RESUMEN
This systematic review examines the effectiveness of digital impressions in infants with cleft lip and palate (CLP), focusing on accuracy, operator preferences, and parents' perceptions. The PICO-formulated focused questions assessed the accuracy and operator preference of digital impressions compared to conventional impressions in infants with cleft lip and palate, while also exploring parents' perceptions as patient-centred outcomes. Electronic and manual searches were conducted in five databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library; to acquire grey literature, Google Scholar was also consulted. Both experimental and observational studies that used digital impressions in the clinical care of infants with CLP were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Out of 503 records, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. The accuracy assessment included surface discrepancy and intra-arch measurements. Surface discrepancy studies showed variations in the premaxillary segments, while intra-arch measurements revealed no significant differences. Operators preferred digital impressions, citing reduced stress and streamlined workflows. Parents expressed a clear preference for digital over conventional impressions. The conclusions drawn were substantiated by weak evidence due to the limited number and the high risk of bias of the included studies. Challenges remain here, warranting continued research to enhance accuracy and assess parents' preferences, ensuring optimal outcomes for infants with CLP.
RESUMEN
The use of additive manufacturing in dentistry has exponentially increased with dental model construction being the most common use of the technology. Henceforth, identifying the accuracy of additively manufactured dental models is critical. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature and evaluate the accuracy of full-arch dental models manufactured using different 3D printing technologies. Seven databases were searched, and 2209 articles initially identified of which twenty-eight studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were analysed. A meta-analysis was not possible due to unclear reporting and heterogeneity of studies. Stereolithography (SLA) was the most investigated technology, followed by digital light processing (DLP). Accuracy of 3D printed models varied widely between <100 to >500 µm with the majority of models deemed of clinically acceptable accuracy. The smallest (3.3 µm) and largest (579 µm) mean errors were produced by SLA printers. For DLP, majority of investigated printers (n = 6/8) produced models with <100 µm accuracy. Manufacturing parameters, including layer thickness, base design, postprocessing and storage, significantly influenced the model's accuracy. Majority of studies supported the use of 3D printed dental models. Nonetheless, models deemed clinically acceptable for orthodontic purposes may not necessarily be acceptable for the prosthodontic workflow or applications requiring high accuracy.