Accuracy and Trueness of exporting computer aided design of 3-unit fixed dental prosthesis by 3 CAD systems

Background: Computer-aided design (CAD) software programs offer the option to export 3D scans and designs across different CADCAM systems, commonly referred to as open CADCAM technology. However, there is insufficient evidence of whether this exporting procedure has an impact on the accuracy of digital designs. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of 3 Intra oral scanners and the accuracy of 3 computer-aided design (CAD) softwares for a three-unit fixed dental prosthesis. Materials and Methods:Three CAD softwares (inLab 17™, CeraMill Mind™, Dental System 2017™) were used to generate designs of a three-unit fixed partial denture. The designs generated by each CAD software were exported as stl files to the other two CAD softwares. The exported designs were superimposed on the proprietary designs to evaluate the trueness of the exported designs. Results: The 3D analysis of the exported designs, revealed best trueness with Cerec inLab, followed by Dental System and then Ceramill Mind. The 2D analysis of the exported designs, revealed best trueness values with Dental System, Cerec inLab, then Ceramill Mind. There was however no statistically significant differences between the trueness of exported designs of the three CAD softwares. Conclusions: Exporting Computer aided designs of 3 unit FPD as stl files, designed using Cerec inLab, Dental System and Ceramill Mind did not effect its accuracy. There was no statistical significant difference between the host designs and the exported designs on the three investigated CAD softwares