The effect of the presence of brackets on the reliability of measurements made on three-dimensional digital models

Abstract

Objectives: Digital model scans are frequently used today at the beginning and intermediate stages of orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of orthodontic brackets on linear measurements made on three-dimensional digital models. Material and Methods: Dental models were obtained from 40 patients before orthodontic treatment and in the first treatment session. Dental plaster models were converted into digital models using the 3Shape R700 (3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark) model scanner. Intraoral scans were created with the Shape Trios3 (3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark) intraoral scanner. Digital models were transferred to the Orthoanalyzer program (3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark), and linear measurements were made. Results: There was no significant difference in the measurements made in intraoral scans scanned with and without brackets. No significant difference was observed in the measurements made on model scans with and without brackets (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Digital scanner systems, which are increasingly used with developing technology, provide safe and effective results even in the presence of brackets.