Comparing the Trueness of full arch scans captured by customized and original scan bodies: An in vitro study

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the trueness of full arch scans using customized metal and resin scan bodies and to compare them with splinted and non-splinted original scan bodies. Materials and Methods Four methods were utilized to capture the position of multi-unit abutments (i.e. implant positions) using different scan bodies. In group I, customized metal scan bodies were fabricated while in group II, customized resin scan bodies were fabricated then all customized scan bodies were scanned. In group III, original scan bodies were scanned and in group IV, original scan bodies were splinted together then scanned. Trueness of the scans in each group was evaluated using a surface matching software (Geomagic control X) by measuring the deviation between the prosthetic screws. Statistical analysis was done using One -way ANOVA of Variance. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results The results show that minimum deviation of the prosthetics screws (multiunit abutment positions) was recorded in group I (0.027 ± 0.0051mm), while maximum deviation of the prosthetics screws was recorded in group II (0.0736 ± 0.0078mm). There was a statistically significant difference between all groups ( P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion Customized metal scan bodies enhanced the trueness of full arch scans when compared to customized resin as well as splinted and non-splinted original scan bodies.