Academic Journal
Evaluation of the accuracy (trueness, precision) and processing time of different 3-dimensional CAD software programs and algorithms for virtual cast alignment.
| Title: | Evaluation of the accuracy (trueness, precision) and processing time of different 3-dimensional CAD software programs and algorithms for virtual cast alignment. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Piedra-Cascón W; Doctoral Student, Doctoral Progamme in Dental Science, Stomatology Area, Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgery Specialitites. University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Affiliate Faculty Esthetic Dentistry Program, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain; Private practice, Oviedo, Spain; Researcher at Movumtech, Madrid, Spain. Electronic address: wpiedra@movumtech.com., Burgos-Artizzu XP; Faculty Member, Faculty of Computer Science, Multimedia and Telecommunications, Open University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain; Researcher, MovumTech, Madrid, Spain., González-Martin Ó; Affiliate Faculty Member, Faculty of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Mass, USA; Affiliate Faculty Member, Faculty of Periodontology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Private practice, Madrid, Spain., Oteo-Morilla C; Private practice, Madrid, Spain; Affiliate Faculty Member, Graduate in Esthetic Dentistry Program, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain., Pose-Rodriguez JM; Associated Lecturer in Adult Comprehensive Dental Clinic. Stomatology Area, Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgery Specialities. Digital Dentistry Unit of the School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain., Gallas-Torreira M; Senior Lecturer in Planification and Management in Dental Clinics. Stomatology Area, Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgery Specialities. Digital Dentistry Unit of the School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. |
| Source: | Journal of dentistry [J Dent] 2025 Apr; Vol. 155, pp. 105619. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Feb 06. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article; Evaluation Study; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Elsevier Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 0354422 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1879-176X (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 03005712 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Dent Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: Kidlington : Elsevier Original Publication: Bristol, Eng., Wright. |
| MeSH Terms: | Imaging, Three-Dimensional*/methods , Algorithms* , Software* , Computer-Aided Design* , Models, Dental*, Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods ; Humans ; Time Factors ; Reproducibility of Results |
| Abstract: | Objectives: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the impact of different alignment algorithms and CAD software programs on alignment accuracy (trueness and precision) and processing time. Methods: A mandibular typodont was digitized using a laboratory scanner (L2i) to obtain a reference standard tesselletion language (STLr) file. It was then scanned with an intraoral scanner (Primescan) and digitally duplicated ten times (n = 10). Each scan was aligned with the STLr using 42 combinations of 3D CAD software and alignment algorithms. The tested software programs included Blender for Dental, BlueSkyPlan, Dental CAD App (Exocad), Medit Design, NemoSmile, and Meshmixer. Alignment accuracy (trueness and precision) and processing time were recorded using Python software (v3.8). Statistical analysis was performed with a two-way ANOVA test (α = 0.01) to identify overall differences, followed by a post hoc Tukey Honestly Significant Difference test (α = 0.05) to establish rankings. Results: Significant differences in alignment accuracy were observed based on the software and algorithm used, affecting both trueness (p<.01) and precision (p<.01). Processing time also varied significantly (p<.01). Post hoc analysis identified the optimal algorithm for each software, revealing variations in trueness, precision, and processing time among the optimal versions. Medit Design achieved the best overall performance by combining high accuracy with the fastest processing time, while Meshmixer exhibited the lowest accuracy due to its lack of advanced algorithms. Conclusions: The choice of CAD software and alignment algorithm significantly influences alignment accuracy and efficiency. Best-fit and section-based provided the best results, offering valuable insights into the optimization of digital workflows in prosthodontics. Clinical Significance: Alignment protocols must be tailored to the specific CAD software program used, as no universal protocol was effective across all tested software. Optimizing alignment protocols reduces errors, enhances prosthodontic outcomes, and improves the reliability and efficiency of clinical and laboratory workflows, ultimately ensuring better patient care and treatment success. (Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.) |
| Competing Interests: | Declaration of competing interest The authors did not have any conflict interest, financial or personal, in any of the materials described in this study. |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: Accuracy; Alignment methods; Best fit; Superimposition tehcniques; Virtual casts |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20250208 Date Completed: 20250506 Latest Revision: 20260607 |
| Update Code: | 20260608 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.jdent.2025.105619 |
| PMID: | 39922450 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1879-176X |
|---|---|
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.jdent.2025.105619 |