Intraoral Scanner Research Articles

A comparative study of shade-matching performance using intraoral scanner, spectrophotometer, and visual assessment

This study aimed to explore the clinical applicability of the shade-matching function in intraoral scanners. This study measured the tooth colors of maxillary anterior dentitions of 83 adults using visual matching, a spectrophotometer, and a scanner according to two color systems: VITA Classical (VC) and VITA 3D-Master (V3D). Agreement between each method was assessed by weighted Cohen’s kappa coefficient (KW, α = 0.05). For V3D, the overall agreement between the scanner and spectrophotometer (KW = 0.498) was higher than that between the scanner and visual matching (KW = 0.473). Similarly, the agreement between the scanner and spectrophotometer (KW = 0.283) was higher than that between a scanner and visual matching (KW = 0.140) for VC. Regarding tooth position, the highest agreement between the scanner and spectrophotometer was observed on the right central incisor (KW = 0.542) for V3D. Tooth color measurement with a scanner was comparable to that with a spectrophotometer, especially on the central incisors when using the VITA 3D-Master system. A scanner could serve as an alternative to a spectrophotometer for shade selection. However, color matching should still be visually verified.

Complete Digital Workflow for Manufacturing Presurgical Orthodontic Palatal Plates in Newborns and Infants with Cleft Lip and/or Palate.

Deciding on the implementation or modification of steps in daily clinical care is a nuanced process that demands careful evaluation. This is crucial not only for selecting the most appropriate solution but also for achieving the best treatment outcome. Thus, implementing a workflow for treating cleft lip and/or palate patients with a presurgical orthodontic cleft-covering plate needs to consider objective factors, prioritized from most to least important: safety and quality level, user-friendliness, feasibility, and, finally, efficiency and cost. The goal of this workflow is to integrate CAD/CAM technologies into daily clinical routine to enhance technical and clinical efficiency, reduce the burden of cleft care, and simplify the implementation of these technologies in other facilities. To achieve this, a methodology based on intraoral scanning and additive manufacturing is employed to produce patient-specific passive palatal plates. The approach describes possible pitfalls and their resolution within the routine of a cleft centre, along with an exemplary case scenario. Comparative analysis between the digital workflow and the conventional process demonstrated the digital approach to be safer, higher in quality, more user-friendly, feasible, and cost- and time-effective than the conventional process.

The Adoption and Impact of Dental Scanners in Dental Clinics across Punjab, India: Need of the Hour - A Questionnaire Study

Background: The aim of this article was to determine the adoption and impact of dental scanners in dental clinics across Punjab, India. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was distributed via Google Forms to 450 dental clinics to gather data on the usage, benefits, and challenges associated with dental scanners. The findings highlight the growing trend of digital dentistry and its implications for clinical practice. Results: The survey conducted across 450 clinics in Punjab revealed that 60% of clinics do not use dental scanners, highlighting a significant gap in the adoption of this technology. Among the 40% of clinics that do use dental scanners, 25% utilize intraoral scanners, 10% use extraoral scanners, and 5% employ both types. The majority of these clinics have adopted dental scanners relatively recently, with only a small percentage using them for more than five years. Conclusion: Intra Oral Scanner (IOS) system is less time consuming when compared with other conventional methods. In terms of patient benefits, it reduces pain and discomfort. Ease of communicating with patients and educate them by providing video presentations before delivering any appliance or prostheses. Advanced technology is reshaping the future of digital dentistry, not only in orthodontics but also in other fields of dentistry as well.

