Evaluation of the reproducibility of various abutments using a blue light model scanner

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reproducibility of scan-based abutments using a blue light model scanner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A wax cast abutment die was fabricated, and a silicone impression was prepared using a silicone material. Nine study dies were constructed using the prepared duplicable silicone, and the first was used as a reference. These dies were classified into three groups and scanned using a blue light model scanner. The first three-dimensional (3D) data set was obtained by scanning eight dies separately in the first group. The second 3D data set was acquired when four dies were placed together in the scanner and scanned twice in the second group. Finally, the third 3D data set was obtained when eight dies were placed together in the scanner and scanned once. These data were then used to define the data value using third-dimension software. All the data were then analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis H test (α=.05) and the post-hoc Mann-Whitney U-test with Bonferroni's correction (α=.017). RESULTS: The means and standard deviations of the eight dies together were larger than those of the four dies together and of the individual die. Moreover, significant differences were observed among the three groups (P<.05). CONCLUSION: With larger numbers of abutments scanned together, the scan becomes more inaccurate and loses reproducibility. Therefore, scans of smaller numbers of abutments are recommended to ensure better results.