(1) Background: Intraoral scanners undergo rapid advancements in hardware and software, prompting frequent updates by manufacturers. (2) Aim: This study aimed to quantitatively assess the precision of full dental arch digital impressions obtained from four different intraoral scanners: Trios 5—3SHAPE, Copenhagen, Denmark, CEREC Primescan— Dentsply Sirona, New York, NY, USA, Planmeca Emerald S—Planmeca Oy, Helsinki, Finland, and Medit i700—Medit Corp, Seoul, Republic of Korea. (3) Methods: A maxillary virtual dental model (digital master model) was created in accordance with ISO standard 20896-1. Subsequently, a 3D-printed model was obtained from the master model’s STL file and scanned 15 times consecutively with each scanner. STL files were aligned with the master model’s STL using Medit Link—Medit Design software v.3.1.0. The accuracy was evaluated by measuring deviations in micrometers between each scanner’s scans and the master model. (4) Results: The study revealed variations in accuracy ranging from 23 to 32 µm across scans of the same dental arch, irrespective of the scanner used and scanning strategy employed. The anterior regions exhibited higher precision (Mean Absolute Deviation of 112 µm) compared to the posterior regions (Mean Absolute Deviation of 127 µm). Trios 5 demonstrated the smallest deviation (average 112 µm), indicating superior accuracy among the scanners tested. Emerald S and Medit i700 exhibited balanced performance (average 117 µm and 114 µm, respectively), while Primescan consistently displayed high deviation (average 127 µm). (5) Conclusions: Based on clinically accepted thresholds for accuracy in intraoral scanning, which are typically 200 µm for full arch scans, Trios 5 surpasses these benchmarks with its average deviation falling within the 200 µm range. Emerald S and Medit i700 also meet these standards, while Primescan, although showing high overall deviation, approaches the upper limit of clinical acceptability. Considering the limitations of an in vitro investigation, the findings demonstrate that each intraoral scanner under evaluation is capable of reliably and consistently capturing a full arch scan for dentate patients.

Background/Objectives: The integration of digital technologies into dental education is becoming increasingly important, particularly in prosthodontics, where digital design tools offer enhanced precision and efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate second-year dental students’ perceptions regarding conventional versus digital design in prosthodontics, assessing their theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and attitudes toward these approaches. Methods: A total of 141 dental students enrolled in Faculty of Dentistry from “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania, participated in an online survey consisting of 19 questions evaluating their understanding, preferences, attitudes, and expectations regarding digital and conventional prosthodontic workflows. Additionally, students’ practical exam grades and task completion times for both conventional and digital design methods were evaluated. Results: Participating students reported sufficient understanding of theoretical concepts in both conventional (92.9%) and digital design (91.5%). A significant proportion (78.7%) felt confident in their practical skills for conventional design, while 78% expressed the same for digital design. Statistically significant correlations indicated that students who believed digital design could replace conventional methods associated digital design with greater accuracy (p = 0.020), predictability (p = 0.048), and sustainability (p = 0.032). Students who believed they had acquired enough skills in digital design responded more frequently that the time allocation for digital design by the university was sufficient (p < 0.001). Moreover, students scored significantly higher in digital design practical exams compared to conventional design (p < 0.001). Task completion times were also shorter for digital workflows, further supporting their efficiency. Conclusions: The findings suggest that students are highly receptive to digital technologies in prosthodontics, favoring digital workflows over conventional techniques. These results highlight the need for continued integration of digital tools into dental curricula to enhance students’ competency and prepare them for modern clinical practice.

