Abstract
Objectives The study aimed to compare the accuracy of different methods of data acquisition and data reconstruction and to assess their usefulness for 3D printing of tooth replicas. Methods 3-dimensional models of molar and canine teeth obtain utilizing CBCT examination with different protocols, and optical scanning was compared with models derived from micro-computed (micro-CT) examination using Geomagic Studio Qualify software. A pairwise comparison of 3D models with analysis of standard deviation and the value of the mean distance of given surfaces was performed. Results Standard deviation and the value of the mean distance were lowest for optical scanning followed by CBC in high and standard resolution in all tested protocols. Models, obtained with high-resolution CBCT protocols, of teeth in and outside of alveolar bone showed similar average distance parameters, but standard deviation parameter was significantly lower for models of teeth scanned outside of the socket. Good surface representation on all models was seen at relatively smooth areas while in areas of high changes in the geometry CBCT based models performed inferiorly to those obtained from an optical scanner. Conclusions In case of teeth of noncomplicated texture, independently from a position (within or outside the alveolar socket), the high-resolution CBCT seems to be a sufficient method to obtain data for 3D printed tooth replica. Optical scanning performs better when a detailed replica is necessary.
Highlights
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an advanced technology that models object scanning data, introduces it to the device, and controls the precise 3D placement of the printed material in order to create a model similar to the original object [1, 2]
The lower canine and the first molar located in their anatomical positions in human dry mandible were scanned by means of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) unit (Scanora 3D, Soredex, Finland) in two modalities: standard resolution with Field of View (FOV) 13x14.5 cm and voxel size of 0.35 and high resolution with FOV 6x6cm and voxel size of 0.133
The 3D model based on the optical scanner is 10 times more detailed in terms of the number of triangles describing the tooth surface and 4-5 times more accurate in terms of standard deviation, in comparison to the model obtained from the standard resolution of CBCT
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an advanced technology that models object scanning data, introduces it to the device, and controls the precise 3D placement of the printed material in order to create a model similar to the original object [1, 2]. One of the earliest applications of 3D printing in medical modeling was a production of an anatomical study model [5]. Anatomically accurate models and patient’s specific models to assist with the planning of complex treatment are most often the subjects of 3D printing, and methods of obtaining objects ideally depicting the original are continually researched [6,7,8]. The 3D printing offers numerous benefits; its application in many fields, i.e., premedical education, surgery, and medical research, can be observed [4, 5, 9,10,11]. The impact of 3D printing in dentistry is increasingly important. 3D printing technology has been increasingly used in
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