READING DEPTH EVALUATION OF INTRAORAL SCANNERS. AN IN VITRO STUDY

The objective of this in vitro study is to measure and compare the detectable reading depth from different types of scanners with different acquisition technology, wireless* vs wired, and the newest technology on the market . Measurements were made by scanning a cubic-shaped reference solid with sulcus of different depths and widths in the 4 sides, in order to best simulate the possible scenarios found in clinical practice. Specifically, the anterior groove has dimensions of 1 mm in depth and 1 mm in width, the lateral grooves a width of 0.5 mm with depth varying anteroposteriorly from 1 to 4 mm, and finally, the posterior groove 1 mm in width and 5 mm in depth. For each type of scanner, 9 scans were taken, by the same operator under constant environmental conditions, in a time interval of 30 sec. For each reading, 12 measurements were taken, at 12 different points within the grooves traced in the solid. The results show, a possible overlap of values between wired and wireless scanners used, and a prevailing performance from the newest scanner. Based on the measurements and the subsequently calculated statistical values, it was found that there is no statistically significant difference, between the results acquired by the two intraoral scanners from the same series (i700), but a significant difference between series i700 and i900. Given the results obtained, it can be said that: the wireless scanner represents a future solution for evolution, the practicality of use and, the absence of data dispersion during acquisition, attests to its validity. Moreover, newest technologies aim on developing and new technologies aim to evolve and improve upon the limitations of previous models, thus providing breakthrough technologies day after day, leading on better results in everyday pratictice.