Superimposition of 3D maxillary digital models using open-source software.

Murilo Augusto Anacleto,Bernardo Quiroga Souki

doi:10.1590/2177-6709.24.2.081-091.bbo

Murilo Augusto Anacleto, Bernardo Quiroga Souki

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/2177-6709.24.2.081-091.bbo

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Abstract

Historically, whether for research purposes or clinical monitoring, orthodontic evaluation of dental movements has been done using plaster study models and two dimensional (2D) radiographs. However, new frontiers for the diagnosis, planning and outcome assessment of orthodontic treatments have arisen, due to the revolutionary digital tools which enable a three dimensional (3D) computerized analysis of dental movements by means of digital models. However, the software for 3D analysis are often costly, resulting in limited access to orthodontists. The present study aims to describe, through a clinical case presented to the Brazilian Board of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, a method for the superimposition of maxillary digital models using an open-source software to evaluate dental movements.

Highlights

Excellence in Orthodontics depends on the careful diagnosis and evaluation of treatment results
Models and its measurements should be obtained at different time-points, and compared, in order to assess and to quantify changes associated with the orthodontic treatment
Current methods for assessing dentofacial changes along the orthodontic treatment are based on the comparison of photographs taken at different time-points, superposition of cephalograms, and direct measurements of plaster models

Summary

Introduction

Excellence in Orthodontics depends on the careful diagnosis and evaluation of treatment results. Models and its measurements should be obtained at different time-points, and compared, in order to assess and to quantify changes associated with the orthodontic treatment. Current methods for assessing dentofacial changes along the orthodontic treatment are based on the comparison of photographs taken at different time-points, superposition of cephalograms, and direct measurements of plaster models. The most commonly used method for assessing tooth movement is the superimposition of serial cephalometric radiographs. There are some limitations and disadvantages of two-dimensional (2D) radiographic methods, such as exposition of the patient to ionizing radiation, the overlapping of bilateral anatomical structures, the magnification of the images, impairing the identification of reference landmarks and tracing errors.[1,2].

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