Comparison of the Accuracy of Conventional, Digital, and Stereophotogrammetric Impression Techniques in Implant-Supported Restorations: A Systematic Review

Authors

  • Saba Behzadian Student Research Committee, Faculty of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
  • Sara Majidinia Department of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
  • Alireza Sarraf Shirazi Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
  • Mahsa Valizadeh Department of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
  • Sara Ziaaddini Department of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
  • Shayan Yousefi Student Research Committee, Faculty of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18502/jcr.v13i2.22540

Keywords:

Dental implants; Dental prosthesis; Dental impression technique; Stereophotogrammetry.

Abstract

Introduction: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the primary digital accuracy outcomes, including trueness and precision, and the secondary clinical adaptation outcome, prosthetic fit, of conventional, digital, and stereophotogrammetric (SPG) impression techniques in implant-supported restorations. This review proposes that digital and SPG techniques offer higher accuracy relative to conventional techniques.

Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, five databases were searched between December 2024 and September 2025. Of 28,922 screened records, 13 in vitro studies met inclusion criteria. Data extraction was independently conducted by two reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the QUIN tool, and random-effects meta-analyses (RevMan and CMA) were performed to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD, 95% CI).

Results: For the primary digital accuracy outcomes, SPG generally achieved the highest trueness and precision, with significant advantages in several comparisons (SMD = –1.60 to –3.80, p < 0.05). For the secondary clinical adaptation outcome, digital impressions showed significantly improved prosthetic fit compared with conventional techniques (SMD = –1.65, p = 0.001).

Conclusion: In vitro evidence suggests that digital impressions provide better fit than conventional techniques, while SPG achieves the highest overall accuracy. High-quality clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine their long-term prosthetic and biological implications.

Published

2026-09-06

Issue

Volume (13) issue (2)

Section

Articles