3D printed full-arch versus digital reference dental models: A systematic review

Abstract

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate and compare the accuracy of different 3D printing techniques used for fabricating full-arch dental models against digital reference models. The review included studies that assessed the accuracy of stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), PolyJet and fused filament fabrication (FFF) technologies. A total of seven studies were analyzed, providing insights into the trueness and precision of 3D-printed models. The findings reveal that while all examined 3D printing technologies produced models with clinically acceptable accuracy, DLP and PolyJet techniques consistently demonstrated superior precision and trueness compared to SLA and FFF. The results indicate that DLP and PolyJet technologies are particularly suitable for applications requiring high dimensional fidelity, such as in Prosthodontics. However, the studies also highlighted some limitations, including small sample sizes and variations in study design, which may impact the generalizability of the results. Future research should focus on large-scale clinical trials and explore the impact of post-processing on model accuracy. This review underscores the importance of selecting appropriate 3D printing technologies based on clinical requirements to ensure optimal outcomes in dental prosthetics.

Keywords: 3D Printing; Accuracy; Dental Models; Digital Light Processing.

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PRISMA flow diagram

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Risk of bias graph

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Risk of bias summary