Comparison of the Accuracy of Five Intraoral Scanners

Introduction: In recent years, the use of digital techniques such as computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) has increased significantly in dentistry This study aimed to compare the accuracy (trueness and precision) of five intraoral scanners (IOSs). Methods: A mandibular dental model with lower first molar teeth was scanned ۱۲ times with several IOSs, including Medit i۵۰۰, Medit i۷۰۰, Carestream ۳۶۰۰, ۳Shape ۳SHAPE ۳, and Einscan SE. In addition, the reference dataset was obtained using an Identica T۵۰۰ laboratory scanner. Then, all intraoral scans were superimposed onto the reference model using EXOCAD software to assess trueness, while precision was determined by comparing the ۱۲ repeated scans for each scanner. Results: Significant differences in precision were observed only in the mesial region of the preparation (P=۰.۰۰۴). Pairwise comparisons revealed that the Carestream ۳۶۰۰ had significantly lower precision than the Medit i۷۰۰ (P=۰.۰۴), Medit i۵۰۰ (P=۰.۰۳), or ۳Shape ۳SHAPE ۳ (P=۰.۰۱). Moreover, trueness significantly differed among scanners in the lingual (P=۰.۰۲), buccal (P=۰.۰۲), and mesial (P<۰.۰۱) regions. The Medit i۷۰۰ displayed significantly lower trueness in the mesial area compared to the Carestream ۳۶۰۰ and Shining scanners (P=۰.۰۲۱ and P=۰.۰۰۱, respectively). Conclusion: Among the tested scanners, the ۳Shape ۳SHAPE ۳ demonstrated the highest precision, while the Einscan SE showed superior trueness across all evaluated regions.