Accuracy of full arch scans performed with nine different scanning patterns– an in vitro study
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Objective
Evaluation of the accuracy of direct digitization of maxillary scans depending on the scanning strategy.
Materials and methods
A maxillary model with a metal bar as a reference structure fixed between the second molars was digitized using the CEREC Primescan AC scanner ( N = 225 scans). Nine scanning strategies were selected ( n = 25 scans per strategy), differing in scan area segmentation (F = full jaw, H = half jaw, S = sextant) and scan movement pattern (L = linear, Z = zig-zag, C = combined). Trueness was assessed by evaluating linear differences in the X, Y, and Z axes and angular deviations (α axial, α coronal, α total) compared to a reference dataset. Statistical differences were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (p<0.017). Precision was analyzed by the standard deviation of linear and angular aberrations (ISO 5725-1) ( p < 0.05).
Results
Strategy F L showed significantly higher trueness and precision than F Z for VE ( p = 0.009), V E (y) ( p = 0.010), α overall ( p = 0.004), and α axial ( p = 0.002). Strategy F C demonstrated significantly better trueness than F Z for VE ( p = 0.007), α overall ( p = 0.010), and α coronal ( p = 0.013). For scan segmentation, F L showed better trueness for V E (y) ( p = 0.001) and α axial ( p < 0.001) than H L . Strategy H L showed better trueness for V E (z) than for F L and S L ( p = 0.001, p = 0.002). The scanning patterns F L , F C , and H L exhibited the best performance for trueness and precision.
Conclusions
Scanning motion and segmentation have a significant impact on the trueness and precision of full-arch scans.
Clinical relevance
The scanning strategy is decisive in enhancing the clinical workflow and the accuracy of full-arch scans.
