Surface Texture, Tooth Material, and Scanning Humidity may influence Precision of Intraoral Scans: Study
In a recent in-vitro study, researchers found that the accuracy of intraoral scans is significantly influenced by the surface texture of the tooth, the type of tooth substrate (or restorative material), and the ambient humidity present during scanning.
The investigation evaluated different substrate conditions—including natural enamel, zirconia, lithium disilicate and nanoceramic resin—as well as varying degrees of surface wetness, and found that both the material and the humidity conditions independently affected scanning trueness and precision. What this really means is that when teeth or restorations have rougher surfaces, or when the environment is more humid, digital intraoral scanners may produce less reliable data.
The authors also observed that certain materials performed better under controlled (dry or low-humidity) conditions than others. For example, lithium disilicate showed superior scanning performance under higher wetness compared with nanoceramic resin, pointing to the fact that the optical and reflective properties of restorative substrates matter. The study emphasizes that surface texture—not just the bulk material—can alter how light is captured and stitched by the scanner software. In addition, the presence of increased humidity or surface moisture appears to degrade scan accuracy, likely by affecting the optical path, introducing reflections or scattering, and altering how the device stitches sequential images.
What this means clinically is that when using digital intraoral scans—whether for prosthetics, orthodontics or implant workflows—practitioners should be aware that factors beyond operator skill and scanner technology matter. To improve scan quality, drying the tooth surfaces before scanning, minimising ambient humidity, and ensuring smooth or polished surfaces (or selecting materials compatible with scanning) may help. Future research will be needed to establish standardized thresholds and protocols for scan-friendly materials and conditions, but the evidence supports paying attention to substrate and environment for better digital outcomes.
