Assessment of the accuracy and reliability of new 3-dimensional scanning devices

The primary objective of this study was to assess the accuracy and the reliability of the SureSmile OraScanner (Orametrix, Richardson, Tex) by comparing it with other desktop 3-dimensional scanners: VIVID910 (Konica Minolta, Tokyo, Japan) and R700 (3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark). A laser-based scanner, the SLP250 Laser Probe (Laser Design, Detroit, Mich), served as the gold standard. Methods Five sets of dental casts were used. First, the accuracy of each scanner was studied by comparing the 3-dimensional models created by OraScanner, VIVID910, and R700 with the gold standard 3-dimensional models of the SLP250. To assess the reliability of the 3-dimensional models, the shell/shell deviation of each model was calculated based on the same surface-based registrations for all 5 sets of dental casts. Results OraScanner, VIVID910, and R700 were sufficiently accurate when compared with the gold standard. In the assessment of reliability, there were no significant differences between all comparisons. Conclusions The results showed that the OraScanner system has a sophisticated algorithm for 3-dimensional surface registration and can be used to generate accurate and reliable 3-dimensional digital models for use by clinicians.