Dimensional accuracy evaluation of implant-supported provisional protheses fabricated using three idifferent 3D printing technologies

Abstract

This study evaluated the dimensional accuracy of implant-supported provisional prostheses fabricated using three 3D printing technologies—stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and liquid crystal display (LCD)—across four span lengths (3-, 4-, 6-, and 12-unit). Sixty prostheses were digitally designed from a standardized edentulous maxillary model, fabricated, scanned, and analyzed by superimposing the printed specimens onto the original design. Dimensional accuracy was assessed using 3D color mapping and quantified by root mean square error (RMSE). Two-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05) revealed a significant interaction between span length and printing technology (P < 0.05). SLA consistently achieved the lowest RMSE values across short- and medium-span prostheses, with significantly lower deviations in the 3-unit group compared with DLP and LCD. For full-arch prostheses, SLA and LCD demonstrated comparable accuracy, both outperforming DLP. Within-group comparisons showed stable RMSE values in DLP, slight reductions in LCD, and gradual increases in SLA as span length increased. ColorD mapping confirmed these findings, with SLA specimens showing more uniform adaptation, whereas DLP and LCD exhibited greater deviations in longer spans. Overall, prosthetic accuracy was influenced by both printing technology and span length. SLA provided the highest accuracy, while DLP and LCD produced clinically acceptable and cost-effective outcomes.