From Physical to Digital: A Comparative Analysis of Dental Measurements
Abstract
(1) Background: Modern orthodontics increasingly embraces digital technologies to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. Three-dimensional (3D) digital models created from intraoral scans are one of these innovations that present a strong substitute for conventional plaster models. Through a direct comparison of linear measures taken from digital and traditional plaster models, this study seeks to assess the accuracy and dependability of digital dental models as a diagnostic tool.
(2) Method: For each type of model, measurements were taken on all teeth from the first molar to the first molar in both the maxilla and mandible, and three primary parameters—mesiodistal width (MD), buccolingual width (BL), and cervico-incisal height (CI)—were measured on the clinical crowns of individual teeth. In total, 20 sets of models were made, 10 sets of plaster models and 10 sets of digital models. Plaster models were made from alginate impressions, and the digital models were generated using an iTero intraoral scanner.
(3) Results: Statistical analysis demonstrated no significant differences in linear measurements between plaster and digital models, indicating a high degree of agreement. Minor discrepancies were observed but deemed clinically insignificant.
(4) Conclusion: Digital dental models demonstrate comparable accuracy to traditional plaster models for linear measurements, supporting their reliability as a diagnostic tool in orthodontics. This finding suggests the potential for digital models to replace plaster models, offering a more efficient and patient-friendly approach without compromising diagnostic accuracy.
(5) Keyword : dental study model; digital study model; intraoral scanner; tooth measurements
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