Accuracy of 3D printed scan bodies for dental implants using two additive manufacturing systems: An in vitro study

This study compared the accuracy of implant scan bodies printed using stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP) technologies to the control (manufacturer's scan body) Scan bodies were printed using SLA (n = 10) and DLP (n = 10) methods. Ten manufacturer's scan bodies were used as control. The scan body was placed onto a simulated 3D printed cast with a single implant placed. An implant fixture mount was used as standard. The implant positions were scanned using a laboratory scanner with the fixture mounts, manufacturer's scan bodies, and the printed scan bodies. The scans of each scan body was then superimposed onto the referenced fixture mount. The 3D angulation and linear deviations were measured. The angulation and linear deviations were 1.24 +/- 0.22 degrees and 0.20 +/- 0.05 mm; 2.63 +/- 0.82 degrees and 0.34 +/- 0.11 mm; 1.79 +/- 0.19 degrees and 0.32 +/- 0.03 mm; for the control, SLA, and DLP, respectively. There were statistical differences (ANOVA) among the three groups in the angular (p<0.01) or linear deviations (p<0.01). Box plotting, 95% confidence interval and F-test suggested the higher variations of precision in the SLA group compared to DLP and control groups. Scan bodies printed in-office have lower accuracy compared to the manufacturer's scan bodies. The current technology for 3D printing of implant scan bodies needs trueness and precision improvements.