The first cloud-native intraoral scanning solution

The first cloud-native intraoral scanning solution

Impact of scanning strategies on the accuracy of virtual interocclusal records in partially edentulous arch using intraoral scanner: an in vitro study

PurposeTo evaluate the scanning strategies affecting the accuracy of virtual interocclusal records (VIR) in partially edentulous arches using an intraoral scanner in vitro.MethodsA reference model of a partially edentulous arch with implant analogs in positions 45,46 and 47 was constructed. Six pairs of 1-mm diameter metal beads were placed on the gingival tissue as markers for measurement. Four scanning strategies were tested: Quadrant-arch Scan (group 1), Quadrant-arch Scan with Auxiliary occlusal devices (AOD) (group 2), Full-arch Scan (group 3), Full-arch Scan with AOD (group 4). The model was digitalized with a lab scanner as a reference and 15 scans were obtained for each group. The accuracy of VIR was assessed by comparing the experiment data to the reference digital model.ResultsThe mean surface deviations of VIR for Groups 1–4 were 89.4 ± 105.2 μm,95.6 ± 132.8 μm,152.3 ± 159.7 μm and 107.6 ± 138.2 μm respectively. Quadrant-arch scans resulted in lower errors of VIR than full-arch scan (P < 0.001). There was a significant interaction between the AOD and scanning span (P = 0.017). The Quadrant-arch scan with AOD (group 2) produced the least error in the distally extended edentulous area.ConclusionsQuadrant-arch scans showed better accuracy of VIR than full-arch scans across all tooth positions. The combination of AOD and quadrant-arch scan further enhances VIR accuracy in distally extended edentulous areas.

A novel methodology for analysing dental implant positional changes from virtual planning to placement without CBCT.

Introduction This paper introduces a novel methodology for analysing dental implant positioning in vivo, advancing beyond traditional methods that rely on post-placement cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.Method The core of the methodology is comparing stereolithography (STL) files, representing pre-planned and actual post-placement implant positions. These STL files, exported from guided surgery planning and computer-aided design software, focus on clinically significant key points, like the apical and coronal midpoints. Additionally, the method uses pose detection, differing fundamentally from CBCT scan approximations.Discussion Relying on pose detection instead of scanner resolution, this method aligns with international standards and overcomes CBCT and intra-oral scanner limitations. It allows for a more precise and accurate assessment of implant positions, independent of scanner technology constraints. Further refinements include potential detailed reporting of apical deviations, enhancing implant placement accuracy.Conclusion This research has significant implications for dental implantology, enhancing implant placement precision and overall procedure success. Introducing an automated process for report generation through a batch script improves efficiency and precision, streamlining the analysis process. This innovation sets the stage for future technological advancements, improving both the accuracy and reliability of implant placement assessments.

Ultrasonography-Guided Dental Implant Surgery: A Feasibility Study.

To evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound-image-based computer-assisted implant planning and placement. Intraoral scans, cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT), and ultrasound (US) scans with a custom positioning device were acquired in nine patients. Prosthetic-driven surgical guides were planned and fabricated based on ultrasound images and intraoral scans. Implants were then placed. Postoperative implant position was obtained intra-surgically by intraoral scan. Aside from the ultrasound-based plan, conventional implant planning was performed by the same operator on a pre-surgical CBCT for comparison. Linear deviations between ultrasound and CBCT-planned implant positions were measured and compared with the intra-surgical implant position, and the position deviations between two consecutive plannings were performed on the same CBCT by the same operator. The linear deviation between the 3D scan surface of the edentulous region and the ultrasonographic soft tissue profile segmentation was also assessed with reverse-engineering software. Means, standard deviations, and root mean square differences (RMSD) were calculated for every variable. All the ultrasound-planned implants were successfully placed, and no complications were recorded. The mean deviations in angles, shoulders, and apexes were 5.27 ± 1.75° (RMSD: 5.53°), 0.92 ± 0.26 mm (RMSD: 0.95 mm), and 1.41 ± 0.61 mm (RMSD: 1.53 mm), respectively, between the US and CBCT-planned implants; 2.63 ± 0.43° (RMSD: 2.66°), 1.16 ± 0.30 mm (RMSD: 1.19 mm), and 1.26 ± 0.27 mm (RMSD: 1.28 mm) between the planned implant and intra-surgically recorded positions; and 2.90 ± 1.36° (RMSD: 3.18°), 0.65 ± 0.27 mm (RMSD: 0.70 mm), and 0.99 ± 0.37 mm (RMSD: 1.05 mm) between two consecutive CBCTs planning performed by the same operator. The mean deviation between the 3D surfaces of model scans and ultrasound-derived soft tissue profile in the edentulous area was 0.19 ± 0.08 mm. Ultrasound-guided implant surgery represents a feasible non-ionizing alternative to conventional static guided implant surgical protocols for implant placement in sites with favorable characteristics.

