Three-dimensional analysis of the outcome of different scanning strategies in virtual interocclusal registration

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

PURPOSE

To evaluate the scanning strategies affecting the accuracy of virtual interocclusal records (VIR) in partially edentulous arches using an intraoral scanner in vitro.

METHODS

A 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.

RESULTS

The 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.

CONCLUSIONS

Quadrant-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.

Evaluation Methods and Influencing Factors on Accuracy for Static Virtual Articulation Obtained by Intraoral Scanners: A Critical Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

Digital technology in dentistry has advanced rapidly in recent years, and as a result, the identification of static virtual articulation as a crucial stage in the digital process has attracted increasing attention. The use of intraoral scanners (IOSs) has made the acquisition of occlusal records more efficient. The purpose of this article is to review information on evaluation methods and influencing factors on the accuracy of static virtual articulation obtained by intraoral scanners.

OVERVIEW

An electronic search of the published literature was performed up to November 2023 using five databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria were defined as relevant clinical or in vitro English studies on the accuracy of the occlusal relationship obtained using intraoral scanners. Therefore, a total of 30 articles were selected, reviewed, and discussed. Based on the results of the literature review, three methods have been used to evaluate the accuracy of virtual interocclusal records, including distance measurement (10 studies), occlusal contact analysis (13 studies), and deviation analysis after superimposing casts (8 studies). However, direct comparisons between these studies are challenging due to the different methods employed. Factors that were found to potentially impact accuracies, such as the range of vestibular scans, the number and position of virtual interocclusal records (VIRs), the location and extension of edentulous areas, alignment methods, and evaluation software programs have been extensively studied, but the extent to which these factors affect accuracy remains uncertain and varies depending on the specific circumstances.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of multiple evaluation methods for a more rigid assessment of virtual interocclusal records may be a better approach. Attention should be given to the factors that may influence the accuracy of virtual interocclusal records. Future research should focus on optimizing these factors to improve the clinical applicability of virtual interocclusal records.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In restorative dentistry, virtual interocclusal records obtained with intraoral scanners have been successfully used with acceptable accuracy, although they present some issues. Understanding the evaluation methods for virtual interocclusal records and the factors that may affect the accuracy of VIRs may lead to better use in clinical practice.

Influence of short-span scans on trueness in the digital transfer of the maxillomandibular relationship

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the influence of the location and distribution of short-span scans, serving as intermediate registration data, on the trueness of digitally transferring the maxillomandibular relationship in full-mouth rehabilitation.

METHODS

Maxillary and mandibular complete-arch preparation casts mounted on an articulator were scanned, with and without interim restorations, using an intraoral scanner. Four types of short-span scans-right anterior, left anterior, right posterior, and left posterior-were captured from maxillary and mandibular casts. Each scan comprised two prepared teeth and two crowned teeth arranged alternately. These short-span scans served as intermediate data and were cross-registered with complete-arch interim restorations and preparation casts to transfer the maxillomandibular relationship. Based on the number (1 or 2), location (anterior or posterior), and distribution (unilateral or bilateral) of short-span scans, they were categorized into six groups. Trueness was assessed by evaluating the mandibular 3-dimensional (3D), spatial distance, angle, and linear distance deviations between the test and reference scans.

RESULTS

Significant differences in the trueness of digital cross-mounting were observed among the six groups (P < .05). The group registering the bilateral posterior areas exhibited the smallest 3D, spatial distance, angle, and linear distance deviations, whereas the group registering one anterior area showed the largest deviations.

CONCLUSION

The number, location, and distribution of the registered short-span scans significantly affected the trueness of transferring the maxillomandibular relationship. A posterior short-span scan had higher trueness than an anterior scan. The symmetrical distribution of the two registered larger short-span scans over the cross-arch enhanced the registration trueness.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Digital cross-mounting in full-mouth rehabilitation using short-span scans enhances transfer accuracy, improves patient comfort, and increases chairside efficiency.

The impact of mandibular partial edentulous distal extension on virtual occlusal record accuracy when using two different intraoral scanners: An in vitro analysis

OBJECTIVES

This in vitro study was formulated to clarify how mandibular partial edentulous distal extension involving three missing teeth affects the virtual occlusal record (VOR) accuracy, in terms of both trueness and precision, when using two different intraoral scanners (IOSs) - the Primescan (PS) and Trios 4 (TR) scanners.

