precision of an intraoral digital impression. It should be confirmed in further studies that whether accuracy of digital impressions for whole upper jaws is clinically acceptable.

Model‐less digital workflow for the replication of an existing complete fixed implant‐supported prosthesis using an intraoral scanner

“…In vitro studies suggest that intraoral scanners can be used for digital full‐arch implant impressions, with acceptable precision and accuracy . Gherlone related good clinical results when constructing all‐on‐4 CAFIPS trough an intraoral scanning workflow, and such results agree with the present case report as a passive fit was also noticed in the presented patient by clinical and radiographic analysis (Figure ).…”

“…Gherlone related good clinical results when constructing all‐on‐4 CAFIPS trough an intraoral scanning workflow, and such results agree with the present case report as a passive fit was also noticed in the presented patient by clinical and radiographic analysis (Figure ). From the previous background, we can infer that the fabrication of a CAFIPs from intraoral scans is challenging as the recording of hard tissue reference points in complete‐arch cases is still not optimized in current intraoral scanners software and hardware …”

“…By scanning directly intraorally, we could produce the restoration more efficiently by reducing clinical and laboratory fabrication steps; avoiding inaccuracies that can occur from impression materials and gypsum deformation; requiring less intervention along the processes; and reducing the chance of human errors . However, there are few reports of full‐arch intraoral scans for CAFIP fabrications, and one of the main reasons may be the difficulties related to record hard tissue data points in complete‐arch cases, using intraoral scanners …”

“…[8][9][10] However, there are few reports of fullarch intraoral scans for CAFIP fabrications, and one of the main reasons may be the difficulties related to record hard tissue data points in complete-arch cases, using intraoral scanners. 11,12 As digital software, hardware, and new materials keep developing, new workflow possibilities are emerging. Zirconium oxide (ZO) is one of the materials suited for implant-supported CAD/CAM rehabilitations, prepared via subtractive milling, as it offers good esthetics, biocompatibility, shade stability, low accumulation of plaque, good resistance to abrasion, and low thermal conductivity.…”

Labial soft tissue contour dynamics following immediate implants and immediate provisionalization of single maxillary incisors: A 1‐year prospective study

“…Intraoral scanning is now becoming a preferable method to directly obtain 3D data for the peri‐implant soft tissue. The accuracy has been reported to be adequate to perform dimensional analysis . In the present study, labial soft tissue dynamics following IIPP treatment were documented and investigated for the first time via intraoral scanning and subsequent 3D analysis.…”