Accuracy of measurements made on digital and study models (A comparative study)

Abstract

Background: Dental study models are a cornerstone in the armamentarium used byorthodontists to both classify malocclusion and formulate treatment plans. Recenttechnological advances have allowed the generation of digital dental models thatcan be saved, digitized, measured with software tools, viewed threedimensionally,and retrieved with a computer. Prearrangement with CadentCompany of USA performed this service.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to test the accuracy of digitalmeasurements made on digital models made by OrthoCAD system and compare itwith manual measurements made on study models by the use of vernier caliper.Methods: Twenty students (8 males and 12 females) with normal Class I occlusionwere selected from 175 students aged 16-25 years with certain criteria. Doubleimpressions for each dental arch were taken to each student with the biteregistration. The impressions were immediately poured with stone and with thecollaboration of Cadent Company (Fairview, NJ, USA), twenty sets of stonemodels were sent with the bite registrations to them for digital processing and theother twenty stone models remain for manual measurements. Such an arrangementis for the first time in collaboration with an American institute. Tooth size, archwidths, arch length, space available, and the space required were done on bothdigital and study models.Results: This study revealed statistically non–significant differences with high strongcorrelation between the two methods of measurements.Conclusions: Digital models are an accurate, efficient, and easy to use alternative tostone models. With the current technology and future applications, digital modelshave potential to advance the practice of orthodontics, with the advantage ofreducing the time necessary for measurements. OrthoCAD could revolutionize theway in which study models are utilized, stored, viewed, and managed