Accuracy evaluation of a new three-dimensional reproduction method of edentulous dental casts, and wax occlusion rims with jaw relation

Evaluation of the trueness and precision of conventional impressions versus digital scans for the all-on-four treatment in the maxillary arch: An in vitro study

PURPOSE

To compare the accuracy of digitizing conventional impressions to intraoral surface scans for all-on-four treatment in the maxillary arch.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An edentulous maxillary arch model with four implants placed in an all-on-four design was fabricated. Intraoral surface scans (n = 10) were obtained using an intraoral scanner after scan body insertion. For conventional polyvinylsiloxane impressions of the model, implant copings were inserted into the implant fixation for implant level, opened tray impressions (n = 10). The model and conventional impressions were digitized to obtain digital files. A reference file was created using a laboratory-scanned conventional standard tessellation language (STL) file with analog to scan the body using exocad software. STL datasets from the two digital and conventional impression groups were superimposed with reference files to assess the 3D deviations. Two-way ANOVA and paired-samples t-test was performed to assess the difference in trueness and examine the effects of impression technique and implant angulation on the deviation amount.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the conventional impression and intraoral surface scan groups F(1, 76) = 2.705, p = 0.104. No significant differences were found between conventional straight and digital straight implants and between conventional and digital tilted implants F(1, 76) = .041, p = 0.841. No significant differences were found between conventional straight and conventional tilted implants p = 0.07 and between digital straight and digital tilted implants p = 0.08.

CONCLUSION

Digital scans were more accurate than conventional impressions. The digital straight implants were more accurate than the conventional straight implants, and the digital tilted implants were more accurate than the conventional tilted implants, with higher accuracy for digital straight implants.

[Independent innovation research, development and transformation of precise bionic repair technology for oral prosthesis]

According to the fourth national oral health epidemiological survey report (2018), billions of teeth are lost or missing in China, inducing chewing dysfunction, which is necessary to build physiological function using restorations. Digital technology improves the efficiency and accuracy of oral restoration, with the application of three-dimensional scans, computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), bionic material design and so on. However, the basic research and product development of digital technology in China lack international competitiveness, with related products basically relying on imports, including denture 3D design software, 3D oral printers, and digitally processed materials. To overcome these difficulties, from 2001, Yuchun Sun's team, from Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, developed a series of studies in artificial intelligence design and precision bionics manufacturing of complex oral prostheses. The research included artificial intelligence design technology for complex oral prostheses, 3D printing systems for oral medicine, biomimetic laminated zirconia materials and innovative application of digital prosthetics in clinical practice. The research from 2001 to 2007 was completed under the guidance of Prof. Peijun Lv and Prof. Yong Wang. Under the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Science and Technology Support Program, National High-Tech R & D Program (863 Program) and Beijing Training Project for the Leading Talents in S & T, Yuchun Sun's team published over 200 papers in the relevant field, authorized 49 national invention patents and 1 U.S. invention patent and issued 2 national standards. It also developed 8 kinds of core technology products in digital oral prostheses and 3 kinds of clinical diagnosis and treatment programs, which significantly improved the design efficiency of complex oral prostheses, the fabrication accuracy of metal prostheses and the bionic performance of ceramic materials. Compared with similar international technologies, the program doubled the efficiency of bionic design and manufacturing accuracy and reduced the difficulty of diagnosis and cost of treatment and application by 50%, with the key indicators of those products reaching the international leading level. This program not only helped to realize precision, intelligence and efficiency during prostheses but also provided functional and aesthetic matches for patients after prostheses. The program was rewarded with the First Technical Innovation Prize of the Beijing Science and Technology Awards (2020), Gold Medal of Medical Research Group in the First Medical Science and Technology Innovation Competition of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (2020) and Best Creative Award in the First Translational Medical Innovation Competition of Capital (2017). This paper is a review of the current situation of artificial intelligence design and precision bionics manufacturing of complex oral prosthesis.

