Digital Impressions and 3-D printing: the 2024 Update-Digital Impressions and 3-D printing: the 2024 Update

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Lieutenant Colonel Melissa S. Thomas presented a webinar on digital dentistry, focusing on intraoral scanning accuracy and how errors affect physical model production and 3D printing. She explained key terms like precision, trueness, and accuracy, then reviewed factors influencing scan quality: provider-controlled factors (scan strategy, lighting, training, direct vs. indirect workflows), patient-related factors (moisture/saliva, arch type, implant angulation), and inherent system factors (software stitching, scan body design/material).<br /><br />A major takeaway was that scan strategy matters and can be scanner-specific. Some scanners performed best with certain patterns, while “fishtail” scanning often reduced accuracy. Direct digital impressions were often faster and, in some studies, showed better marginal fit than conventional methods, though results vary as technology evolves. She also emphasized that moisture degrades scans, mandibular scans may be more accurate than maxillary ones in vitro, and angulated implants reduce scan accuracy—especially when scan bodies are short or deeply buried in tissue. Lighting conditions also affected performance differently depending on the scanner.<br /><br />Thomas concluded that digital workflows are powerful but not universally superior; accuracy depends on knowing the scanner, technique, and clinical context. She also reviewed 3D printing methods and noted that printer type, orientation, and post-processing all influence final accuracy.

Asset Caption

We will review up to date techniques and concepts surrounding the most up to date knowledge basis of 3D printing and intraoral scanning. Learning Objectives Identify various sources of error in digital scanning Identify the most accurate scanning strategies for dentate and edentulous patients. Identify various types of 3D printing techniques. Identify 3D printers used in dental with associated accuracy levels

Keywords

digital dentistry

intraoral scanning

scan accuracy

3D printing

precision

trueness

scan strategy

direct digital impressions

implant angulation