Effect of scanning strategies on trueness and time efficiency of digital impression on paediatric models.

Various scanning methods aim to reduce intraoral scanner errors, yet no specific approach targets paediatric patients. Evaluate continuous (C) and noncontinuous (NC) scanning patterns' impact on the trueness and duration of paediatric digital impressions. A standard pedodontic typodont model was scanned with a Trios 4 Move+ IOS using four scanning strategies. C1 and C2 followed continuous scanning from the right molars, with different directions. NC1 scanned noncontinuously from the right molar, with breaks every four teeth. NC2 began at the right primary incisor, with breaks after every three teeth. Each scan, performed five times by one researcher, was timed. Industrial scanning provided reference data. Deviations were analyzed using the MIXED procedure. NC1 had higher deviations in the lower jaw, whereas C1 and NC1 showed higher deviations in the upper jaw (p < .001). C1 had significantly higher deviations in the upper jaw than the lower jaw (p = .041). NC2 had the longest scanning time in both upper and lower jaws (p = .002). Paediatric digital impressions benefit from starting at the anterior and incorporating breaks, although this increases scanning time.

Automated orofacial virtual patient creation: A proof of concept

ObjectivesTo (1) construct a virtual patient (VP) using facial scan, intraoral scan, and low-dose computed tomography scab based on an Artificial intelligence (AI)-approach, (2) quantitatively compare it with AI-refined and semi-automatic registration, and (3) qualitatively evaluate user satisfaction when using virtual patient as a communication tool in clinical practice. Materials and methodsA dataset of 20 facial scans, intraoral scans, and low-dose computed tomography scans was imported into the Virtual Patient Creator platform to create an automated virtual patient. The accuracy of the virtual patients created using different approaches was further analyzed in the Mimics software. The accuracy (% of corrections required), consistency, and time efficiency of the AI-driven virtual patient registration were then compared with the AI-refined and semi-automatic registration (clinical reference). User satisfaction was assessed through a survey of 35 dentists and 25 laypersons who rated the virtual patient's realism and usefulness for treatment planning and communication on a 5-point scale. ResultsThe accuracy for AI-driven, AI-refined, and semi-automatic registration virtual patient was 85 %, 85 %, and 100 % for the upper and middle thirds of the face, and 30 %, 30 %, and 35 % for the lower third. Registration consistency was 1, 1 and 0.99, and the average time was 26.5, 30.8, and 385 s, respectively (18-fold time reduction with AI). The inferior facial third exhibited the highest registration mismatch between facial scan and computed tomography. User satisfaction with the virtual patient was consistently high among both dentists and laypersons, with most responses indicating very high satisfaction regarding realism and usefulness as a communication tool. ConclusionThe AI-driven registration can provide clinically accurate, fast, and consistent virtual patient creation using facial scans, intraoral scans, and low-dose computed tomography scans, enabling interpersonal communication. Clinical significanceUsing AI for automated segmentation and registration of maxillofacial structures leads to clinically efficient and accurate VP creation, opening the doors for its widespread use in diagnosis, treatment planning, and interprofessional and professional-patient communication.

