OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and precision of polyurethane (PUT) dental arch models fabricated using a three-dimensional (3D) subtractive rapid prototyping (RP) method with an intraoral scanning technique by comparing linear measurements obtained from PUT models and conventional plaster models. METHODS: Ten plaster models were duplicated using a selected standard master model and conventional impression, and 10 PUT models were duplicated using the 3D subtractive RP technique with an oral scanner. Six linear measurements were evaluated in terms of x, y, and z-axes using a non-contact white light scanner. Accuracy was assessed using mean differences between two measurements, and precision was examined using four quantitative methods and the Bland-Altman graphical method. Repeatability was evaluated in terms of intra-examiner variability, and reproducibility was assessed in terms of inter-examiner and inter-method variability. RESULTS: The mean difference between plaster models and PUT models ranged from 0.07 mm to 0.33 mm. Relative measurement errors ranged from 2.2% to 7.6% and intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.93 to 0.96, when comparing plaster models and PUT models. The Bland-Altman plot showed good agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy and precision of PUT dental models for evaluating the performance of oral scanner and subtractive RP technology was acceptable. Because of the recent improvements in block material and computerized numeric control milling machines, the subtractive RP method may be a good choice for dental arch models.
Dental Arch* ; Dental Models ; Polyurethanes*

PURPOSE: The image registration of radiographic image and digital surface data is essential in the computer-guided implant guide system. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of using micro-screw on the working time and convenience of operators in the process of image matching for guided implant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mandibular dental model was prepared in partial edentulism for Kennedy class I classification. Two micro-screws were placed on the each side of retromolar area. Radiographic and scan images were taken using computed-tomography and digital scanning. The images were superimposed by 12 operators in software in two different conditions: using remaining teeth image alone and using teeth and micro-screws images. Working time, operator convenience and satisfaction were obtained, and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test (α=.05). RESULTS: The working time was not statistically different between image registration conditions (P>.05); however, operator convenience and satisfaction were higher in the teeth and micro-screw assisted condition than in the teeth-alone assisted condition (P<.001). CONCLUSION: The use of microscrew for the image registration has no effect in working time reduction, but improves operator convenience and satisfaction.
Classification ; Dental Models ; Tooth

OBJECTIVEThis work lays the foundation for establishing a digital model database with normal occlusion. A digital dental cast is acquired through grating projection, and model features are measured through reverse engineering.

METHODSThe grating projection system controlled by a computer was projected onto the surface of a normal dental model. Three-dimensional contour data were obtained through multi-angle shooting. A three-dimensional model was constructed, and the model features were analyzed by using reverse engineering. The digital model was compared with the plaster model to determine the accuracy of the measurement system.

RESULTSThe structure of three-dimensional reconstruction model was clear. The digital models of two measurements exhibited no significant difference (P > 0.05). When digital and plaster models were measured, we found that the crown length and arch width were not statistically different (P > 0.05), whereas the difference between the crown width and arch length was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe reconstruction of a digital model by using the grating projection technique and reverse engineering can be used for dental model measurement in clinic al and scientific research and can provide a scientific method for establishing a digital model database with normal occlusion.

OBJECTIVETo study the precise stress distribution of the apical foramen area of endodontic endosseous implant, in order to improve the prosthetics of endodontic endosseous implant.

METHODSAfter analysis of the two-dimensional endodontic endosseous implants model with finite element method, left and right areas beside the apical foramen were selected as infinite domains to calculate. D-N interactive method was used to connect the finite and infinite domains.

RESULTSUnder 45 degrees axial right oblique loading, the stress concentration occurred in both infinite domains of the apical foramen. The infinite domain nearing the load side was tension stress concentration, but the other side was compressive stress concentration. Two stress concentration points were just at the central points, which were intersections between implant and dentin. The stress reduced in all directions from these two stress concentration points, but in the ligament, the result was contrary.

CONCLUSIONSThe change of the tooth rotational center is helpful to the tooth stability and carrying capacity after restoration. In the implant area, the diameter of implant at the apical foramen of root shall not be reduced to protect root in clinical work. It is very important to preserve the tissue of periodontal ligament for endodontic endosseous implants.

