Research Article

Dimensional accuracy of clear aligners fabricated using different LCD 3D printer resolutions: an in-vitro study

Volume: 60 Number: 1 September 9, 2026

Dimensional accuracy of clear aligners fabricated using different LCD 3D printer resolutions: an in-vitro study

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to compare trueness and precision of dental models from three LCD 3D printers with different horizontal resolutions (2K, 4K, 8K) and to evaluate their clinical suitability for orthodontic use.

Materials and Methods

Thirty models were printed using Creality Halot One (2K), Phrozen Mighty 4K, and Phrozen Mighty 8K printers, with ten models each using manufacturer-recommended resins. Master digital models from intraoral scans were compared to re-scanned printed models through surface superimposition using Geomagic Control X software. Trueness and precision were evaluated by point deviation and Root-Mean-Square (RMS) analysis, with differences assessed by one-way ANOVA (p = 0.05).

Results

Mean RMS values for 2K, 4K, and 8K printers were 0.266 ± 0.015 mm, 0.223 ± 0.017 mm, and 0.121 ± 0.012 mm, respectively (p < 0.001). The 8K printer showed highest trueness and precision, with deviations mainly in occlusal and gingival regions. The 0.25 mm error limit was within acceptable range for 4K and 8K models, while 2K models exceeded this value (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Printer resolution significantly affects dimensional accuracy. The 8K LCD printer demonstrated superior accuracy and reproducibility, proving reliable for orthodontic models and clear aligners.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 9, 2026

Submission Date

November 5, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 31, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 60 Number: 1

APA
R., D. J., Krishnakumaran, D. M., Krishnan, D. B., & Priyanka G, A. S. (2026). Dimensional accuracy of clear aligners fabricated using different LCD 3D printer resolutions: an in-vitro study. European Oral Research, 60(1), 338-344. https://doi.org/10.26650/eor.20251817134
AMA
1.R. DJ, Krishnakumaran DM, Krishnan DB, Priyanka G AS. Dimensional accuracy of clear aligners fabricated using different LCD 3D printer resolutions: an in-vitro study. EOR. 2026;60(1):338-344. doi:10.26650/eor.20251817134
Chicago
R., Dr. Jayaraj, Dr. Mahalakshmi Krishnakumaran, Dr. Balaji Krishnan, and Annie Shirly Priyanka G. 2026. “Dimensional Accuracy of Clear Aligners Fabricated Using Different LCD 3D Printer Resolutions: An In-Vitro Study”. European Oral Research 60 (1): 338-44. https://doi.org/10.26650/eor.20251817134.
EndNote
R. DJ, Krishnakumaran DM, Krishnan DB, Priyanka G AS (September 1, 2026) Dimensional accuracy of clear aligners fabricated using different LCD 3D printer resolutions: an in-vitro study. European Oral Research 60 1 338–344.
IEEE
[1]D. J. R., D. M. Krishnakumaran, D. B. Krishnan, and A. S. Priyanka G, “Dimensional accuracy of clear aligners fabricated using different LCD 3D printer resolutions: an in-vitro study”, EOR, vol. 60, no. 1, pp. 338–344, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.26650/eor.20251817134.
ISNAD
R., Dr. Jayaraj - Krishnakumaran, Dr. Mahalakshmi - Krishnan, Dr. Balaji - Priyanka G, Annie Shirly. “Dimensional Accuracy of Clear Aligners Fabricated Using Different LCD 3D Printer Resolutions: An In-Vitro Study”. European Oral Research 60/1 (September 1, 2026): 338-344. https://doi.org/10.26650/eor.20251817134.
JAMA
1.R. DJ, Krishnakumaran DM, Krishnan DB, Priyanka G AS. Dimensional accuracy of clear aligners fabricated using different LCD 3D printer resolutions: an in-vitro study. EOR. 2026;60:338–344.
MLA
R., Dr. Jayaraj, et al. “Dimensional Accuracy of Clear Aligners Fabricated Using Different LCD 3D Printer Resolutions: An In-Vitro Study”. European Oral Research, vol. 60, no. 1, Sept. 2026, pp. 338-44, doi:10.26650/eor.20251817134.
Vancouver
1.Dr. Jayaraj R., Dr. Mahalakshmi Krishnakumaran, Dr. Balaji Krishnan, Annie Shirly Priyanka G. Dimensional accuracy of clear aligners fabricated using different LCD 3D printer resolutions: an in-vitro study. EOR. 2026 Sep. 1;60(1):338-44. doi:10.26650/eor.20251817134