Computerized Optical Impression Making of Fully Dentate Upper and Lower Jaws: An In Vitro Study

Objectives: The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the accuracy of five intraoral scanners for digitizing fully dentate unprepared maxillae and mandibulae in vitro. Materials and Methods: One maxillary and one mandibular reference model with acrylic teeth, an industrial grade reference scanner, 3D evaluation software and the intraoral scanners CS 3500, iTero HD2.9, Planmeca PlanScan, TRIOS Standard and 3M True Definition were used. Scans of the entire arches, one front and two side segments of each arch scan of maxilla and mandibula were evaluated separately for trueness and precision. In addition, visual analyses of deviation patterns, surface properties and approximal areas were performed with the aid of 3D evaluation software. Results: The intraoral scanners CS 3500, TRIOS Standard and iTero HD2.9 showed a similar level of trueness. The True Definition scanner showed lower full arch trueness compared to the TRIOS Standard and to the iTero HD2.9 (p < 0.05). Full arch trueness of the PlanScan was lower compared to the other scanners. Video-based systems showed higher numbers of datapoints per scan (127,300–169,730) compared to single image-based systems (64,115–88,124). The acquisition of interproximal areas was insufficient across all scanners. Limitations: The intraoral scanners were not tested under clinical conditions in this study. Conclusions: Apart from interproximal areas, clinically acceptable full arch trueness was achieved by the CS 3500, the iTero HD2.9 and the TRIOS Standard.