Deep learning-designed implant-supported posterior crowns: Assessing time efficiency, tooth morphology, emergence profile, occlusion, and proximal contacts

Objectives: To compare the outcomes of implant support crowns (ISCs) designed using deep learning (DL) software with those of ISCs designed by a technician using conventional computer-aided design software. Methods: Twenty resin-based partially edentulous casts (maxillary and mandibular) used for fabricating ISCs were evaluated retrospectively. ISCs were designed using a DL-based method with no modification of the as-generated outcome (DB), a DL-based method with further optimization by a dental technician (DM), and a conventional computer-aided design method by a technician (NC). Time efficiency, crown contour, occlusal table area, cusp angle, cusp height, emergence profile angle, occlusal contacts, and proximal contacts were compared among groups. Depending on the distribution of measured data, various statistical methods were used for comparative analyses with a significance level of 0.05. Results: ISCs in the DB group showed a significantly higher efficiency than those in the DM and NC groups (P≤0.001). ISCs in the DM group exhibited significantly smaller volume deviations than those in the DB group when superimposed on ISCs in the NC group (DB–NC vs. DM–NC pairs, P≤0.008). Except for the number and intensity of occlusal contacts (P≤0.004), ISCs in the DB and DM groups had occlusal table areas, cusp angles, cusp heights, proximal contact intensities, and emergence profile angles similar to those in the NC group (P≥0.157). Conclusions: A DL-based method can be beneficial for designing posterior ISCs in terms of time efficiency, occlusal table area, cusp angle, cusp height, proximal contact, and emergence profile, similar to the conventional human-based method. Clinical Significance: A deep learning-based design method can achieve clinically acceptable functional properties of posterior ISCs. However, further optimization by a technician could improve specific outcomes, such as the crown contour or emergence profile angle.