METHODS

A typodont model missing the left mandibular second premolar, first molar, and second molar as well as the right mandibular first molar was mounted on a semi-adjustable articulator. Four implants were placed at the sites of the missing mandibular teeth. Six pairs of stainless steel markers (diameter: 0.5 mm) were affixed to the maxillary and mandibular casts in the buccal gingiva adjacent to the implants and on the facial surfaces of teeth as reference positions for measurements. The model was digitized with an inEox X5 laboratory scanner to create a reference dataset. Intraoral scans were performed with the PS and TR scanners, with each scan duplicated 10 times to generate 20 paired IOS files. Automatic VOR generation followed the bilateral buccal scan protocol, divided into PS and TR groups (n = 10). Six subgroups of linear distances between interarch markers were assessed with Geomagic Control software, comparing deviations from the reference scan. Data normality was confirmed with the Shapiro-Wilk test. Trueness was evaluated with two-way ANOVAs and pairwise comparisons performed with Tukey's test, whereas precision was assessed with the Levene test (α=0.05).

RESULTS

The mean linear deviation (Δd) and standard deviation (SD) of VOR were both significantly affected by marker position (P < 0.001), and a significant position × scanner interaction was detected (P < 0.001). Negative mean deviations were observed for the distally extended edentulous areas in both groups. PS scans exhibited trueness that was significantly better than that for TR scans in the D16-46, D13-43, D23-33, and D27-37 subgroups (P < 0.05), whereas there were no significant differences in the D25-35 or D26-36 subgroups. PS scanning was associated with significantly better precision than TR scanning (P < 0.001), and worse precision was observed at D27-37 for both tested IOSs.

CONCLUSIONS

Mandibular partial edentulous distal extension can significantly affect VOR accuracy. The type of IOS could also affect VOR accuracy depending on the area being scanned, with better overall performance observed for the Primescan device as compared to the Trios 4 scanner. Both of these IOSs tended to underestimate VOR occlusal dimensions in mandibular distally extended edentulous areas.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Mandibular distal edentulous areas can contribute to occlusal dimensions that are underestimated in digital workflows, which may result in infraocclusal discrepancies that arise when performing restorations. IOSs and VOR scanning protocols should thus be carefully considered in order to minimize these risks.

Discrepancies of centric occlusion located by using a conventional method and four intraoral scanners combined with a computer-aided design program: A pilot investigation

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Intraoral scanners (IOSs) can be used to record the maxillomandibular relationship at centric relation (CR). The articulated digital scans can be imported into a dental computer-aided design (CAD) program and used to locate centric occlusion (CO); however, the accuracy of the CO recorded by using IOSs and a dental CAD program remains unknown.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this clinical study was to compare the position of the CO located by using a conventional method and 4 IOSs combined with a dental CAD program.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A patient volunteered to participate in this study. Conventional diagnostic stone casts were obtained. A facebow record (Kois Dentofacial Analyzer) was used to transfer the maxillary cast into a semi-adjustable articulator (Panadent PCH Articulator). A Kois deprogrammer (KD) was used to record the maxillomandibular relationship at CR and to transfer the mandibular cast into the articulator. Afterwards, CO was located in the articulated casts by removing the incisal pin and using an 8-µm articulating foil. CO was marked in the casts by using a blue articulating paper (control). Three groups were created based on the IOS used: TRIOS 4, iTero Element 5D Plus, i700, and Primescan. In each IOS group, a maxillary and mandibular scan were obtained. The scans were duplicated 10 times. Afterwards, a bilateral occlusal record captured with the KD was used to articulate each pair of duplicated scans. Each articulated specimen was imported into a CAD program (DentalCAD) and CO was virtually located. The teeth contacting at the CO of each specimen were compared with the control group. Categorical data were analyzed by using the chi-squared test (α=.05).

RESULTS

The chi-squared test revealed a significant association between the IOS system and the location of the CO (P=.004). The highest association was found between the TRIOS 4 and CO position, in which 100% of the specimens obtained the same CO position as in the conventional group. The lowest association was found between the i700 and CO position. In the i700 group, 20% of the specimens showed the same CO position as in the control group. A similar outcome was obtained in the iTero and Primescan groups. In both groups, 60% of the specimens demonstrated the same CO position as the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The IOS system used to acquire articulated scans at CR impacted the CO position located by using the evaluated digital methods. The TRIOS 4 system was the only IOS that consistently reproduced the same CO position as the conventional method.

