Digital Dental Models Research Articles

Design and manufacture of dental-supported surgical guide for genioplasty

Background/purposeGenioplasty were used widely to correct chin deformities. The purpose of this study was to design and manufacture a dental-supported surgical guide for genioplasty surgery and assess for surgical accuracy. Materials and methodseleven patients with chin deformities were treated in this study. The computed tomography (CT) data of the patient's skull and the digital dental models of stone dental models were acquired preoperatively. For each patient, a virtual three-dimensional (3D) model of the skull was constructed and enhanced with digital dental models. A surgical simulation was then performed using computer-aided surgical simulation (CASS) technology based on clinical examination and 3D cephalometry. The surgery was simulated preoperatively which allowed the design of a cutting guide and a dental-supported repositioning guide for genioplasty, which was then 3D-printed and used during operation after disinfection. After surgery, the outcome was evaluated by superimposing the postoperative CT model onto the preoperative model, recording the linear and angular deviation of landmarks and plane, then measuring the differences between the planned and actual outcomes. ResultsThe osteotomy and repositioning were successfully performed as planned using surgical guides. No inferior alveolar nerve damage was seen in this study. The dental-supported surgical guide showed excellent accuracy, with the largest differences between the planned and the postoperative chin segment being 0.9 mm and 3.2°. ConclusionThe dental-supported surgical guide designed preoperatively provided a reliable method of transfer genioplasty planning. This can assist surgeons in accurately performing osteotomy and repositioning bone segments during a genioplasty.

A user-friendly method for constructing realistic dental model based on two-dimensional/three-dimensional registration

PurposeThis paper aims to obtain a texture dental model with real images and improve the rendering effect of the dental model.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes a semiautomatic method to construct a realistic dental model with real images based on two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) registration. First, a 3D digital dental model and three intraoral images are obtained by a 3D scanner and digital single-lens reflex camera. Second, the camera projection poses for every intraoral images are calculated by using the single-objective optimization algorithm. Third, with camera poses, the preliminary projection texture mapping is performed; besides, the seam between two textures is marked. Finally, the marked regions are fused based on the image pyramid to eliminate obvious seams.FindingsThe paper provides a method to construct a realistic dental model. The method can map three intraoral images to the dental model. The experimental results show that the textured dental model without obvious distortion, dislocation and seams is constructed with simple interactions.Originality/valueThe proposed method can be applied to the digital smile design system to improve the communication efficiency between doctors, patients and technicians.

Extraction and non-extraction cases treated with clear aligners

Clear aligner (CA) treatment achieves therapeutic goals through digital dental models and tooth movement planning. In recent years, with the increasingly wider clinical application of CA, orthodontists are frequently faced with the important choice of tooth extraction or non-extraction in treatment planning. This article addresses the approaches of providing spaces, the importance and criteria of choosing extraction or non-extraction plans, and the strategy of using digital treatment simulation.

An accurate and efficient method for occlusal tooth wear assessment using 3D digital dental models

Tooth or material wear in a dentition is a common finding that requires timely diagnosis for management and prevention of further loss or associated esthetic or functional impairment. Various qualitative and quantitative methods have been suggested to measure tooth or material wear, but they present with limitations, such as imprecision, subjectivity, or high complexity. Here we developed and assessed an efficient 3D superimposition method to accurately measure occlusal tooth wear on 3D digital dental models. For this purpose, teeth on plaster casts were manually grinded on their occlusal surfaces to simulate various degrees of tooth wear. The casts were scanned using a surface scanner. Grinded tooth crowns (T1) were segmented and compared to the original crowns (T0) using five 3D surface superimposition techniques and a gold standard technique (GS). GS measurements were obtained by using intact adjacent structures as superimposition references. The technique of choice (complete crown with 30% estimated overlap of meshes) showed the best reproducibility (maximum difference < 0.050 mm3) and excellent agreement with the GS technique (median difference: 0.032 mm3). The suggested 3D superimposition method offers a highly efficient and accurate tool for tooth wear assessment, which could be applicable to clinical conditions.

