Validity and reliability of intraoral scanners compared to conventional gypsum models measurements: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: The development of 3D technology and the trend of increasing the use of intraoral scanners in dental office routine lead to the need for comparisons with conventional techniques.

Objective: To determine if intra- and inter-arch measurements from digital dental models acquired by an intraoral scanner are as reliable and valid as the similar measurements achieved from dental models obtained through conventional intraoral impressions.

Search methods: An unrestricted electronic search of seven databases until February 2015.

Selection criteria: Studies that focused on the accuracy and reliability of images obtained from intraoral scanners compared to images obtained from conventional impressions.

Data collection and analysis: After study selection the QUADAS risk of bias assessment tool for diagnostic studies was used to assess the risk of bias (RoB) among the included studies.

Results: Four articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. The scanners evaluated were OrthoProof, Lava, iOC intraoral, Lava COS, iTero and D250. These studies evaluated the reliability of tooth widths, Bolton ratio measurements, and image superimposition. Two studies were classified as having low RoB; one had moderate RoB and the remaining one had high RoB. Only one study evaluated the time required to complete clinical procedures and patient's opinion about the procedure. Patients reported feeling more comfortable with the conventional dental impression method.

Limitations: Associated costs were not considered in any of the included study.

Conclusions and implications: Inter- and intra-arch measurements from digital models produced from intraoral scans appeared to be reliable and accurate in comparison to those from conventional impressions. This assessment only applies to the intraoral scanners models considered in the finally included studies. Digital models produced by intraoral scan eliminate the need of impressions materials; however, currently, longer time is needed to take the digital images.

Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42014009702).

Funding: None.