Trueness of Intraoral Scanners in Implant-Supported Rehabilitations: An In Vitro Analysis on the Effect of Operators' Experience and Implant Number.

Paolo Pesce,Nicolò Pancini,Francesco Pera,Maria Menini,Luigi Canullo,Marco Colombo,Francesco Bagnasco,Marco Annunziata,Eriberto Bressan

doi:10.3390/jcm10245917

Abstract

(1) Background: Intraoral scanners (IOS) are widely used in prosthodontics. However, a good trueness is mandatory to achieve optimal clinical results. The aim of the present in vitro study was to compare two IOS considering the operator’s experience and different implant clinical scenarios. (2) Methods: Two IOS (IT—Itero, Align Technology; and OP—Opera MC, Opera System, Monaco) were compared simulating three different clinical scenarios: single implant, two implants, and full-arch rehabilitation. Ten scans were taken for each configuration by two different operators (one expert, one inexperienced); influence of operator experience and the type of scanner used was investigated. (3) Results: Trueness of the scans differed between the experienced and non-experienced operator and this difference was statistically significant in all the three scenarios (p = 0.000–0.001, 0.037). A significant difference was present between the scanners (p = 0.000), in the two-implant and full-arch scenarios (p = 0.00). (4) Conclusions: Experience of the operator significantly affect trueness of IT and OP scanners. A statistically significant difference was present among IOS in the two-implant and full-arch scenarios.

Highlights

Precision and accuracy of the impression is mandatory to achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes in implant prosthodontics and different materials and techniques have been proposed to reduce possible errors during the step of data transfer to the dental laboratory [1].In particular, over the last two decades, digital impression spread in clinical practice, in parallel with the development of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), contributing to the increasingly popular digitalization of the prosthodontic workflow
Digital impression is widespread in implant dentistry; clinical outcomes might differ depending on several variables, including those considered in the present study, which are type of Intraoral scanners (IOS) used, operator experience and the clinical scenario
In the single and partial rehabilitation scenarios, the experienced clinician reported better results compared to the inexperienced clinician using both IOS, suggesting that a learning curve can improve the clinical outcomes when applying a standardized protocol for intraoral scanning

Summary

Introduction

Precision and accuracy of the impression is mandatory to achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes in implant prosthodontics and different materials and techniques have been proposed to reduce possible errors during the step of data transfer to the dental laboratory [1].In particular, over the last two decades, digital impression spread in clinical practice, in parallel with the development of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), contributing to the increasingly popular digitalization of the prosthodontic workflow.

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion