ACCURACY OF 3D PRINTED MODELS WITH DIFFERENT DIE SPACING VALUES: AN IN VITRO COMPARISON TO A SOLID MASTER MODEL.
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Statement of the Problem: The accuracy of 3D-printed master models is crucial in prosthodontics, as any inaccuracies can result in poorly fitting restorations, particularly regarding margins, contact points, and occlusal levels. While various factors related to the printing process can influence the accuracy of these models, there is limited evidence on how die spacing in removable dies specifically impacts their precision. Purpose: The goal of this present study is to evaluate the accuracy of 3D-printed Pindex models by assessing the effects of varying die spacing values in comparison to a control solid 3D-printed master model. The null hypothesis is that there is no difference between the solid models with the test groups. Materials & Methods: A control model representing eight prepared teeth was designed using a design software (Modelliere, Zirkonzahn, Italy), exported as an STL file, and printed via additive manufacturing (Pro S , Sprintray,). The test samples, divided into three groups with offset values of 0.1mm(Group A), 0.05mm(group B), and 0.03mm(Group C), were fabricated from the same STL file. Each group consisted of ten samples. Post-processing followed the manufacturer’s guidelines, including alcohol rinsing, air drying, and UVA light curing. Samples were scanned using a laboratory scanner (Dentsply, Sirona) after being coated with a thin layer of titanium oxide powder to eliminate reflections and ensure high-quality data acquisition. The scanned files were then analyzed using Geomagic software, with all data aligned to the control model for comparison. Results: The findings confirmed the null hypothesis, showing no statistically significant differences between the three groups. However, the study revealed a notable difference in the fit of the dies in Group C, with a die spacing of 0.03mm, which exhibited greater deviation from the control model compared to Groups A and B, which showed closer alignment with the solid model. Conclusions: The results provide insights into the impact of die spacing variations on the accuracy of 3D-printed master models, contributing to improvements in digital dental model fabrication. The results provide valuable insights into how variations in die spacing affect the accuracy of 3D-printed master models, contributing to advancements in digital dental model fabrication.