Registration of digital dental models and cone-beam computed tomography images using 3-dimensional planning software: Comparison of the accuracy according to scanning methods and software

The registration of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and digital dental models is required for the design and manufacturing of dental devices such as implant guides and surgical wafers. This study aims to register intraoral scan (IS) models and cast scan (CS) models onto CBCT images using 3-dimensional (3D) planning software and evaluate the registration accuracy according to scanning methods and 3D planning software. The CBCT image of an artificial skull model with reference markers was taken. The CS model and the IS model were obtained from the same skull model, registered onto the CBCT image using 3D planning software packages providing manual registration (MR) function and point-based registration (PR) functions, and set as the experimental groups. After registration, shell to shell deviations and positional differences between the reference model and the experimental models were evaluated. The shell to shell deviations ranged from 0.03 to 0.18mm. Deviations in both the maxilla and mandible were significantly different according to scanning methods and software packages. In the anteroposterior direction, the IS-MR and CS-MR groups showed significantly different positions. In the superoinferior direction, the MR and PR groups showed significantly different positions. The registration using the PR function of the 3D planning software packages was significantly more accurate than the registration using the MR function. There was no significant difference between the registrations using the IS model and the CS model when using the PR functions.

An automatic approach to establish clinically desired final dental occlusion for one-piece maxillary orthognathic surgery.

One critical step in routine orthognathic surgery is to reestablish a desired final dental occlusion. Traditionally, the final occlusion is established by hand articulating stone dental models. To date, there are still no effective solutions to establish the final occlusion in computer-aided surgical simulation. In this study, we consider the most common one-piece maxillary orthognathic surgery and propose a three-stage approach to digitally and automatically establish the desired final dental occlusion. The process includes three stages: (1) extraction of points of interest and teeth landmarks from a pair of upper and lower dental models; (2) establishment of Midline-Canine-Molar (M-C-M) relationship following the clinical criteria on these three regions; and (3) fine alignment of upper and lower teeth with maximum contacts without breaking the established M-C-M relationship. Our method has been quantitatively and qualitatively validated using 18 pairs of dental models. Qualitatively, experienced orthodontists assess the algorithm-articulated and hand-articulated occlusions while being blind to the methods used. They agreed that occlusion results of the two methods are equally good. Quantitatively, we measure and compare the distances between selected landmarks on upper and lower teeth for both algorithm-articulated and hand-articulated occlusions. The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the algorithm-articulated and hand-articulated occlusions. The proposed three-stage automatic dental articulation method is able to articulate the digital dental model to the clinically desired final occlusion accurately and efficiently. It allows doctors to completely eliminate the use of stone dental models in the future.

Assessment of the Stability of the Palatal Rugae in a 3D-3D Superimposition Technique Following Slow Maxillary Expansion (SME)

The Palatal Rugae are considered a useful human identification marker for both orthodontists and forensic personnel. The principal aim of the present study was to evaluate the stability of palatal rugae with a 3D-3D superimposition procedure following Slow Maxillary Expansion (SME), in order to assess whether they kept their uniqueness and validity for human identification, even after a specific dental treatment. For this purpose, a sample of 27 digital dental models - belonging to growing patients (13 males and 14 females), aged between 8.5 and 15 years, who underwent SME therapy - was retrospectively studied and compared with a control group of 27 untreated subjects - (13 males and 14 females). Digital dental models were obtained pre-treatment and at device removal; both were processed by means of an intraoral scanner. A superimposition procedure was thus performed to reach the minimum point-to-point distance between two models of palatal rugae. Intra- and inter-observer differences were statistically analyzed by paired Wilcoxon test and Intra-class Correlation coefficient (ICC), showing values larger than 0.93. There was no difference in Root-Mean-Square (RMS) values between untreated control subjects and subjects treated with Leaf Expander (p = 0.062). A RMS value of 0.43 was the threshold to distinguish the pooled group (“Untreated” and “Leaf”) from any mismatch. According to the obtained results, this study failed to reject the null hypothesis and presented no differences between the RMS values of the Test group and the RMS values of the untreated control group. This work highlighted the usefulness of 3D superimposition procedure for purposes of human identification, in subjects undergoing dental treatment. However, keeping in sight the forensic use of this technique as a helpful probation element in court, further studies should be performed to confirm these findings.

