Accuracy Of Cad/Cam-Fabricated Monoblock Splints: Sm Vs. Am

A newly designed Mono-Block (MB) splint has demonstrated promising clinical potential for treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The accuracy of MB splint fabrication plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of TMD treatment; However, its accuracy remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of subtractive manufacturing (SM) and additive manufacturing (AM) technologies on the trueness and precision for MB splints. Splint samples were fabricated using a representative AM technique—digital light processing (DLP)—and SM method (milling). Following fabrication, all samples were scanned and analyzed using 3D inspection software. Root mean square (RMS) values were measured to assess trueness and precision, and color maps were generated to detect deviations. Statistical analyses were conducted using Mann-Whitney U tests and unpaired t-tests. SM splints exhibited significantly higher trueness than AM splints in the maxillary and mandibular marginal areas and the mandibular intaglio surface (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed in the maxillary intaglio surface (p = 0.1425). Regarding precision, SM splints demonstrated greater precision in the mandibular marginal area (p < 0.0001), while AM splints exhibited higher precision in the maxillary marginal area (p = 0.0036). No significant differences in precision were found for the maxillary (p = 0.8762) and mandibular (p = 0.3113) intaglio surfaces. The manufacturing method significantly influenced MB splint accuracy. SM splints exhibited superior trueness, while both fabrication methods demonstrated comparable precision. Accuracy was greater in the mandibular section and the intaglio surface compared to other areas.