[Independent innovation research, development and transformation of precise bionic repair technology for oral prosthesis]

According to the fourth national oral health epidemiological survey report (2018), billions of teeth are lost or missing in China, inducing chewing dysfunction, which is necessary to build physiological function using restorations. Digital technology improves the efficiency and accuracy of oral restoration, with the application of three-dimensional scans, computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), bionic material design and so on. However, the basic research and product development of digital technology in China lack international competitiveness, with related products basically relying on imports, including denture 3D design software, 3D oral printers, and digitally processed materials. To overcome these difficulties, from 2001, Yuchun Sun's team, from Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, developed a series of studies in artificial intelligence design and precision bionics manufacturing of complex oral prostheses. The research included artificial intelligence design technology for complex oral prostheses, 3D printing systems for oral medicine, biomimetic laminated zirconia materials and innovative application of digital prosthetics in clinical practice. The research from 2001 to 2007 was completed under the guidance of Prof. Peijun Lv and Prof. Yong Wang. Under the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Science and Technology Support Program, National High-Tech R & D Program (863 Program) and Beijing Training Project for the Leading Talents in S & T, Yuchun Sun's team published over 200 papers in the relevant field, authorized 49 national invention patents and 1 U.S. invention patent and issued 2 national standards. It also developed 8 kinds of core technology products in digital oral prostheses and 3 kinds of clinical diagnosis and treatment programs, which significantly improved the design efficiency of complex oral prostheses, the fabrication accuracy of metal prostheses and the bionic performance of ceramic materials. Compared with similar international technologies, the program doubled the efficiency of bionic design and manufacturing accuracy and reduced the difficulty of diagnosis and cost of treatment and application by 50%, with the key indicators of those products reaching the international leading level. This program not only helped to realize precision, intelligence and efficiency during prostheses but also provided functional and aesthetic matches for patients after prostheses. The program was rewarded with the First Technical Innovation Prize of the Beijing Science and Technology Awards (2020), Gold Medal of Medical Research Group in the First Medical Science and Technology Innovation Competition of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (2020) and Best Creative Award in the First Translational Medical Innovation Competition of Capital (2017). This paper is a review of the current situation of artificial intelligence design and precision bionics manufacturing of complex oral prosthesis.

Optimum design of reference points distribution in three-dimensional reconstruction of dental model in intercuspal position

Purpose

The scanning of plaster models for three-dimensional (3D) construction requires their rigid fixation in the intercuspal position. Factors such as installation, motion, and scanning procedures influenced the accuracy of this method, which ultimately influence the results. Therefore, the present study attempted to provide an optimal and accurate method with less complex procedures and a more accessible equipment for determining the intercuspal relation in the 3D occlusal construction of dental models.

Methods

A pair of plastic mounting plates that could be directly attached to a mechanical articulator was designed and 3D printed. Nine axial hemispherical concaves were introduced on the axial surface of each plate. The rigidly fixed maxillary and mandibular dental models were scanned directly. The distances D_R between nine pairs of concaves on both mounting plates adhered to the maxillary and mandibular sections of the articulator were measured using the three-coordinate measuring machine Faro Edge as the reference. The present study comprised seven test groups varying in number and location. Assessing the reference points from each of the seven groups performed the 3D construction. The Geomagic Studio software was used to construct the concaves of digital casts, and the distances D_M between the pairs of concaves were measured as test values. Variable differences between D_R and D_M were analyzed.

Results

An optimum distribution scheme was obtained for reference point registration by quantitatively evaluating accuracy levels of the 3D constructions of different reference point distribution patterns. This scheme can serve as a reference for related studies and dental clinic operations.

Conclusions

Three-dimensional construction of the intercuspal relation during scanning of the maxillary and mandibular models with an accuracy of 0.046 mm ± 0.009 mm can be achieved using the improved design of mounting plates.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of systematic histological sections: application to observations on palatal shelf elevation

Normal mammalian secondary palate development undergoes a series of processes, including palatal shelf (PS) growth, elevation, adhesion and fusion, and palatal bone formation. It has been estimated that more than 90% of isolated cleft palate is caused by defects associated with the elevation process. However, because of the rapidly completed elevation process, the entire process of elevation will never be easy to clarify. In this article, we present a novel method for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of thick tissue blocks from two-dimensional (2D) histological sections. We established multiplanar sections of the palate and tongue in coronal and sagittal directions, and further performed 3D reconstruction to observe the morphological interaction and connection between the two components prior to and during elevation. The method completes an imaging system for simultaneous morphological analysis of thick tissue samples using both synthetic and real data. The new method will provide a comprehensive picture of reorientation morphology and gene expression pattern during the palatal elevation process.

Accuracy of half-way mucosa-supported implant guides for edentulous jaws: a retrospective study with a median follow-up of 2 years

OBJECTIVE

To assess the accuracy of half-way digital mucosa-supported implant guides (HDMIGs) for edentulous jaws.

