Evaluation of blue-light model scanner trueness, precision, and surface detail reproduction with different rubber impression material colors

Abstract

Objective: Although the accuracy of scanning technologies has been extensively explored, a research gap still exists concerning the scanning results of dental impression materials, particularly regarding their color and gloss characteristics. This study aims to evaluate and compare the scanning capabilities of blue-light scanners for various dental impression materials characterized by different colors and gloss levels.

Methods: Blue (B), green (G), red (R), and yellow (Y) dental impression materials were selected for this study. Colorimetric analyses were conducted using a spectrophotometer. The gloss levels of the samples were quantified using a gloss meter. The accuracy and surface detail reproduction of a blue-light scanner were analyzed by scanning impression materials in four different colors. The four-unit crown-bridge model for accuracy analysis was based on International Standardization Organization (ISO) standard 12836. The data measured by the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) served as the gold standard and were used for parameter comparison (height, angle, and distance) and 3D fitting with the scanned files.

Results: Surface detail reproduction analyses revealed significant differences among the various groups. Notably, Group B consistently demonstrated superior scanning accuracy across all measurements, indicating its effectiveness as a dental impression material in blue-light scanning applications. Significant differences were observed in the rate of surface detail, angle parameters, and corner height across the various groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the root-mean-square error values pertaining to trueness exhibited significant disparities in all the specimens (p < 0.05).

Significance: The absence of significant gloss differences across all color variations indicates that color should be evaluated alongside other critical factors when employing blue-light scanners for measurement accuracy.

Keywords: Accuracy; Blue-light scanner; Color; Dental impression materials; Surface detail reproduction.