Comparison of the superimposition accuracy in the integration of different digital dental models into the cone-beam computed tomography: An ex vivo study.

BACKGROUND

Accurate virtual planning for orthognathic surgery and dental implants requires integrating cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images into digital dental models, but the impact of different scanning methods on the superimposition accuracy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the superimposition accuracy of dental models obtained from two scanning methods using CBCT scans of dental surfaces.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The maxilla (MX) and mandible (MD) of 4 dry skulls were scanned using CBCT and converted into 3D meshes. Dental arches were obtained using intraoral devices (IS) and by digitizing plaster models using an extraoral scanner (PM). Sixty-four digital models were produced per group. Each 3D mesh and corresponding model were imported into the Geomagic software for alignment and deviation analysis. Registration errors and mean deviations (MD+ and MD-) were assessed quantitatively, and the qualitative evaluation was performed through color maps.

RESULTS

Deviations ranged from -0.4 to 0.3mm in both groups, with 80% of the values distributed between -0.5 and 0.5mm. In both groups, Registration error, MD+ and 3D Error were below 0.5mm, and MD- was higher than -0.5mm. Statistically significant differences were found between IS and PM models for MD+, as well as for registration error and MD+ in mandibular comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

Superimpositions were not affected by the model acquisition method, and both were clinically acceptable. However, PM superimpositions showed greater deviation magnitudes, suggesting an inclination for IS to produce more accurate alignments, especially in the mandible.