A guide for maximizing the accuracy of intraoral digital scans. Part 1: Operator factors

Abstract

Objectives To describe the factors related to the operator skills and decisions that influence the scanning accuracy of intraoral scanners (IOSs). A new classification for these factors is proposed to facilitate dental professionals' decision making when using IOSs and maximize the accuracy and reliability of intraoral digital scans. Overview Each IOS system is limited by the hardware and software characteristics of the selected device. The operator decisions that can influence the accuracy of IOSs include the scanning technology and system selection, scanning head size, calibration, scanning distance, exposure of the IOS to ambient temperature changes, ambient humidity, ambient lighting conditions, operator experience, scanning pattern, extension of the scan, cutting off, rescanning, and overlapping procedures. Conclusions The knowledge and understanding of the operator factors that impact scanning accuracy of IOSs is a fundamental element for maximizing the accuracy of IOSs and for successfully integrating IOSs in daily practices. Clinical Significance Operator skills and clinical decisions significantly impact intraoral scanning accuracy. Dental professionals must know and understand these influencing operator factors for maximizing the accuracy of IOSs.

An overview of the digital occlusion technologies: Intraoral scanners, jaw tracking systems, and computerized occlusal analysis devices

“…The operator and patient factors that can influence the scanning accuracy of IOSs, 65,66 as well as the variables that can affect the accuracy of the maxillomandibular relationship of the virtual casts obtained by using IOSs, have been analyzed in the dental literature. 63,64 Operator skills and decision-making influence the accuracy of IOSs, including the selection of the IOS technology and system used, scanning head size, calibration, scanning distance and angulation, exposure of the IOS to ambient temperature changes, 67 ambient humidity, ambient lighting conditions, 68,69 operator experience, scanning pattern, extension of the scan, and the use of cutting off, rescanning, and overlapping procedures. Patient factors are defined as the intraoral conditions of the patient being scanned that influence the scanning accuracy of IOSs.…”

“…64,65 However, one claimed that this static virtual articulation is as accurate as conventional techniques only in the presence of completely dentate arches, stable occlusal contacts, a single prepared tooth, or arches involving a single missing posterior tooth. 64 Additionally, different variables that can influence the accuracy of the static virtual articulation acquired by using IOSs have been identified including the articulation technique, characteristics of the virtual occlusal records (number, dimension, and location), length of the digitized arches, presence of edentulous areas (position and size), and IOS technology. 64,[75][76][77] An in-vitro study assessed the influence of the number of teeth (2, 3, or 4 teeth) included in the bilateral virtual occlusal records on the accuracy of the maxillomandibular relationship acquired by using an IOS.…”

“…64 Additionally, different variables that can influence the accuracy of the static virtual articulation acquired by using IOSs have been identified including the articulation technique, characteristics of the virtual occlusal records (number, dimension, and location), length of the digitized arches, presence of edentulous areas (position and size), and IOS technology. 64,[75][76][77] An in-vitro study assessed the influence of the number of teeth (2, 3, or 4 teeth) included in the bilateral virtual occlusal records on the accuracy of the maxillomandibular relationship acquired by using an IOS. 75 The results revealed that bilateral occlusal records that involved 4 teeth obtained higher maxillomandibular accuracy than bilateral occlusal records that included less than 4 teeth.…”

Maxillary occlusal device designed with an anterior platform for guiding the occlusal adjustments during the delivery appointment: A dental protocol

“…4,5 The understanding and knowledge of these factors provide support for maximizing the outcome and performance of IOSs. 4,5 Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technologies, including subtractive and additive methods, can be selected for designing and fabricating occlusal devices. 6,7 Vatpolymerization technologies can be used to fabricate occlusal devices [7][8][9][10] ; however, operator decisions and handling procedures such as the printer used, technology and material selection, printer calibration, and printing and post-processing protocols can affect the manufacturing accuracy, as well as the wear, and mechanical properties of the additively manufactured (AM) occlusal device.…”

“…The incorporation of intraoral scanners (IOSs) into dental procedures facilitates digital data acquisition procedures for acquiring virtual diagnostic casts 1–3 . Operator and patient factors have been identified in the dental literature that can decrease IOSs accuracy 4,5 . The understanding and knowledge of these factors provide support for maximizing the outcome and performance of IOSs 4,5 …”