Clear guidance to select the most accurate technologies for 3D printing dental models - A network meta-analysis✰

Anna Németh; Viktória Vitai; Márk László Czumbel; Bence Szabó; Gábor Varga; Beáta Kerémi; Péter Hegyi; Péter Hermann; Judit Borbély

doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104532

Clear guidance to select the most accurate technologies for 3D printing dental models - A network meta-analysis^✰

J Dent. 2023 Jul:134:104532. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104532. Epub 2023 Apr 28.

Authors

Anna Németh¹, Viktória Vitai¹, Márk László Czumbel², Bence Szabó³, Gábor Varga⁴, Beáta Kerémi⁵, Péter Hegyi⁶, Péter Hermann¹, Judit Borbély⁷

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Prosthodontics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
² Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Periodontology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
³ Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
⁴ Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Oral Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
⁵ Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
⁶ Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Division of Pancreatic Diseases, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
⁷ Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Prosthodontics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. Electronic address: drborbelyj@gmail.com.

PMID: 37120090
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104532

Abstract

Objectives: Thus far, the findings of numerous studies conducted on the accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) printed dental models are conflicting. Therefore, the aim of the network meta-analysis (NMA) is to determine the accuracy of 3D printed dental models compared with digital reference models.

Data: Studies comparing the accuracy of 3D printed full-arch dental models manufactured using different printing techniques to initial STL files were included.

Sources: This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021285863). An electronic search was performed across four databases in November 2021, and search was restricted to the English language.

Study selection: A systematic search was conducted based on a prespecified search query. 16,303 articles were pooled after the removal of the duplicates. Following study selection and data extraction, 11 eligible studies were included in the NMA in 6 subgroups. The outcomes were specified as trueness and precision and expressed as root mean square (RMS) and absolute mean deviation values. Seven printing technologies were analyzed: stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), fused deposition modeling/fused filament fabrication (FDM/FFF), MultiJet, PolyJet, continuous liquid interface production (CLIP), and LCD technology. The QUADAS-2 and GRADE were used to evaluate the risk of bias and certainty of evidence.

Conclusions: SLA, DLP, and PolyJet technologies were the most accurate in producing full-arch dental models.

Clinical significance: The findings of the NMA suggest that SLA, DLP, and PolyJet technologies are sufficiently accurate for full-arch dental model production for prosthodontic purposes. In contrast, FDM/FFF, CLIP, and LCD technologies are less suitable for manufacturing dental models.

Keywords: Additive manufacturing; Digital dentistry; Full-arch; Precision; Rapid prototyping; Trueness.

Publication types

Meta-Analysis
Review

MeSH terms

Computer-Aided Design*
Models, Dental*
Network Meta-Analysis
Printing, Three-Dimensional
Stereolithography