Two‐Dimensional Accuracy of Provisional Laminate Veneers Designed Using Two Digital Smile Design Platforms and Fabricated by Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the two-dimensional (2D) accuracy of provisional laminate veneer restorations designed using two digital smile design platforms and fabricated through additive and subtractive manufacturing techniques within a standardized digital workflow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 25 participants for whom provisional laminate veneer restorations were digitally designed for the maxillary anterior region using two digital smile design platforms. Each digital design was subsequently fabricated using two manufacturing methods, additive manufacturing (stereolithography-based printing) and subtractive manufacturing (milling), resulting in a total of 600 restorations. Standardized clinical photography protocols, including consistent camera positioning, fixed shooting distances, controlled lighting conditions, standardized patient positioning, and intraoral scanning protocols, were applied for data acquisition. Linear measurements were obtained from virtual designs and corresponding fabricated restorations. Measurement reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate dimensional deviations and the effects of the software platform and fabrication method (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were identified between virtual designs and fabricated restorations; however, the magnitude of these deviations remained small. The manufacturing method demonstrated a greater influence on dimensional discrepancies than the digital smile design software platform. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two software platforms when standardized digital workflow conditions were applied. Measurement reliability analysis revealed high intraclass correlation coefficients. CONCLUSIONS: The fabrication method significantly influenced the 2D accuracy of provisional laminate veneer restorations, with additively manufactured restorations demonstrating smaller deviations in linear measurements compared to milled restorations. No significant difference was observed between the digital smile design software platforms.