The effects of different lighting conditions on the accuracy of intraoral scanning.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the extent to which intraoral scanning are affected by clinical conditions, and whether ambient lighting and different color temperatures have an impact on the accuracy of intraoral scanner, as well as to evaluate scanning time.

Materials and methods: Twelve different environments were created using various ambient lighting conditions (0, 500, 1000 and 1500 lux) and color temperatures (white, blue and yellow). A partially edentulous mandibular model with two implants and a three-unit bridge was scanned under each environment until 10 digital models were obtained, and scanning times were recorded using a virtual stopwatch. A 3D analysis was performed on the obtained digital models, and the data were analyzed using a software. The generalized linear model analysis and Tukey multiple comparison test were used to analyse the data (P < .05).

Results: The effect of lux, color temperature, and scanning times on RMS data was found to be significant (P < .001). The mean RMS value was the highest in the 0 lux group and the lowest in the 500 lux group. Regarding the color temperature, the highest RMS value was in the white color group and the lowest in the yellow color group. Scanning times were similar among the 0, 500 and 1000 lux groups, with a significant increase in the 1500 lux group.

Conclusion: Different ambient lighting conditions and color temperatures have significant effect on the accuracy of intraoral scanning.