Maxillary expander with differential opening vs Hyrax expander: A randomized clinical trial

The aim of this 2-arm parallel trial was to compare the dentoskeletal effects of the expander with differential opening (EDO) and the Hyrax expander in the mixed dentition. Patients aged 7-11years with maxillary dental arch constriction and Class I or Class II sagittal relationships were randomly allocated into 2 study groups. The experimental group comprised 22 patients (10 males, 12 females) with a mean age of 8.46years treated with the EDO. The comparison group was composed of 24 patients (6 males, 18 females), mean age of 8.92years treated with the conventional Hyrax expander. One complete turn per day for 6days was performed for the posterior screw of the EDO and for the Hyrax expander. The anterior screw of the EDO was activated 1 complete turn per day for 10days. The primary outcomes were the anterior opening of the midpalatal suture, changes on the interincisal diastema width, maxillary dental arch widths, arch perimeter, arch length, palatal depth, inclination of maxillary posterior teeth and on dental arch shape, and the amount of differential expansion in the anterior region compared with the posterior region of the maxillary dental arch. Computer-generated randomization was used. Allocation was concealed with sequentially, numbered, sealed, and opaque envelopes. Blinding was applicable for outcome assessment only. Occlusal radiographs of the maxilla were obtained at the end of the active expansion phase (T2). Intraoral photographs were obtained immediately pre-expansion (T1) and at T2. Digital dental models were obtained at T1 and 6months after the active expansion period (T3). Intergroup comparisons of T1-T2 changes were performed using multiple linear regression analysis (P<0.05). The independent variables were both treatment and the starting forms. Bonferroni correction for multiple tests was applied. The experimental group showed a significantly greater opening of the anterior region of the midpalatal suture, a greater increase of the interincisal diastema width, and greater increases of the intercanine distance and inter-first deciduous molar distance than the Hyrax expander. The experimental group showed a significant differential expansion between the anterior and posterior regions, whereas the Hyrax group produced a similar expansion in the canine and molar regions. Serious harm was not observed. The EDO was capable of promoting greater orthopedic and dental changes in the anterior region of the maxilla than the conventional Hyrax expander. Similarity between the 2 expanders was observed for changes in the posterior region width, arch perimeter, arch length, palatal depth, and posterior teeth inclination.

Adolescent dental arch development among Southern Chinese in Hong Kong: a geometric morphometric approach

This study aimed to investigate changes in types of dental arch form during adolescence and explore adolescent changes in size and form of dental arch. Hong Kong Chinese were recruited and digital dental arch models were obtained at ages 12, 15, and 18 years. Geometric morphometrics was used to investigate adolescent changes of dental arch form. There were 225 participants from whom digital models at all three age periods were available. Three types of dental arch form were identified through clustering. Significant changes (p < 0.001) in types of dental arch form were noted during age 12–18 years. During age 12–18 years, significant changes in centroid size and form of dental arch were observed (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed during 15–18 years. Adolescent changes of dental arch form occur primarily during age 12–15 years, whereas dental arch form was relatively stable during age 15–18 years.

Accuracy of digital dental models using the low-cost DAVID laser scanner.

