OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of a three-dimensional (3D) digital scanning method in determining the accuracy of the wear performance parameters of resin-based composites (RBCs) determined using a two-dimensional (2D) analogue methodology following in-vitro testing in an Academisch Centrum for Tandheelkunde Amsterdam (ACTA) wear machine.

METHODS: Specimens compatible with the compartments of the ACTA wear machine specimen wheel (n=10) were prepared from one commercial and four experimental RBCs. The RBC specimens were rotated against an antagonist wheel in a food-like slurry for 220,000 wear cycles. The mean wear depth was measured using the traditionally employed 2D and compared with the 3D profilometric (digital) techniques. Data were submitted to analyses of variance, Tukey's post hoc tests and Independent Samples Student's t-tests (where appropriate) at p<0.05.

RESULTS: The RBC rank achieved for mean wear depth calculations were similar whether the 2D or 3D techniques were employed. However, the mean wear depth values obtained from the 3D digital technique were significantly increased for two of the five RBC materials compared with the 2D methodology. The total volumetric wear data provided an assessment of the potential of the experimental RBC formulations for clinical usage.

CONCLUSION: The 3D technique allowed for the assessment of mean maximum wear depth and mean total volumetric wear which enables tribological analyses of the wear facet and therefore the wear mechanisms operative. Employing the 2D profile technique ranks RBC materials in terms of in-vitro wear performance.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Confidence in the wear volume measurements can only be achieved if the wear facet is analysed with sufficient resolution using a 3D digital measurement technique. However, the employment of 2D profilers is useful when screening potential new RBC formulations for the restoration of posterior dentition.