Thus far, the findings of numerous studies conducted on the accuracy of three-dimensional
(3D) printed dental models are conflicting. Therefore, the aim of the network meta-analysis
(NMA) is to determine the accuracy of 3D printed dental models compared with digital
reference models.Studies comparing the accuracy of 3D printed full-arch dental models
manufactured using different printing techniques to initial STL files were included.This
study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021285863). An electronic search was performed
across four databases in November 2021, and search was restricted to the English language.A
systematic search was conducted based on a prespecified search query. 16,303 articles
were pooled after the removal of the duplicates. Following study selection and data
extraction, 11 eligible studies were included in the NMA in 6 subgroups. The outcomes
were specified as trueness and precision and expressed as root mean square (RMS) and
absolute mean deviation values. Seven printing technologies were analyzed: stereolithography
(SLA), digital light processing (DLP), fused deposition modeling/fused filament fabrication
(FDM/FFF), MultiJet, PolyJet, continuous liquid interface production (CLIP), and LCD
technology. The QUADAS-2 and GRADE were used to evaluate the risk of bias and certainty
of evidence.SLA, DLP, and PolyJet technologies were the most accurate in producing
precise full-arch dental models.The findings of the NMA suggest that SLA, DLP, and
PolyJet technologies are sufficiently accurate for full-arch dental model production
for prosthodontic purposes. In contrast, FDM/FFF, CLIP, and LCD technologies are less
suitable for manufacturing dental devices.
