Dimensional accuracy of three techniques for full-arch implant impressions: orthodontic elastomeric chain versus floss-resin and non-splinted methods
Makaleler > Tam Makale · 2026
Yazarlar: Ayşe Gözde TÜRK, Nazlıcan Güneş, Fırat MAVİ, Olkan GÜRBÜZ, Mübin Sıtkı ULUSOY, İbrahim Etem SAKLAKOĞLU
BMC ORAL HEALTH, SCI Expanded İndekslerine Giren Dergi, Uluslararası, 2026, cilt 26, ss 1-13
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-026-08549-3
Özet
<p>Abstract Background Accurate transfer of implant positions is critical for achieving passive fit in full-arch prostheses. Although splinting of impression copings enhances accuracy, the optimal chairside splinting method remains uncertain. Orthodontic elastomeric chains have been proposed as a practical alternative to floss-resin splinting, but their dimensional accuracy has not been quantitatively validated. Purpose The purpose of this in-vitro study was to compare the accuracy of full-arch implant impressions made with three techniques non-splinted (NS), dental-floss with light-polymerizing resin (FR), and orthodontic elastomeric chain with light-polymerizing resin (CR) and to determine whether the chain-resin technique provides comparable or superior trueness. Methods A mandibular master model with six parallel implants (Bio3 GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany) and multiunit abutments torqued to 25 N cm was used to fabricate 21 casts (n = 7 per group). Open-tray impressions were made with polyvinyl siloxane (Zhermack, Italy). In the FR and CR groups, copings were splinted with dental floss or a closed type orthodontic chain, respectively, reinforced with light-polymerizing pattern resin (Motif, Dokuz Kimya, Turkey), sectioned with a 0.3-mm diamond disk, and rejoined before impression making. Definitive casts with gingival masks were produced in type IV stone. Digital scan bodies were attached, and casts were scanned with a laboratory scanner (3Shape, Denmark). Linear inter-implant distances (positions 1–6) and inter-axis (3D) angulations were measured in Geomagic Design X 2022.0 (3D Systems, USA). Examiner reliability was ensured by repeating 10% of the measurements (intraclass correlation > 0.95). Normality was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and homogeneity of variances was evaluated using Levene’s test. According to the results of these assumption checks, global comparisons were performed using either one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal–Wallis test. Thereafter, false discovery rate (FDR) correction was applied to the global-test P values. Finally, a power analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect sizes and achieved power associated with the obtained results. All statistical analyses were performed at a significance level of α=0.05.</p>