In contemporary dentistry, several 3D printing techniques, including a stereolithography apparatus (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), liquid crystal display (LCD), and PolyJet 3D inkjet printing technology (PolyJet), are employed for model production. Despite their widespread use, there remains a paucity of the literature regarding the trueness and precision of these devices in dental applications. Existing studies comparing the accuracy of dental models manufactured by different printing technologies yield disparate conclusions regarding dental prosthesis manufacturing. This study aimed to test two null hypotheses: first, that the trueness of various new-generation 3D printers is equivalent, and second, that the trueness of printing by these printers is sufficient for achieving high-precision mastercasts in dental prosthodontics manufacturing. The research focuses on evaluating the trueness of five contemporary dental 3D printers: Anycubic Mono X 6Ks (Hongkong Anycubic Technology Co., Hongkong, China), Asiga Max (Asiga, Sydney, Australia), Creo C5 (Planmeca Oy, Helsinki, Finland), Form 3B (Formlabs, Boston, MA, USA), and J5 Dentajet (Stratasys Ltd., Eden Prairie, MN, USA). The methodology employed involved the creation of a digital test object using Blender software, adhering meticulously to the dimensions outlined in ISO standard 20896-1. These dimensions were chosen to be both relevant for this study and representative of clinical scenarios. Subsequently, the test object was printed and precise measurements were conducted utilizing a metrology-type Nikon XTH225 ST Reflection target in conjunction with VGStudio MAX analysis software. The results of our investigation revealed clinically negligible deviations in ball dimensions across all printers, with the maximum observed deviations ranging between 1.17% and 2.03% (notably observed in the Creo C5 printer). Transversal distortion exhibited variance based on the linear accuracy of each printer, with Stratasys21 and Formlabs 3B demonstrating superior accuracy among the evaluated printers. Distortions in the analyzed dimensions (specifically, anterior b–c, posterior a–d, and oblique a–c) were found to be uniform. In conclusion, while the first null hypothesis was rejected, indicating variations in trueness among the 3D printers assessed, our findings affirm the suitability of all five analyzed 3D printers for clinical applications. Consequently, these printers can be utilized for the fabrication of high-precision mastercasts in dental prosthodontics manufacturing.

This study aims to assess the conversion degree and hardness behavior of two new commercial dental restorative composites that have been submitted to light curing in different environments (air and glycerin, respectively) at various distances from the light source (1 to 5 mm) and to better understand the influence of the preparation conditions of the restorative materials. Through FT-IR spectrometry, the crosslinking degree of the commercial restorative materials have been investigated and different conversion values were obtained (from ~17% to ~90%) but more importantly, it was shown that the polymerization environment exhibits a significant influence on the crosslinking degree of the resin-based composites especially for obtaining degrees of higher polymerization. Additionally, the mechanical properties of the restorative materials were studied using the nanoindentation technique showing that the nano-hardness behavior is strongly influenced not only by the polymerization lamp position, but also by the chemical structure of the materials and polymerization conditions. Thus, the nanoindentation results showed that the highest nano-hardness values (~0.86 GPa) were obtained in the case of the flowable C3 composite that contains BisEMA and UDMA as a polymerizable organic matrix when crosslinked at 1 mm distance from the curing lamp using glycerin as an oxygen-inhibitor layer.

Background: Acrylic resin-based materials are a versatile category used extensively in various dental applications. Processed by current modern technologies, such as CAD/CAM technologies or 3D printing, these materials have revolutionized the field of dentistry for the efficient creation of dental devices. However, despite their extensive use, a limited number of comparative studies exist that investigate how different processing methods—such as traditional techniques, 3D printing, and CAD/CAM milling—impact the nano-mechanical behavior and internal porosity of these materials, which are critical for their long-term clinical performance. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the nanomechanical properties (hardness, elasticity, and stiffness) and micro-porosity of acrylic resin-based materials indicated for temporary prosthodontic appliances manufactured by new technologies (milling, 3D printing) compared to traditional methods. Methods: The hardness, elasticity, and stiffness measurements were performed by the nano-metric indentation method (nanoindentation), and the quantitative morphological characterization of the porosity of the acrylic resin samples obtained by 3D printing and CAD/CAM milling was performed by micro-computed tomography. Results: According to nanomechanical investigations, CAD/CAM milling restorative specimens exhibited the greatest mechanical performances (E~5.233 GPa and H~0.315 GPa), followed by 3D printed samples, while the lowest mechanical properties were registered for the specimen fabricated by the traditional method (E~3.552 GPa, H~0.142 GPa). At the same time, the results of porosity studies (micro-CT) suggested that 3D printed specimens demonstrated a superior degree of porosity (temporary crown—22.93% and splints—8.94%) compared to CAD/CAM milling restorative samples (5.73%). Conclusions: The comparative analysis of these results allows for the optimal selection of the processing method in order to ensure the specific requirements of the various clinical applications.

In clinical practice, the selection of dental material is a crucial factor for the final success of the treatment, regarding mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Our study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of a PMMA dental resin used for denture base fabrication and to investigate whether autophagy might be involved in the response of the exposed cells. In vitro tests, such as assessments of cell viability and metabolism, nitric oxide (NO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and autophagy, were conducted. The results showed that exposure to PMMA-based material decreased cell viability by 35% after 24 h and 36% after 48 h. NO levels increased by 10% after 24 h and 2% after 48 h. LDH levels increased by 8% after 24 h and 31% after 48 h. Within the limits of this present study, our results suggest a significant activation of autophagy in the exposed fibroblasts, possibly as a survival mechanism, based on the viability and cell metabolic activity results.