PURPOSE: The objects of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the dental stone casts made from alginate impressions according to storage condition and stone pouring time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each of upper and lower impressions of dental model was taken. The dental stone models were made immediately, 10, 30, 60, 180, 360 minutes after the impressions were taken at each storage condition. 3D models were constructed by scanning the stone model using 3D laser scanner. With Reference points, positioned on digital models, linear measurements of the dimensional change were compared by 3D metrology software, 3D average models were made and superimposition to identify the specific site of dimensional change and to measure surface deviation (mm). RESULTS: Dental stone models which were made immediately after taking the impression showed the smallest linear dimensional change. As the stone pouring time was prolonged, the linear dimensional change was increased. More than 180 minutes after impression taking, linear dimensional change and surface distortion increased in the posterior molar region, regardless of the storage condition. CONCLUSION: For the optimum accuracy of the dental stone casts, alginate impression should be poured as soon as possible. If there were a need for storing, a humidor with 100% relative humidity must be used and be stored less than 180 minutes to fabricate the accurate dental model.
Colloids* ; Dental Models ; Humidity ; Linear Models ; Molar

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the reliability of the software Picpick in the measurement of the cusp inclination angle of a digital model. METHODS: Twenty-one trimmed models were used as experimental objects. The chairside digital impression was then used for the acquisition of 3D digital models, and the software Picpick was employed for the measurement of the cusp inclination of these models. The measurements were repeated three times, and the results were compared with a gold standard, which was a manually measured experimental model cusp angle. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated. RESULTS: The paired t test value of the two measurement methods was 0.91. The ICCs between the two measurement methods and three repeated measurements were greater than 0.9. The digital model achieved a smaller coefficient of variation (9.9%). CONCLUSIONS The software Picpick is reliable in measuring the cusp inclination of a digital model.
Dental Models ; Reproducibility of Results ; Software

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of the abutment superimposition process on the final virtual model in the scanning process of single and 3-units bridge model using a dental model scanner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A gypsum model for single and 3-unit bridges was manufactured for evaluating. And working casts with removable dies were made using Pindex system. A dental model scanner (3Shape E1 scanner) was used to obtain CAD reference model (CRM) and CAD test model (CTM). The CRM was scanned without removing after dividing the abutments in the working cast. Then, CTM was scanned with separated from the divided abutments and superimposed on the CRM (n=20). Finally, three-dimensional analysis software (Geomagic control X) was used to analyze the root mean square (RMS) and Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis (α=.05). RESULTS: The RMS mean abutment for single full crown preparation was 10.93 µm and the RMS average abutment for 3 unit bridge preparation was 6.9 µm. The RMS mean of the two groups showed statistically significant differences (P<.001). In addition, errors of positive and negative of two groups averaged 9.83 µm, −6.79 µm and 3-units bridge abutment 6.22 µm, −3.3 µm, respectively. The mean values of the errors of positive and negative of two groups were all statistically significantly lower in 3-unit bridge abutments (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Although the number of abutments increased during the scan process of the working cast with removable dies, the error due to the superimposition of abutments did not increase. There was also a significantly higher error in single abutments, but within the range of clinically acceptable scan accuracy.
Calcium Sulfate ; Crowns ; Dental Models

