OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of different tooth preparations on three-dimensional adaption of computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) crowns based on the reverse engineering.

METHODSThe tooth preparation model of the left maxillary first molar was scanned to build five different tooth preparations using the NX Imageware 13.2 software. The resin cores (n=8) were designed with the exocad software. The scanning data of the inner surface of each resin core were used to analyze the three-dimensional adaption with the Geomagic Qualify 12 software.

RESULTSAccording to the color-coded deviation images, the deviation of the heavy chamfer shoulder was the smallest and the most uniform, whereas the other groups with sharp lines showed large deviation. After statistical analysis, the total deviation of the heavy chamfer shoulder, 135° shoulder, feather shoulder, 90° shoulder with lipped margins, and sharp marginal ridges preparation were (16.88±2.83), (26.88±3.61), (53.56±4.30), (51.38±4.46), and (47.19±4.62) μm. A statistical significance was observed between the heavy chamfer and 135° shoulders (P<0.05). The other groups fitted poorly, without statistical significance between each group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThree-dimensional analysis using a computer is a preferable method to study the three-dimensional adaption of crowns. The heavy chamfer shoulder and round line preparation are clinically recommended. However, feather shoulder, 90° shoulder with lipped margins, and sharp marginal ridge preparation should be avoided.