Working Models in the Digital Workflow: Are They Reliable?

Abstract

This position paper summarizes all relevant aspects of the use of working models derived from digital data in digital and hybrid workflows, aiming to (1) provide the reader with a comprehensive review of the types of models that currently can be produced from a digital file created by an intraoral scanner (IOS); ( 2) critically analyze issues that may undermine or compromise their reliability when requested for the fabrication of both tooth-borne and implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs); and (3) indicate the procedures to be implemented in order to overcome these issues and produce satisfactory restorations. Materials and Methods: By way of a thorough literature review, the authors highlight the critical issues of milled and 3D-printed models, solid and alveolar, explaining the differences in terms of accuracy and reliability. Results and Conclusions: By describing the peculiarities of models with prepared natural teeth and those incorporating metal implant analogs, the clinical indications for their use are given while proposing the strategies that can be adopted to avoid errors during fabrication or to overcome inaccuracies.