METHODS

Ninety-five consecutive patients (859 implants) with edentulous jaws who underwent implant placement using an HDMIG from July 2012 to June 2018 were retrospectively identified. The primary endpoint was implant-related complications (nerve injury and unexpected perforation), and the secondary endpoints were the faciolingual distance, mesiodistal distance, buccolingual angle, and mesiodistal angle. Follow-ups occurred at 1 month, 2 months, and then every 2 months following implant placement.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven (28.4%) patients met the exclusion criteria, leaving 68 eligible patients (636 implants) for the final analysis. The median follow-up was 24 months (range, 18-27 months). No patients developed nerve injury, revision, or unexpected perforation. At the final follow-up, the mean faciolingual distance was 0.65 ± 0.16 mm, the mean mesiodistal distance was 1.16 ± 0.61 mm, the mean buccolingual angle was 4.04° ± 2.26°, and the mean mesiodistal angle was 3.75° ± 2.56°. In the comparison of the first month after surgery and the last follow-up, no significant differences were detected in any of the four measured variables.

CONCLUSION

Use of an HDMIG may be a convenient and safe method to ensure correct implantation.

[Independent innovation research of functionally suitable denture digital system]

Fabrication of conventional complete dentures involves a complex restoration method, requiring significant time and typically involving primary impressions, definitive impressions, jaw relation records, clinic try-in, and complete denture placement, which has been used for nearly a century without change. A novel digital system named Functionally Suitable Denture (FSD) was researched and developed so as to reduce clinical steps, operation difficulties and errors of complete denture restoration. It pioneered a unique diagnostic complete denture aided by computer aided design (CAD) & 3D printing, by which, the functional impression, jaw relation, and try-in (3 steps) were simplified to 1 step, thus the number of visits to the dentist was reduced by 2 times. Moreover, for the first time, it put forward a CAD software of template matching based on the expert design, which was an efficient and intelligent design scheme, and the excellent denture experts' experience and skills could be inherited and iterated. The system included the 3D scanner with appropriate accuracy and high efficiency, the CAD software, the special 3D printer and process software, and the innovative clinical operation process. The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent international search report showed that all the 15 claims of the technology were of novelty, creativity and industrial utility. All the digital products were independently developed and made by Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, China. The design and manufacture process of denture prosthesis was fast, simple and accurate. At the same time, personalized functional and aesthetic matching of the patients after wearing prosthesis was realized. It effectively solved the global problems of "slow, difficult and inaccurate" of the traditional manual technology of complete denture, and brought good news to edentulous patients. Compared with the traditional complete denture treatment, FSD system has a wide range of applications for different types of edentulous patients, including those with severe resorption of the alveolar ridge or a high occlusal force. Furthermore, the low-cost of 3D printers, compared with expensive milling machines, may make the approach more accessible. This review describes that our research is related to the development of the FSD system, including multi-source data acquisition technology, three generations of complete denture design software, 3D printing systems of individual tray and complete denture pattern, the clinical and laboratory operation process of the FSD system.

[Independent innovation research of functionally suitable denture digital system]

Fabrication of conventional complete dentures involves a complex restoration method, requiring significant time and typically involving primary impressions, definitive impressions, jaw relation records, clinic try-in, and complete denture placement, which has been used for nearly a century without change. A novel digital system named Functionally Suitable Denture (FSD) was researched and developed so as to reduce clinical steps, operation difficulties and errors of complete denture restoration. It pioneered a unique diagnostic complete denture aided by computer aided design (CAD) & 3D printing, by which, the functional impression, jaw relation, and try-in (3 steps) were simplified to 1 step, thus the number of visits to the dentist was reduced by 2 times. Moreover, for the first time, it put forward a CAD software of template matching based on the expert design, which was an efficient and intelligent design scheme, and the excellent denture experts' experience and skills could be inherited and iterated. The system included the 3D scanner with appropriate accuracy and high efficiency, the CAD software, the special 3D printer and process software, and the innovative clinical operation process. The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent international search report showed that all the 15 claims of the technology were of novelty, creativity and industrial utility. All the digital products were independently developed and made by Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, China. The design and manufacture process of denture prosthesis was fast, simple and accurate. At the same time, personalized functional and aesthetic matching of the patients after wearing prosthesis was realized. It effectively solved the global problems of "slow, difficult and inaccurate" of the traditional manual technology of complete denture, and brought good news to edentulous patients. Compared with the traditional complete denture treatment, FSD system has a wide range of applications for different types of edentulous patients, including those with severe resorption of the alveolar ridge or a high occlusal force. Furthermore, the low-cost of 3D printers, compared with expensive milling machines, may make the approach more accessible. This review describes that our research is related to the development of the FSD system, including multi-source data acquisition technology, three generations of complete denture design software, 3D printing systems of individual tray and complete denture pattern, the clinical and laboratory operation process of the FSD system.

