Comparative Evaluation of Accuracy of CAD CAM Milling and Rapid Prototyping: An In vitro Study

Abstract

Statement of Problem: There is insufficient information on the dimensional changes in acrylic resins that have been fabricated using CAD CAM milling and three dimensional printing

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of standard tesselation files fabricated by using milled and rapid prototyped techniques

Materials and Methods: 6 specimens of size 10mm diameter and 7mm thickness were designed. These were then CADCAM milled (Group 1) and 3 D printed(Group 2). The milled and printed specimens then scanned using a laser scanner and then superimposed to the original STL file.

Conclusion: It is found that CADCAM milling although more wasteful, is far more accurate to its STL file than 3D printing.

Scope for the Future: 3D printing being subtractive, would turn out to be far more cost effective, and also would provide full control of both function and esthetic to the clinician. Time would be saved, and processing errors can be avoided, if the workflow of complete dentures is made digital.