Accuracy of Master Casts Generated Using Conventional and Digital Impression Modalities: Part 1—The Half-Arch Dimension

Abstract

Accurate impression-making is considered a vital step in the fabrication of fixed dental prostheses. There is a paucity of studies that compare the casts generated by various impression materials and techniques that are commonly used for the fabrication of provisional and definitive fixed prostheses. The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of casts obtained using conventional impression and digital impression techniques. Thirty impressions were made for the typodont model (10 impressions each of polyvinyl siloxane, alginate, and alginate alternative materials). Ten digital models were printed from the same model using a TRIOS-3 3Shape intraoral scanner. Accuracy was assessed by measuring four dimensions (horizontal anteroposterior straight, horizontal anteroposterior curved, horizontal cross-arch, and vertical). A one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05) were used to analyze data. A statistically significant difference in the four dimensions of the stone casts and digital models was observed among the four groups (exception: between alginate alternative and 2-step putty–light body impression in the horizontal anteroposterior straight, horizontal anteroposterior curved, and horizontal cross-arch dimensions; between alginate and alginate alternative in the horizontal anteroposterior curved dimension; between alginate and 2-step putty–light body impression in the horizontal anteroposterior curved dimension; and between alginate alternative and digital in the vertical dimension). Polyvinyl siloxane had the highest accuracy compared to casts obtained from other impression materials and digital impressions.