Diagnosis of dental erosion using intraoral scanner in comparison to 3D confocal laser microscope

Diagnosis of dental erosion using intraoral scanner in comparison to 3D confocal laser microscope

Impact of different lighting conditions on the tooth-shade selection using intra-oral scanners: An in-vitro study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the accuracy in tooth shade selection under various lighting conditions using different devices, including a color spectrophotometer (CSP) and two intra-oral scanners (IOS: IOS-1 and IOS-2). MethodsTooth shade measurements were performed on a standardized shade guide (16 shades, A1-D4) using CSP, IOS-1 and IOS-2. These evaluations were carried out under three lighting conditions: (1) DL - device light source only, (2) RL - DL plus room light, and (3) CL - RL plus dental-chair light. Each shade was measured ten times per lighting condition with each device by a single investigator. Shade detection accuracy was defined as the percentage of matches to the known shade. Logistic regression models were used for statistical analyses (α = 0.05). ResultsA total of 1440 measurements were conducted. Lighting conditions of increasing intensity significantly decreased the shade detection accuracy of the devices (CSP: RLvsDL, p > 0.9999, Odds Ratio (OR) = 1; CLvsDL, p = 0.0726, OR = 0.6053, IOS-1: RLvsDL, p < 0.0001, OR = 0.2862; CLvsDL, p < 0.0001, OR = 0.05239 and IOS-2: RLvsDL, p = 0.0002, OR = 0.376; CLvsDL, p < 0.0001, OR = 0.1908). CSP, IOS-1, and IOS-2 had shade detection accuracies of 43.75 %, 74.38 %, and 59.38 % respectively under DL. In RL, IOS-1 and IOS-2 dropped to 50.63 % and 40.63 %, respectively; CSP remained unchanged. Under CL, the accuracy dropped for all devices (CSP: 35.63 %, IOS-1: 20.63 %, IOS-2: 28.75 %). Additionally, the devices demonstrated higher accuracy when measuring shade A compared to shades B, C, and D. ConclusionsThe findings of this in vitro study concluded that the accuracy of tooth shade detection was more reliable, particularly for individuals with shade A, when spectrophotometers and intraoral scanners were used with only their built-in light source. Further purpose-built clinical studies are required to confirm these findings in a clinical context.

A Clinical Comparison Between New and Conventional Methods for Quantification of Intended and Fabricated Dental Porcelain Color

Introduction: The accurate selection of dental porcelain shades is crucial for achieving natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing restorations. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of various shade selection methods, including visual assessment, spectrophotometry, and intraoral scanning. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to improve the accuracy of shade selection in prosthodontics. To achieve this, it will compare digital, intraoral, and visual methods, identify factors influencing shade selection, develop educational guidelines for dentists, and minimize color discrepancies between chosen and final shades. Methods: A diverse group of 37 participants with 111 shades of teeth were involved. Three shade selection methods were employed: visual assessment using a shade guide, spectrophotometry with the VITA Easyshade Compact, and intraoral scanning with the Medit i700. The accuracy of each method was determined by comparing the selected shade to the fabricated porcelain restoration. Results: While digital methods (spectrophotometry and intraoral scanning) simplified the shade selection process, visual assessment, especially when performed by experienced dentists, consistently demonstrated higher accuracy. Factors such as lighting conditions and individual variations in color perception influenced the reliability of visual assessment. Discussion: The study emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to shade selection, combining both visual and digital methods. Digital tools offer objective measurements, while visual assessment captures subtle nuances in color and ensures patient satisfaction. Conclusion: The optimal shade selection method depends on the specific clinical situation and the dentist's expertise. By incorporating both visual and digital techniques, dental professionals can enhance the accuracy and reliability of shade selection, ultimately leading to more natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing dental restorations.

