Gingival displacement with polytetrafluoroethylene tape for intraoral scanning: A descriptive pilot case series

Objective: To evaluate the clinical performance of a proposed technique using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape for gingival displacement in digital prosthodontics, and its ability to enable effective intraoral scanning without removal. Methods: Twenty teeth with subgingival margins were treated using 0.076 mm PTFE tape, inserted circumferentially into the sulcus, and retained during scanning. Displacement and scan quality were assessed through seven parameters: finish line visibility, PTFE indentation, gingival artifacts, epigingival contour, sulcular expansion, tissue trauma, and scan reproducibility. Two independent prosthodontists used a standardized 5-point Likert scale for scoring. Inter-examiner reliability was evaluated with Cohen's kappa and Gwet's AC1. Results: Finish lines were fully visible in 90% of scans, while complete epigingival contour capture was obtained in 80%. Sulcular expansion of at least 0.2 mm was achieved in 90% of teeth. All scans were free from gingival artifacts, and PTFE indentations indicated consistent tissue compression. No bleeding or lacerations were observed, with 90% of sites rated as atraumatic. Inter-examiner agreement was high across all parameters, with Cohen's κ ranging from 0.89 to 1.00 and Gwet's AC1 between 0.92 and 1.00, confirming robust reproducibility of the evaluations. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that PTFE tape may provide a well-tolerated and reproducible method for gingival displacement during intraoral scanning. Clinical significance: PTFE tape may represent a feasible and effective option for gingival displacement during intraoral scanning. It was well tolerated and allowed clinically acceptable margin visibility without removal.