Novel complete-arch pillar system (CAPS) to register implant position and maxillomandibular relationship in one single visit

OBJECTIVES

This article presents a novel complete-arch pillar system (CAPS) to register implant position and maxillomandibular relationship in one single visit for implant-supported fixed complete dental prostheses (IFCDPs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The novel system presents a 3-unit toolset comprising intraoral scan bodies (ISBs), lateral pillar attachments (LPAs) and occlusal pillar attachments (OPAs). A 2-stage single visit workflow by an intraoral scanner (Trios 5) was introduced. The first stage "Screw-Scan-Done" was used to describe complete-arch intraoral implant scanning using LPAs. The second stage "Screw-Occlude-Done" involved virtual occlusal recording using OPAs. Two patients with one single edentulous arch were selected for this study. In the first patient, 6 bone level implants (Bone Level Tapered, Straumann) were placed in the edentulous maxilla at positions 12, 14, 16, 22, 24 and 26. In the second patient, 4 bone level implants (NobelActive CC, Nobel Biocare) were placed in the edentulous mandible at positions 32, 35, 42 and 45. A CAD-CAM procedure was initiated with the acquired IOS data to fabricate an interim IFCDP at the same day. Periapical radiographs were obtained of the implant-prosthetic connection of the definitive IFCDPs to verify the passive fit. Metrology software (Geomagic Qualify, 3D Systems - Matlab, Mathworks) was used to assess the implant analogs position in the 3D-printed casts used for fabricating the definitive IFCDPs. A quantitative occlusal relationship analysis was performed with IOS.

RESULTS

Radiographic examination revealed no gaps at implant-prosthetic connection of the definitive IFCDPs. The 3D-printed casts showed an overall average distance deviation within the clinically acceptable range of errors of 150 µm. Quantitative occlusal relationship analysis with IOS showed well-distributed contacts.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, the following conclusions can be drawn: (1) A 3-unit toolset with ISBs, LPAs and OPAs allows to register the implant position and maxillomandibular relationship in one single visit; (2) the 2-stage clinical workflow with the CAPS system facilitates the IOS data acquisition for fabrication of an interim IFCDP at the same day; (3) a passive fit was demonstrated for the interim and the definitive IFCDPs.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The CAPS system can help clinicians to register the implant position and the maxillomandibular relationship in one single visit for the fabrication of an IFCDP.

Trueness evaluation of three intraoral scanners for the recording of maximal intercuspal position

OBJECTIVES

This clinical study aimed to assess the trueness of three intraoral scanners for the recor-ding of the maximal intercuspal position (MIP) to provide a reference for clinical practice.

METHODS

Ten participants with good occlusal relationship and healthy temporomandibular joint were recruited. For the control group, facebow transferring procedures were performed, and bite registrations at the MIP were used to transfer maxillary and mandibular casts to a mechanical articulator, which were then scanned with a laboratory scanner to obtain digital cast data. For the experimental groups, three intraoral scanners (Trios 3, Carestream 3600, and Aoralscan 3) were used to obtain digital casts of the participants at the MIP following the scanning workflows endorsed by the corresponding manufacturers. Subsequently, measurement points were marked on the control group's digital casts at the central incisors, canines, and first molars, and corresponding distances between these points on the maxillary and mandibular casts were measured to calculate the sum of measured distances (DA). Distances between measurement points in the incisor (DI), canine (DC), and first molar (DM) regions were also calculated. The control group's maxillary and mandibular digital casts with the added measurement points were aligned with the experimental group's casts, and DA, DI, DC, and DM values of the aligned control casts were determined. Statistical analysis was performed on DA, DI, DC, and DM obtained from both the control and experimental groups to evaluate the trueness of the three intraoral scanners for the recording of MIP.

RESULTS

In the control group, DA, DI, DC, and DM values were (39.58±6.40), (13.64±3.58), (14.91±2.85), and (11.03±1.56) mm. The Trios 3 group had values of (38.99±6.60), (13.42±3.66), (14.55±2.87), and (11.03±1.69) mm. The Carestream 3600 group showed values of (38.57±6.36), (13.56±3.68), (14.45±2.85), and (10.55±1.41) mm, while the Aoralscan 3 group had values of (38.16±5.69), (13.03±3.54), (14.23±2.59), and (10.90±1.54) mm. Analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups for overall deviation DA (P=0.96), as well as local deviations DI (P=0.98), DC (P=0.96), and DM (P=0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

With standardized scanning protocols, the three intraoral scanners demonstrated comparable trueness to traditional methods in recording MIP, fulfilling clinical requirements.

Influence of intraoral scanning coverage on the accuracy of digital implant impressions - An in vitro study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of intraoral scanning coverage (IOSC) on digital implant impression accuracy in various partially edentulous situations and predict the optimal IOSC.

