Analyzing the Accuracy of a Cross-Mounting Technique Utilizing Digital Occlusal Registrations

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the accuracy of a partially digital cross-mounting workflow utilizing direct scans of interocclusal records to a conventional workflow through the analysis of deviations in sequentially cross-mounted casts. Reference casts, including maxillary and mandibular full-arch prepared casts and interim prostheses, were utilized to create four reference casts for cross-mounting. In the conventional approach, 15 sets of these casts were printed, and polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) interocclusal records were employed for sequential cross-mounting. The partially digital group used the same PVS interocclusal records, which were scanned and digitally cross-mounted via design software. Mean deviations in both groups from the reference cast were analyzed using 3D inspection software. Statistical tests, including paired t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA), were conducted to compare discrepancies and evaluate differences in anterior and posterior regions (α = 0.05). Results demonstrated similar ranges of discrepancies in both groups, with mean deviations of 201.58 ± 136.98 mm in the conventional workflow and 248.69 ± 164.71 mm in the partially digital workflow. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups (P = 0.091). Error propagation analysis revealed no significant difference within the conventional group (P = 0.148), while a significant difference was found at each step of sequential mounting in the partially digital group (P 0.001). Additionally, a significant difference between anterior and posterior deviations was observed in the partially digital group (P 0.001), but not in the conventional group (P = 0.143).In conclusion, this study found no statistically significant difference between conventional and partially digital cross-mounting workflows. However, within the partially digital group, a notable difference in deviation emerged across cross-mounting steps, particularly with increased deviation in the anterior region. These findings emphasize the importance of considering specific aspects of the digital workflow to optimize accuracy in dental applications.