Scan accuracy of wireless intraoral scanners while digitizing a combined scan body-healing abutment system: Scan accuracy of wireless scanners

To investigate the accuracy (trueness and precision) of wireless and wired intraoral scanners (IOSs) when scanning an implant with the combined healing abutment-scan body (CHA-SB) system. A partially edentulous mandibular model with a CHA-SB at the right first molar site was digitized with 2 wireless (NeoScan 2000 (NW) and TRIOS 4 wireless (T4W)) and 2 wired (NeoScan 1000 (N) and TRIOS 4 wired (T4)) IOSs 44 times in total (n=11). The reference scan file was generated by digitizing the same master model and CHA-SB with an industrial-grade optical scanner. All files were imported into a metrology-grade analysis software program to evaluate the surface (root mean square, RMS), linear, and angular deviations of the top part of the SB. The average deviation values defined the precision of the scans. The data were statistically analyzed (α = 0.05). IOS type affected the surface and angular deviations and the precision (linear deviations on the x-axis) of the scans (p ≤ 0.043). T4W had lower RMS than N and T4 (p ≤ 0.031). T4 had higher angular deviations than N on the XZ plane and had the lowest angular deviations on the YZ plane (p ≤ 0.011). T4W scans had higher precision than N scans (p = 0.024). Despite some differences in the trueness or precision of scans, tested IOSs mostly enabled similar scan accuracy. Regardless of the IOS, the implant scans had a tendency to tilt mesiobuccally, which can be considered clinically small. Tested wireless intraoral scanners may be suitable alternatives to their wired counterparts while digitizing an implant with a combined healing abutment-scan body system in the posterior region. However, the crowns fabricated from tested scans might require buccal, mesial, and occlusal surface veneering and distal surface adjustments.

Immediate implant placement in damaged extraction sockets: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The aim of this study was to observe whether immediate implant placement (IIP) into damaged extraction sockets is a successful modality for treating hopeless teeth that require extraction. An electronic search was carried out through four databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) to identify randomized controlled trials (2013-2023) to understand whether IIP in damaged sockets is a successful treatment. The focus question was, 'In a patient with a hopeless tooth that needs extraction with the indication for dental implant treatment, is IIP in damaged extraction sockets, compared to undamaged sockets or healed sites, an effective method for the replacement of hopeless teeth and achieving a favorable clinical result?' The risk of bias was appraised and a meta-analysis using random effect was applied. Five studies with 135 patients and 138 implants were included. The implant survival rate was 100% for all studies and period evaluated; the pink esthetic score (PES) scores had no statistically significant result for all articles that evaluated this parameter; the soft tissue changes was reported by two studies: one found no significant differences and the other showed that the test group experienced reduced soft tissue loss at the 1-year evaluation (measured with digital intraoral scanners); other two studies assessed the marginal bone loss, presenting no differences between groups. The meta-analysis showed homogeneity between the studies. There was an equilibrium among the groups in the various studies included, and age tended to be lower in the test group. The buccal bone tissue and pink esthetic score showed favoritism for the test group but without statistical significance. This study suggests that IIP in the presence of buccal bone defects can achieve comparable clinical and radiological outcomes to traditional methods in the short term of the limited studies available. The buccal aspect is not possible to be evaluated through radiographs. Bone regeneration was essential to reach optimal results. It is important to emphasize that IIP requires adherence to rigorous criteria to ensure functionally acceptable results.

Effect of orthodontic space closure on dental pulp sensitivity. Prospective clinical trial.

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a biological process that can influence the function of the pulp, including its innervation. The excitability of the nerve fibres of the pulp may be altered by forces exerted on the nerve fibres or by reduced blood flow to the pulp. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the dental pulp during levelling and during the phase of space closure, to assess the role of certain controlled risk factors. Twenty-two adolescent participants requiring orthodontic space closure in transcanine sector were enrolled in a prospective clinical study. Patients were observed before OTM, after levelling and 1 month during active space closure. The sensitivity threshold of the pulp was measured using the electric pulp test (EPT). Dental models were obtained using an intraoral scanner, allowing measurement of interdental distances and calculation of OTM speed. The teeth were categorized according to position and tooth type. The EPT values increased significantly during orthodontic treatment (one-way RM-ANOVA, P = .014). There was a significant difference in EPT values between the tooth categories. Teeth with a single root adjacent to the residual space had the highest EPT thresholds (two-way RM-ANOVA, P < .001; Holm-Sidak, P < .05). OTM reduced pulpal sensitivity. Pulpal sensitivity during active space closure was similar to sensitivity during the levelling phase. The pulpal sensitivity of molars was less affected by OTM than that of single-rooted teeth, while teeth closer to the gap had a significantly higher pulpal sensitivity threshold during active OTM.

