The impact of digitization and conventional techniques on the fit of fixed partial dentures FPDs: systematic review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose of the study The goal behind this study is to answer the question “In tooth-supported fixed partial dentures (FPDs), does the digital impression techniques compared to fabrications using conventional impression methods improve the marginal and internal fit? Background The incorporation of digital technology in the fabrication of fixed partial dentures (FPDs) has accelerated over the past decade. This study is directed at evaluating the marginal and internal fit of FPDs manufactured using digital approaches compared to conventional techniques. The need for updated data has encouraged this review. Materials and methods An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Grey Database to identify relevant studies. The Modified Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) was used to assess the risk of bias in in vitro experiments. The key results of this meta-analysis were the standard mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of each main variance, marginal fit, and internal fit between the digital and conventional techniques. Additional analyses were performed to assess the significance of three subgroup parameters: method of digitalization, cement spacer thickness, and span length, and their influence on the fit of the FPDs. Results Based on predefined criteria, of the seven articles included in this systematic review, only five were selected for the quantitative data analysis. The marginal fit results were (P = 0.06; SMD: -1.88; 95% CI: − 3.88, 0.11) (P > 0.05) and the internal fit results were (P = 0.02; SMD: -0.80; 95% CI: − 1.49, − 0.10) (P