Holograms in orthodontics: A universal system for the production, development, and illumination of holograms for the storage and analysis of dental casts

Abstract

It is well known that working with plaster study models has a great amount of disadvantages. Many studies have been carried out to eliminate these problems seeking substitutes or alternate working techniques. A small number of research teams have developed some holographic based systems applied to orthodontics. The purpose of this report is to provide clinicians with a universal holographic system that does not require prior technical knowledge of holographic science. An easy-to-use technique is presented in a user-friendly environment by including an automatic developer. The holograms obtained permit three dimensional model analysis, superimpositions, and storage. The system has been evaluated by comparing canine distance and maxillary depth measurements (center of midpalatine raphe to maxillary canine) obtained from models and their corresponding holograms. A statistically based study on the repetition of means was carried out. The precision obtained from hologram measurements falls between 0.05 and 0.2 mm. Depth measurements from holograms produce larger values than those made on models. This is due to the fact that the wavelength of the holograms is different than the one used on the laser source. The differences are clinically insignificant. Dental casts made of plaster are commonly used to aid orthodontic diagnostics. They are easy to make, give precise information for clinical purposes, and the material is very inexpensive. They do, however, present several disadvantages: The casts are heavy and fragile, and they require a lot of storage space.