Comparative Evaluation of Accuracy of Reconstructed 3D Printed Rapid Prototyping Models and Conventional Stone Models with Different Ranges of Crowding: An In-vitro Study

Introduction: The digitalisation of dental models has made significant contribution to the current success of orthodontic practices. Rapid Prototyping (RP) is an innovative method of producing physical objects based on Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM).

Aim: To compare the accuracy of the Three-Dimensional (3D) printed rapid prototyped models with orthodontic stone models across different ranges of crowding.

Materials and Methods: An in-vitro study carried out at the Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Dental College and Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra, India during September 2019 to September 2020. A total of 36 rapid prototyped models were reconstructed from stone models using Light Emitting Diode (LED) scanner and Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology. Dental stone models and RP models were evaluated using digital caliper for different linear measurements and arch dimensions. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. To evaluate accuracy, t-test analyses and Bland-Altman plotting were performed.

Results: T-test showed statistically non significant difference in all parameters of measurements of RP models when compared to stone models. According to Bland-Altman plotting. The mean difference between stone and RP models for the various degree of crowding was minimal and within ±0.07 mm in all planes.

Conclusion: Discrepancy between dental plaster models and RP models were less than 0.5 mm which was considered clinically non significant. Suggesting that RP models can be effectively used as an alternative to stone models.