Influence of intraoral scanning duration on data accuracy

Statement of problem

The use of intraoral scanners (IOSs) correlates with clinical outcome and patient satisfaction. While the accuracy of IOSs has been well evaluated, studies on the effect of scanning duration on data accuracy are limited.

Purpose

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the relationship between different scanning durations and the accuracy of the scanned data.

Material and methods

Two experienced operators used the same intraoral scanner (TRIOS 3; 3Shape A/S) to scan a gypsum cast, but with 5 different scanning durations (30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, 120 seconds, and 180 seconds), and the trueness of the scanned data was assessed. Ten scans for each duration group were performed, and all the acquired data were evaluated for precision analysis. In addition, each scanned complete arch cast was divided into anterior and posterior regions at the canine teeth, and the 3-way ANOVA test was used to assess the scanning trueness and precision of the scanned anterior and posterior dental arch.

Results

The intraoral scanning results between the 2 operators were highly consistent. The data of the 30-second group showed the lowest trueness and precision (P<.001), whereas no significant difference was found among the other groups (P>.05). The trueness and precision of the scanning data in the posterior region was inferior to that in the anterior region (P<.001).

Conclusions

The duration time of the intraoral scanning (ranging from 60 seconds to 180 seconds) did not influence the accuracy of the acquired data, while excessively rapid scanning adversely affected accuracy.