Objective: To compare the accuracy of photogrammetry and conventional impression techniques for complete-arch implant rehabilitation. Methods: An edentulous maxillary stone cast containing 8 screw-retained implant abutment replicas was derived from a 74-year-old male patient who visited the Department of Dental Implant Center, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology in September 2019. The stone cast was copied through the open-tray splinted impression, and the copied cast was used as the master cast for this study. The abutment-level impressions of master cast were made by photogrammetry (PG) and the conventional impression technique (CNV) by one attending doctor. Group PG: after which scan bodies were connected to each implant replica, a photogrammetry system was used to obtain digital impressions of the master cast (n=10); Group CNV: conventional open-tray splinted impression technique was performed to fabricate conventional definitive casts (n=10). After connecting the scan bodies onto each implant replicas, the master cast and the 10 definitive casts from group CNV were digitized with a laboratory reference scanner. All data of group PG, group CNV and mater cast were saved as ".stl" files. For all test scans and reference scan, the three-dimensional information of scan bodies were converted to implant abutment replicas using a computer aided design software (Exocad). The data of the group PG and the group CNV were respectively registered with the reference data (trueness analysis) and pairwise within group (precision analysis) for accuracy evaluation in a three-dimensional analysis software (Geomagic Control X). Results: The trueness and precision of group PG [(17.33±0.34) and (2.50±0.79) μm ] were significantly statistically better than those of group CNV [(24.30±4.16) and (26.12±4.54) μm] respectively (t=-5.29 and -34.35, P<0.001). Conclusions: For complete-arch implant abutment-level impression, photogrammetry produces significantly better accuracy than conventional impression technique.
Aged ; Computer-Aided Design ; Dental Implants ; Dental Impression Materials ; Dental Impression Technique ; Humans ; Models, Dental ; Photogrammetry

PURPOSE: ANSI/ADA has established standards for adequate radiopacity. This study was aimed to assess the changes in radiopacity of composite resins according to various tube-target distances and exposure times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five 1-mm thick samples of Filtek P60 and Clearfil composite resins were prepared and exposed with six tube-target distance/exposure time setups (i.e., 40 cm, 0.2 seconds; 30 cm, 0.2 seconds; 30 cm, 0.16 seconds, 30 cm, 0.12 seconds; 15 cm, 0.2 seconds; 15 cm, 0.12 seconds) performing at 70 kVp and 7 mA along with a 12-step aluminum stepwedge (1 mm incremental steps) using a PSP digital sensor. Thereafter, the radiopacities measured with Digora for Windows software 2.5 were converted to absorbencies (i.e., A=-log (1-G/255)), where A is the absorbency and G is the measured gray scale). Furthermore, the linear regression model of aluminum thickness and absorbency was developed and used to convert the radiopacity of dental materials to the equivalent aluminum thickness. In addition, all calculations were compared with those obtained from a modified 3-step stepwedge (i.e., using data for the 2nd, 5th, and 8th steps). RESULTS: The radiopacities of the composite resins differed significantly with various setups (p<0.001) and between the materials (p<0.001). The best predicted model was obtained for the 30 cm 0.2 seconds setup (R2=0.999). Data from the reduced modified stepwedge was remarkable and comparable with the 12-step stepwedge. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the present study, our findings support that various setups might influence the radiopacity of dental materials on digital radiographs.
Aluminum ; Composite Resins ; Dental Materials ; Linear Models ; Radiography, Dental, Digital

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the long-term changes in maxillary arch widths and buccal corridor ratios in orthodontic patients treated with and without premolar extractions. METHODS: The study included 53 patients who were divided into the extraction (n = 28) and nonextraction (n = 25) groups. These patients had complete orthodontic records from the pretreatment (T1), posttreatment (T2), and postretention (T3) periods. Their mean retention and postretention times were 4 years 2 months and 17 years 8 months, respectively. Dental models and smiling photographs from all three periods were digitized to compare the changes in three dental arch width measurements and three buccal corridor ratios over time between the extraction and nonextraction groups. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance tests. Post-hoc multiple comparisons were made using Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Soft-tissue extension during smiling increased with age in both groups. The maximum dental width to smile width ratio (MDW/SW) also showed a favorable increase with treatment in both groups (p < 0.05), and remained virtually stable at T3 (p > 0.05). According to the MDW/SW ratio, the mean difference in the buccal corridor space of the two groups was 2.4 ± 0.2% at T3. Additionally, no significant group × time interaction was found for any of the buccal corridor ratios studied. CONCLUSIONS: Premolar extractions did not negatively affect transverse maxillary arch widths and buccal corridor ratios. The long-term outcome of orthodontic treatment was comparable between the study groups.
Bicuspid ; Dental Arch ; Dental Models ; Esthetics* ; Humans ; Smiling