Evaluation of the accuracy of Digital Scanning of a Low-end Laboratory Laser Scanner

Background: Digital scanning of orthodontic models is the first step towards a completely digital patient file in the digital orthodontic practice. The wide array of available laboratory scanners that are used for digitization of orthodontic models is challenging. The choice among the available scanners should be prioritized according to the accuracy of transforming the plaster stone model into a digital replica. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of digital Scanning of a low-end laboratory laser scanner of an affordable cost to the gold standard plaster model.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-six plaster models were used in this study. They were digitized using 3Shape R500 laboratory laser scanner. Sixteen measurements were measured on the plaster models and on their digitized replica. Intra- and interobserver reliability errors were evaluated.
Results: The results showed that the 3Shape R500 laboratory laser scanner is accurate for digitization of plaster models. There were no statistically significant difference between the measurements taken on the plaster models and those taken on the digitized models. The intra-and inter-observer reliability results showed non-statistically significant difference within the same observer or between the different observers.
Conclusion: The low-end laboratory laser scanner is reliable for digitization of dental orthodontic models. The upgrade of laboratory scanner should be considered for purposes other than the accuracy.