Öz
Objective: Nowadays, with the rapid advancement of technology, the rapid integration of innovations into education is provided. One of these innovations is three-dimensional (3D) printers. Realistic anatomical tooth models are needed in preclinical dental training. However, due to the cost of dental models, the models provided for dental education are usually insufficient in number. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the teeth produced with inexpensive 3D printers are suitable for preclinical education.
Material and Methods: Pink wax models of maxillary premolar and molar teeth suitable for dental anatomy were prepared to be used in pre-clinical training. These models were digitally scanned and 3D images (StereoLithography (STL files) were obtained in the computer system. These images were transformed into plastic dental models with the help of 3D printers. The difference between the pink wax models and the models obtained from the 3D printer was examined by measuring some anatomical points and evaluated with the Dependent Sampling Test in SPSS 22.0.
Results: Considering the similarities in the measurements of the crown, root dimensions, mesio-distal, and buccal-palatal diameters of the tooth models, there was no statistically significant difference between the models (p ≥0.05).
Conclusion: In this study, it was seen that the models obtained from the 3D printer reflect the models prepared from pink wax.