Clinical comparison of crowns made with two intraoral scanners

Clinical comparison of crowns made with two intraoral scanners

Digital prosthodontics in near future: Awareness among the dental students on intraoral scanners and its probability of replacement over conventional method in the near future of prosthodontics: A cross-sectional survey

Aims: The aim of the study is to analyse the awareness and knowledge about IOSs among the dental students of Tamil Nadu. Settings and Design: A cross sectional survey – questionnaire study. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was carried out to assess the knowledge, awareness, and practice of IOSs among dental students through a questionnaire of five domains, with five questions in each domain. This is sent to various dental students of Tamil Nadu through mail and othersocial media platforms. Statistical Analysis Used: It was performed using a statistical package for the social sciences’ [SPSS] software version 22. Descriptive statistics were performed for demographic variables. Chi square test was performed for all the qualitative data. Results: Most of the answers were statistically significant with P &lt; 0.05 and few results were not significant indicating less knowledge and awareness about digital prosthodontics among the dental students. Conclusions: Thus, the addition of digital dentistry in the curriculum of dental students and giving them more knowledge helps in the flourishment of the future prosthodontic field with much accuracy of treatment and with less patient discomfort replacing the conventional methods.

Effect of prefabricated auxiliary devices in different optical properties and shapes on the accuracy of intraoral scanning of the edentulous arch with multiple implants: an in-vitro study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of prefabricated auxiliary devices (PADs) in different optical properties and shapes on the accuracy of digital implant impressions. MethodsAn edentulous maxillary all-on-4 master model was fabricated. PADs were 3D-printed in different resin materials (Grey, Translucent, White, Yellow) and shapes (Cuboid, Cylinder, Sphere) using a 3D printer (AccuFab-C1s, 3DShining, Hangzhou, China). The master model was digitalized using a dental laboratory scanner (D2000, 3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark) 4 times as the reference models. Test models were obtained without (control group) or with PADs by an intraoral scanner (Aoralscan 3, Shining3D, Hangzhou, China) for ten repetitions of each group using the scanning pattern recommended by the manufacturer. The related files were imported into inspection software to assess Root Mean Square (RMS), linear and angular accuracy. Aligned Ranks Transformation ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to evaluate the differences in these values. The level of significance was set at α=0.05. ResultsPADs in different optical properties and shapes demonstrated accuracy enhancement to different extents depending on their combinations. The PADs in combinations of white-cuboid, grey-sphere and yellow-sphere demonstrated the optimal trueness enhancement. The Aligned Ranks Transformation ANOVA indicated that the optical properties of the PADs significantly influenced the RMS, linear and angular accuracy. The main effect of optical properties indicated that translucent PADs generally generated more deviations than the others. The shapes of the PADs significantly influenced the angular accuracy. The main effect of shapes indicated that cylinder resulted in lower angular trueness on YZ plane than cuboid (p = 0.006) and sphere (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe optical properties and shapes of the PADs significantly influenced the scanning accuracy. Translucent PADs demonstrated more deviations than the others. Lower angular trueness on the YZ plane was seen in cylinder design compared to the others. Clinical significanceThe optical properties and shapes of prefabricated auxiliary devices should be critically considered to optimize the scanning accuracy. Prefabricated auxiliary devices in translucent optical properties and cylinder shape should be avoided.

The use of intraoral scanners for human identification

The use of intraoral scanners for human identification

The Impact of Cement Spacing on Intraoral Scanner Accuracy

The Impact of Cement Spacing on Intraoral Scanner Accuracy