METHODS

Five types of resin models were fabricated, each simulating single or multiple tooth loss scenarios with inserted implants and scan bodies. IOSC was subgrouped to cover two, four, six, eight, ten, and twelve teeth, as well as full arch. Each group underwent ten scans. A desktop scanner served as the reference. Accuracy was evaluated by measuring the Root mean square error (RMSE) values of scan bodies. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained to predict the optimal IOSC with different edentulous situations. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test.

RESULTS

For single-tooth-missing situations, in anterior sites, significantly better accuracy was observed in groups with IOSC ranging from four teeth to full arch (p < 0.05). In premolar sites, IOSC spanning four to six teeth were more accurate (p < 0.05), while in molar sites, groups with IOSC encompassing two to eight teeth exhibited better accuracy (p < 0.05). For multiple-teeth-missing situations, IOSC covering four, six, and eight teeth, as well as full arch showed better accuracy in anterior gaps (p < 0.05). In posterior gaps, IOSC of two, four, six or eight teeth were more accurate (p < 0.05). The CNN predicted distinct optimal IOSC for different edentulous scenarios.

CONCLUSIONS

Implant impression accuracy can be significantly impacted by IOSC in different partially edentulous situations. The selection of IOSC should be customized to the specific dentition defect condition.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The number of teeth scanned can significantly affect digital implant impression accuracy. For missing single or four anterior teeth, scan at least four or six neighboring teeth is acceptable. In lateral cases, two neighboring teeth may suffice, but extending over ten teeth, including contralateral side, might deteriorate the scan.

Virtual occlusal records acquired by using intraoral scanners: A review of factors that influence maxillo-mandibular relationship accuracy

PURPOSE

This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of how much progress has been made in the field of virtual occlusal records (VOR) obtained with intraoral scanners (IOSs), their accuracy, and what factors influence their accuracy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic search was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed and Scopus databases in February 2023. Eligible articles were clinical or in vitro studies evaluating the accuracy of virtual occlusal records with intraoral scanners in completely dentate and partially edentulous arches.

RESULTS

Virtual occlusal records have shown promising results in terms of accuracy, with some studies reporting a high level of agreement with traditional methods. Key factors influencing the accuracy of VOR through intraoral scanners were identified which encompass multiple parameters such as scanner brands, imaging technology, scan quality, best-fit alignment, software algorithms, intermesh penetrations, and the number of sections and dimensions of the virtual occlusal record. In partially edentate areas, the lack of landmarks in the edentulous area compromises the accuracy of VOR, thus limiting the use of IOS in patients with missing teeth.

CONCLUSION

Understanding and recognizing these influencing factors will increase the predictability and reliability of dental treatments completed by using digital workflows.  However, certain challenges need to be addressed which can influence its accuracy and limit its use in daily practice. Future research should focus on improving these factors to enhance the clinical applicability of virtual occlusal records.

Factors that influence the accuracy of maxillomandibular relationship at maximum intercuspation acquired by using intraoral scanners: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To review the factors that influence the accuracy of the maxillomandibular relationship at maximum intercuspation (MIP) acquired by using intraoral scanners (IOSs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic search was performed using five databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, World of Science, and Scopus. A manual search was also completed. Studies assessing the factors that influence the MIP acquired by using IOSs were included and organized based on the analyzed factor. Studies were evaluated by applying the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine articles were included. Seven factors have been identified: IOS system, scan extension, edentulous areas, number, location, and extension of occlusal records, occlusal force, tooth mobility, and alignment methods. Nine studies evaluated the influence of IOS system. Four studies assessed the influence of the extension of the arch scan. Three studies evaluated the effect of edentulous spaces. Four studies agreed on the impact of the number, location, and extension of the occlusal records on the MIP accuracy. One study assessed the influence of the occlusal force, showing a smaller average interocclusal space with increased occlusal force. One study evaluated the influence of tooth mobility. Seven studies analyzed the influence of the alignment method on the MIP accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the studies reported no difference on the MIP accuracy between half- and complete-arch scans. Areas with 2 or more missing teeth reduce the MIP accuracy. A bilateral and frontal record including 2 teeth or a bilateral posterior occlusal including at least 4-teeth is indicated for maximizing the MIP accuracy.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

When a complete-arch intraoral scans is obtained, a bilateral and frontal record including 2 teeth or a bilateral posterior occlusal record including at least 4-teeth is recommended for maximizing the accuracy of the MIP. When a half-arch intraoral scan is acquired, a posterior occlusal record including at least 4-teeth is indicated for optimizing the accuracy of the MIP.