Abstract
BACKGROUND: Few studies have been reported regarding the accuracy of 3D-printed models for orthodontic applications. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of 3D-printed dental models of different tooth surfaces. METHODS: Thirty volunteers were recruited from the hospital, and then their dental models were produced by means of oral scanning and a stereolithography-based 3D printer. Each printed model was digitally scanned and compared with the oral-scanned STL file via superimposition analysis. A color map was used to assess the accuracy of different surfaces (occlusal, buccal, lingual) of anterior and posterior teeth. The Tukey test was used to evaluate the differences between the superimposition. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in the average deviations of different tooth surfaces (P < 0.05). The mean average absolute deviations of the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth were greater than those of other surfaces. Percentages of points beyond the upper and lower limits of different tooth surfaces displayed the same results (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Occlusal surfaces, especially pits and fissures of posterior teeth on 3D printed maxillary dental models, showed greater distortions than those of other teeth and regions.