Accurate laser scanning of plaster casts using validated, low-cost hardware represents a key issue in 3D orthodontics. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of measurements taken from plaster casts (gold standard) with digital models of those casts created with a low-cost structural light DAVID laser scanner. Five different measurements were taken on each of 14 plaster casts by 2 independent observers with an electronic caliper. The measurements were repeated 10 times on all 14 plaster casts by each observer, with a 1-week interval between each set of measurements. All 14 plaster casts were digitized using a low-cost DAVID SLS 3 laser scanner. The same 5 measurements were performed on each of the 3D virtual surface models of the 14 plaster casts by 2 independent observers using Meshlab software in a manner similar to that used with the digital caliper. The measurements were repeated 10 times by the 2 observers with 1 week between each set of measurements. The laser-scanned models were more accurate than the plaster cast models in defining measurements based on simple tooth fissures. The accuracy of measurements based on complex tooth fissures were equivalent for the 2 types of model. For measurements based on interproximal dental contacts, the 2 methods of measurement were similar and both were notably poor in terms of accuracy. Three-dimensional virtual models obtained from the low-cost DAVID laser scanner can be used clinically, but only for certain types of measurements and indications.

Assessment of techniques used for superimposition of maxillary and mandibular 3D surface models to evaluate tooth movement: a systematic review.

Superimposition of three-dimensional (3D) digital models offers great opportunities to assess tooth movement during time. In the literature, several superimposition techniques are described. To summarize and critically assess the available evidence from studies on serial digital 3D dental model superimposition. MEDLINE via Ovid and PubMed, EMBASE via Ovid, Cochrane Register of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies, and Google Scholar were searched with no time limit (last update: December 2018). Hand and unpublished literature searches were also performed. Studies of any design that had a sample size ≥5 and tested superimposition of serial 3D digital dental models to assess tooth movement were included. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by the authors. Twelve studies met the eligibility criteria. The total risk of bias (QUADAS-2 tool) of 10 studies was high, whereas only 2 studies had unclear bias. Ten studies had high and two studies low overall applicability concerns. From these, one study tested the mandibular alveolar bone area, three studies the rugae area, nine studies a larger palatal area, and two studies the incisive papilla area. The high heterogeneity in samples, outcomes, and methods did not allow for synthesis of a considerable amount of studies in any case. The high heterogeneity among studies and the limited evidence did not allow for solid conclusions. The following areas of the maxilla could provide reliable outcomes: (1) the medial two-thirds of the third rugae and the area 5 mm dorsal to them and (2) an area including all rugae, with the lateral margins located at least 5 mm from the gingival margins and a distal margin that does not extend beyond the first molars. No recommendation is possible for other regions of the mouth. There is an urgent need for further research in the field. PROSPERO (CRD42019124365).

Comparison of linear and angular changes assessed in digital dental models and cone-beam computed tomography.

To compare the three-dimensional (3D) linear displacements and the mesiodistal and buccolingual angulation changes after orthodontic treatment in digital dental models (DDMs) and 3D models derived from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Digital dental model and CBCT scans were selected from 24 adults who had undergone orthodontic treatment for mandibular anterior crowding. 3D linear displacements and changes in angular measurements (mesiodistal and buccolingual angulation) were assessed in pre- and post-treatment DDM and CBCT images using the software ITK-snap and 3D SlicerCMF. Intra- and inter-rater agreement of measurements in DDM and CBCT were tested using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). DDM and CBCT measurements were compared using the Wilcoxon test (P<.05), ICC and Bland-Altman plots. Intra- and inter-rater agreement varied from good (ICC>0.75) to excellent (ICC>0.90) for both DDM and CBCT measurements. Although no significant difference between DDM and CBCT methods was observed for linear measurements of tooth movement, the angular assessments were different for most measurements. The agreement between measurements from both assessments varied from poor to excellent. Longitudinal assessments of tooth movements including 3D linear displacements and mesiodistal and buccolingual angulation are reproducible when using both DDM and CBCT. Changes in angular measurements due to orthodontic treatment are discordant when measured in the digital models (clinical crown) and in the CBCT images (whole tooth).