A pilot study of digital recording of edentulous jaw relations using a handheld scanner and specially designed headgear

The present study aimed to establish and evaluate a method for recording edentulous jaw relations digitally without occlusal bases, using a handheld scanner and specially designed headgear. The headgear maintained the mandibular position. Ten edentulous patients’ upper (U) and lower edentulous jaw models (L) were prepared and scanned. A handheld scanner was used to capture the labial alveolar ridge mucosa relations in the upper and lower anterior arches directly (Dr). U and L were registered to Dr (test group). Complete dentures of patients in the intercuspal position were used to construct the relationship between U and L (control group). Differences in jaw relations in the test and control groups, in terms of vertical difference, displacement and rotation of the anterior and posterior, and displacement and rotation of the left and right were assessed using the Hotelling’s T² test. The differences in the mean values and the mean of the absolute values of the jaw relations between groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.331) and significant (P = 0.016), respectively. Our findings show that it is possible to make digital recording of edentulous jaw relations by using a handheld scanner and headgear.

Fabricating Complete Dentures with CAD/CAM and RP Technologies

Two techological approaches for fabricating dentures; computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and rapid prototyping (RP), are combined with the conventional techniques of impression and jaw relation recording to determine their feasibility and applicability. Maxillary and mandibular edentulous jaw models were produced using silicone molds. After obtaining a gypsum working model, acrylic bases were crafted, and occlusal rims for each model were fabricated with previously determined standard vertical and centric relationships. The maxillary and mandibular relationships were recorded with guides. The occlusal rims were then scanned with a digital scanner. The alignment of the maxillary and mandibular teeth was verified. The teeth in each arch were fabricated in one piece, or set, either by CAM or RP. Conventional waxing and flasking was then performed for both methods. These techniques obviate a practitioner's need for technicians during design and provide the patient with an opportunity to participate in esthetic design with the dentist. In addition, CAD/CAM and RP reduce chair time; however, the materials and techniques need further improvements. Both CAD/CAM and RP techniques seem promising for reducing chair time and allowing the patient to participate in esthetics design. Furthermore, the one-set aligned artificial tooth design may increase the acrylic's durability.

Assessment of Chair-side Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing Restorations: A Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

This paper aimed to evaluate the application of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology and the factors that affect the survival of restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A thorough literature search using PubMed, Medline, Embase, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library and Grey literature were performed from the year 2004 up to June 2014. Only relevant research was considered.

RESULTS

The use of chair-side CAD/CAM systems is promising in all dental branches in terms of minimizing time and effort made by dentists, technicians and patients for restoring and maintaining patient oral function and aesthetic, while providing high quality outcome.

CONCLUSION

The way of producing and placing the restorations made with the chair-side CAD/CAM (CEREC and E4D) devices is better than restorations made by conventional laboratory procedures.

Evaluation of the quantitative accuracy of 3D reconstruction of edentulous jaw models with jaw relation based on reference point system alignment

OBJECTIVES

To apply contact measurement and reference point system (RPS) alignment techniques to establish a method for 3D reconstruction of the edentulous jaw models with centric relation and to quantitatively evaluate its accuracy.

METHODS

Upper and lower edentulous jaw models were clinically prepared, 10 pairs of resin cylinders with same size were adhered to axial surfaces of upper and lower models. The occlusal bases and the upper and lower jaw models were installed in the centric relation position. Faro Edge 1.8m was used to directly obtain center points of the base surface of the cylinders (contact method). Activity 880 dental scanner was used to obtain 3D data of the cylinders and the center points were fitted (fitting method). 3 pairs of center points were used to align the virtual model to centric relation. An observation coordinate system was interactively established. The straight-line distances in the X (horizontal left/right), Y (horizontal anterior/posterior), and Z (vertical) between the remaining 7 pairs of center points derived from contact method and fitting method were measured respectively and analyzed using a paired t-test.

RESULTS

The differences of the straight-line distances of the remaining 7 pairs of center points between the two methods were X: 0.074 ± 0.107 mm, Y: 0.168 ± 0.176 mm, and Z: -0.003± 0.155 mm. The results of paired t-test were X and Z: p >0.05, Y: p <0.05.

CONCLUSION

By using contact measurement and the reference point system alignment technique, highly accurate reconstruction of the vertical distance and centric relation of a digital edentulous jaw model can be achieved, which meets the design and manufacturing requirements of the complete dentures. The error of horizontal anterior/posterior jaw relation was relatively large.