Comparison of digital models generated from three-dimensional optical scanner and cone beam computed tomography

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of digital models from 3 dimentional (3D) optical scanner and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained digital models from 11 pairs of stone casts using a 3D optical scanner and a CBCT, and compared the accuracy of the models. RESULTS: The error range of average positive distance was 0.059 - 0.117 mm and negative distance was 0.066 - 0.146 mm. Statistically (P < 0.05), average positive distance was larger than 70 µm and shorter than 100 µm, and that of negative distance was larger than 100 µm and shorter than 120 µm. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the accuracy of digital models generated from CBCT is not appropriate to make final prostheses. However, it may be acceptable for provisional restorations and orthodontic diagnoses with respect to the accuracy of the digitalization.