Key Clinical Message: This research investigates the trueness and precision of 3D printing technology in dental applications, specifically focusing on dimensional variations observed in models printed at different angles. The methodology involved importing a dental model into slicing software, adjusting its orientation, and implementing support structures for stability. Subsequently, the model underwent 3D printing five times for each orientation using appropriate equipment and underwent post‐processing steps, including cleaning, washing, and UV‐light post‐curing. The printed models were then scanned using a specialized desktop scanner for further analysis. Accuracy assessment was carried out using dedicated software, employing an algorithm for precise alignment by comparing the scanned files. Color deviation maps were utilized to visually represent variations, aiming to evaluate how positioning during printing influences the trueness and precision of 3D‐printed dental models. Trueness and precision analyses involved the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality and a one‐way ANOVA to compare means of three independent groups, with statistical analyses conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics software. The color maps derived from 3D comparisons revealed positive and negative deviations, represented by distinct colors. Comparative results indicated that models positioned at 0° exhibited the least dimensional deviation, whereas those at 90° showed the highest. Regarding precision, models printed at 0° demonstrated the highest reproducibility, while those at 15° exhibited the lowest. Based on the desired level of precision, it is recommended that printed models be produced at an inclination angle of 0°.
A novel and straightforward digital workflow is described to aid clinicians in producing in-office hybrid posts and cores. The method is based on scanning and using the basic module of a computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD-CAM) software program for dental applications. The applicability of the technique in a digital workflow is the simplicity of in-office production of a hybrid post and core that can be delivered to the patient in the same day.
Background: The existing literature predominantly examines post and core assessments post-cementation, neglecting the critical pre-cementation phase. Research on the clinical acceptance of dental posts received from dental laboratories before cementation is notably lacking. This study investigates the percentage of zirconia and metal dental posts that are deemed suitable for cementation by clinicians, among the total received from the dental laboratory. Additionally, it aims to examine whether this percentage varies based on the type of impression made by the clinician: digital impression versus conventional impression. Methods: This article introduces the application of computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology for manufacturing customized zirconia and Cobalt–Chromium (Co-Cr) post and cores. Intraoral scanning is employed to capture the canal anatomy. In contrast to the traditional casting process, a three-dimensional (3D) metal printer machine is utilized to 3D print the metal post and core from Co-Cr, resulting in enhanced toughness and superior adaptability to the canal. Two null hypotheses were formulated, investigating the clinical acceptance of zirconia and metal posts obtained through traditional versus digital impressions. Results: Among 577 post and cores, 95% of metal posts from both impression methods received clinical approval. However, for zirconia posts, a significantly higher acceptance rate (95% versus 88%) was observed for those from traditional impressions. The Chi-squared test yielded a p-value < 0.05, underscoring the clinical superiority of conventionally obtained zirconia posts and supporting the null hypothesis for metal posts. Conclusions: A significantly higher acceptance rate is apparent among zirconia post and cores manufactured through conventional impressions, in contrast to zirconia post and cores produced via digital impressions. No statistically significant difference was identified between metal post and cores obtained through digital impressions and those acquired through conventional impressions.