ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: New opportunities have arisen to manufacture three-dimensional computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (3D CAD/CAM) retainers from titanium blocks by digital cutting technology. These novel technologies need to fulfill requirements regarding digital planning and position accuracy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the digital construction, the CAD/CAM production and the intraoral positioning accuracy of custom-manufactured novel 3D CAD/CAM titanium retainers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 37 prime4me® RETAIN3R (Dentaurum, Ispringen, Germany) retainers were inserted to stabilize the upper anterior front teeth. Following insertion, an intraoral scan was used to record the position. The intraoral position was compared to the virtual setup using 3D superimposition software. Measurement points were evaluated in all three dimensions (horizontal, sagittal and vertical planes). Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's multiple comparison test. RESULTS: A total of 185 measurements were performed. The horizontal plane and the sagittal plane demonstrated a high level of positioning accuracy between the planned and the intraoral position. Statistically significant deviations between the preceding virtual setup and the intraoral situation were observed in the vertical dimension. Within the retainer, the intraoral positioning accuracy decreased for the measurement points in the direction of the distal retainer segment. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the present study shows a high level of congruence between the 3D virtually planning and the final intraoral position of the fabricated novel 3D CAD/CAM titanium retainers.
