International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences (ISSN 2226-9614)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
VOLUME 29(23) (2026)
Trueness and Precision of Milled versus 3D-Printed Hybrid Crowns: A Narrative Review of Digital Manufacturing Accuracy
Mohamed Hussein Mohamed Hussein, Soha Osama Nabih, Amr El-Etreby
Fixed Prosthodontics Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract
The integration of digital technologies into fixed prosthodontics has facilitated the widespread adoption of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems for crown fabrication. Among emerging approaches, additive manufacturing has gained increasing attention as a potential alternative to conventional subtractive milling, particularly when combined with hybrid restorative materials. Nevertheless, the comparative accuracy of these manufacturing techniques remains inconclusive. This narrative review evaluates the current evidence on the trueness and precision of crowns fabricated from hybrid materials using both milling and three-dimensional printing. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies related to CAD/CAM workflows, additive manufacturing (3D printing), subtractive techniques (milling), hybrid materials, and accuracy assessment parameters, including trueness and precision. Current evidence reports that digital workflows have enhanced the predictability and reproducibility of fixed prosthodontic restorations, with both techniques producing crowns within clinically acceptable accuracy ranges. Most studies report higher trueness in milled restorations, while additive manufacturing demonstrates greater precision and reproducibility; however, these findings are not consistent across all investigations and do not necessarily translate into superior clinical performance. The relationship between manufacturing technique and accuracy remains complex, particularly in hybrid materials, whose unique structure may influence fabrication outcomes. Interpretation of existing findings is further limited by methodological variability and the lack of standardized evaluation protocols. Within these limitations, both manufacturing techniques can be considered clinically reliable for hybrid crown fabrication. Therefore, the choice of technique should be guided by a comprehensive assessment of accuracy, material characteristics, and workflow considerations rather than reliance on a single parameter. Future research should emphasize standardized methodologies and well-designed clinical studies to better clarify the clinical relevance of observed differences.
Keywords: CAD/CAM; 3D printing; milling; hybrid materials; trueness; precision; dental crowns
Full length article *Corresponding Author, e-mail: mohusseindr@gmail.com, Doi # https://doi.org/10.62877/19-IJCBS-26-29-23-19
Submitted: 28-04-2026; Accepted: 27-05-2026; Published: 28-05-2026