Virtual setup in orthodontics: planning and evaluation

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical accuracy of virtual orthodontic setups by using a new CBCT-based approach.Materials and methodsTen patients who underwent pre-surgical orthodontics were included in this study. Pre-treatment and pre-surgical cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans and digital dental models were available. The pre-treatment digital dental model was used to create an orthodontic virtual setup. The digital dental models were fused with the corresponding CBCT scans, and the two CBCT scans were aligned using voxel-based matching. Moving each individual tooth from the virtual setup to the final outcome allows the calculation of the accuracy of the virtual setup by using an iterative closest point algorithm. Differences between virtual setup and final outcome were recorded as well as the ICC between two observers.ResultsThe inter-observer variability showed a high level of agreement between the observers. The largest mean difference between observers was found in the cranial/caudal direction (0.36 ± 0.30 mm) and the roll rotation (1.54 ± 0.98°). Differences between the virtual setup and final outcome were small in the translational direction (0.45 ± 0.48 mm). Rotational mean differences were larger with the pitch of the incisors (0.00 ± 7.97°) and molars (0.01 ± 10.26°) as largest difference. Excessive extrusion of all upper teeth and more anterior movement than planned were seen for both upper and lower arch. Lower molars showed less extrusion.Clinical relevanceThe data of this study can be used to obtain more insight in the accuracy and achievability of orthodontic virtual setup. Tooth movement can now be studied in more details which can lead to new insights.

Accuracy of Dental Monitoring 3D digital dental models using photograph and video mode

This study aimed to test the accuracy of the 3-dimensional (3D) digital dental models generated by the Dental Monitoring (DM) smartphone application in both photograph and video modes over successive DM examinations in comparison with 3D digital dental models generated by the iTero Element intraoral scanner. Ten typodonts with setups of class I malocclusion and comparable severity of anterior crowding were used in the study. iTero Element scans along with DM examination in photograph and video modes were performed before tooth movement and after each set of 10 Invisalign aligners for each typodont. Stereolithography (STL) files generated from the DM examinations in photograph and video modes were superimposed with the STL files from the iTero scans using GOM Inspect software to determine the accuracy of both photograph and video modes of DM technology. No clinically significant differences, according to the American Board of Orthodontics-determined standards, were found. Mean global deviations for the maxillary arch ranged from 0.00149 to 0.02756mm in photograph mode and from 0.0148 to 0.0256mm in video mode. Mean global deviations for the mandibular arch ranged from 0.0164 to 0.0275mm in photograph mode and from 0.0150 to 0.0264mm in video mode. Statistically significant differences were found between the 3D models generated by the iTero and the DM application in photograph and video modes over successive DM examinations. 3D digital dental models generated by the DM smartphone application in photograph and video modes are accurate enough to be used for clinical applications.

