Influence of the ambient color lighting on the accuracy of complete arch implant scans recorded by using two intraoral scanners.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The influence of different ambient factors including lighting has been previously studied. However, the influence of ambient color lighting settings on intraoral scanning accuracy remains uncertain. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the influence of ambient color lighting on the accuracy of complete arch implant scans recorded by using 2 intraoral scanners (IOSs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An edentulous maxillary cast with 6 implant scan bodies was digitized by using a laboratory scanner (DW-7-140) to obtain a reference file. Two groups were created based on the IOS tested: TRIOS 4 (IOS-1) and i700 (IOS-2). Seven subgroups were developed depending on the ambient color lighting (red, green, blue, yellow, cyan, magenta, and white) (n=15). Scanning accuracy was analyzed by using a metrology software program (Geomagic Control X). The Kruskal-Wallis, 1-way ANOVA, and pairwise comparisons were used to analyze the data (alpha=.05). RESULTS: Significant trueness and precision values were found across the groups (P<.05) and subgroups (P<.05). For IOS-1, blue ambient lighting obtained the best trueness (19.8 +/-1.8 microm) (P<.05); in precision, white light (20.8 +/-7.3 microm) and blue light (22.1 +/-13.5) showed the best results (P<.05). For IOS-2, white light showed the best trueness (51.9 +/-16.7 microm); the best precision was obtained under magenta (38.6 +/-10.4 microm) and yellow light (52.6 +/-24.0 microm) (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The optimal ambient color lighting varied between the IOSs assessed. As the best condition for maximizing accuracy was not found, ambient color lighting must be individualized for the IOS system used.