Accuracy, adaptation and margin quality of monolithic zirconia crowns fabricated by 3D printing versus subtractive manufacturing technique: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies

Objective The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the accuracy (trueness and precision), marginal and internal adaptation, and margin quality of zirconia crowns made by additive manufacturing compared to subtractive manufacturing technology. Methods The investigation adhered to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for systematic reviews and was registered at the Prospero database (n°CRD42023452927). Four electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science and manual search was conducted to find relevant studies published until September 2023. In vitro studies that assessed the trueness and precision, marginal and internal adaptation, and margin quality of printed crowns compared to milled ones were included. Studies on crowns over implants, pontics, temporary restorations, laminates, or exclusively experimental materials were excluded. Results A total of 9 studies were included in the descriptive reporting and 7 for meta-analysis. The global meta-analysis of the trueness (P<0.74,I2=90%) and the margin quality (P<0.61,I2=0%) indicated no significant difference between the root mean square of printed and milled zirconia crowns. The subgroup analysis for the printing system showed a significant effect (P<0.01). The meta-analysis of the crown areas indicated no significant difference in most of the areas, except for the marginal (favoring milled crowns) and axial (favoring printed crowns) areas. For precision and adaptation, both methods showed a clinically acceptable level. Conclusions Additive manufacturing technology produces crowns with trueness and margin quality comparable to subtractive manufacturing. Both techniques have demonstrated the ability to produce crowns with precision levels, internal discrepancy, and marginal fit within clinically acceptable limits. Clinical significance s3D printing emerges as a promising and potentially applicable alternative method for manufacturing zirconia crowns, as it shows trueness and margin quality comparable to restorations produced by the subtractive method.