Accuracy (trueness and precision) of dental models fabricated using additive manufacturing methods

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the accuracy (trueness and precision) of dental models fabricated using additive manufacturing (AM) methods such as PolyJet and fused deposition modeling (FDM).

Materials and methods: 10 stone models were acquired for the control group by scanning a complete arch model. For the experimental groups, 10 PolyJet models and 10 FDM models were fabricated from digital impressions using an intraoral scanner. All 30 models were then scanned, and root mean square values were measured using three-dimensional (3D) analysis software.

Results: Trueness did not significantly differ between the stone and PolyJet models. The precision of the AM models was significantly higher than that of the stone models. The layer thicknesses of the FDM models were greater than those of the PolyJet models.

Conclusion: The results of this study show that it might be possible for the dental models fabricated using additive manufacturing methods to be used in clinical settings.

Keywords: 3D printing; additive manufacturing; dental model; precision; trueness; accuracy.