Evaluation of palatal support tissues for placement of orthodontic mini-implants in mouth breathers with high-narrow palates versus nose breathers with normal palates: a retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to compare the palatal total support tissues (TSTs) and bone support tissues (BSTs) at 5-mm paramedian section to the midsagittal suture between mouth breathers with high-narrow palates and nose breathers with normal palates and confirm the practicability and limitation on superimposition of lateral cephalograms and plaster models for orthodontic mini-implant (OMI) implantation in these patients. The sample consisted of 27 mouth breathers with high-narrow palates (study group (SG)) and 27 nose breathers with normal palates (control group (CG)). Upper digital dental models were superimposed with corresponding cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images; then, TSTs and BSTs vertical to the curvature of the palatal mucosa were measured on the 5-mm paramedian section to the midsagittal suture. The measuring sites were the third ruga (R) and the sites anterior and posterior to R at 2-mm interval (A2, A4, A6, and A8; P2, P4, P6, and P8) along the palatal mucosa outline. TSTs and BSTs were also measured on the superimposition of lateral cephalograms and plaster models, and the site with the largest TST value in each patient was recorded. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t test, and hierarchical clustering heat map were used for statistical analysis. The greatest average values of TSTs and BSTs in SG were 12.24 ± 2.63mm and 9.59 ± 2.36mm at P2 site, and those in CG were 12.96 ± 2.39mm and 10.56 ± 2.38mm at R site, respectively. The average values of both TSTs and BSTs in SG were less than those in CG at all insertion sites. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found at A4, A6, and R for TSTs and at R and P4 for BSTs. P2 and R were clustered together for both TSTs and BSTs by the cluster analysis on heat map in both SG and CG. In both groups, only one patient from SG was found to have the insertion site with the largest TST value on 2D superimposition located in the blue area on the heat map, where the measurement values of TSTs were less than 8.5mm and those of BSTs were less than 5mm. Mouth breathers with high-narrow palates may have less palatal support tissues than nose breathers with normal palates at 5-mm paramedian section to the midsagittal suture of palate. The site a little posterior to R is more suitable for OMI implantation in mouth breathers. Two-dimensional superimposition of lateral cephalograms and plaster models can provide relatively effective assessment for the site choice of OMI implantation in both mouth breathers with high-narrow palates and nose breathers with normal palates. Three-dimensional superimposition of CBCT data and digital dental model can provide accurate information for palatal OMI implantation. Meanwhile, 2D superimposition of lateral cephalograms and plaster models can be used for assessing the implantation sites at 5-mm paramedian section to the midsagittal suture of palates in mouth breathers under most conditions even those who have less palatal support tissues.

Dental crown symmetry in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients: A three‐dimensional analysis on digital dental models

The purpose of this study was to conduct a 3-dimensional assessment of possible dental crown asymmetry in dental crown shape and/or size that was not clinically visible in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) patients on the maxilla and mandible and make a comparison to the control group without CLP. The maxillary and mandibular digital models of orthodontically treated 35 individuals with non-syndromic UCLP (mean age: 14.6±2.1years) and 35 class I individuals without CLP (mean age 14.1±1.5years). The crowns of the anterior and posterior teeth were segmented and the teeth on the cleft side were mirrored in UCLP patients considering the arbitrary midsagittal plane as reference. The first alignment was landmark-based and it was followed by the best-fit method. After aligning the images, millimetric differences (deviation analysis) between aligned surfaces were analysed. Independent Samples t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical comparisons. The highest difference between the cleft side and non-cleft side in the UCLP group was observed in the central incisors (1.85±0.79mm). The mean difference between the groups in the central incisors was 1.20mm (95% CI: -1.70; -0.69; P<0.001). The mean of median values was found to be highest in the central incisors in the UCLP group as 0.72±0.27mm. It was 0.15±0.05mm in the control group. The difference between the cleft and non-cleft side may exceed 1mm in the maxillary central incisors of unilateral CLP patients.

Algorithm for the boundary detection of dental crowns for 3D dental model segmentation

This paper presents the segmentation algorithm on the 3D digital dental model for separating individual dental crown using fuzzy multi criteria analysis and Visualization Toolkit (VTK). The aim is to apply the algorithm in the 3D aligner development software package. The digital dental model is produced by 3D scanner in STL format and dental crown contour is calculated based two control points defined by user. Fussy multi criteria analysis with pairwise comparison of the mesh points aims to select a points subset that define the boundary between the dental crown and the jawbone. VTK provides ease of use computer graphics algorithms and visualisation tools. The result has shown that the proposed approach can successfully separate dental crown on the 3D digital dental model.

A review on the accuracy assessment methods of 3-dimensional digital dental models

A review on the accuracy assessment methods of 3-dimensional digital dental models

Influence of the three-dimensional printing technique and printing layer thickness on model accuracy.

The accuracies of three-dimensional (3D) printed dental models using various digital light processing (DLP) and stereolithography (SLA) printers at different thicknesses were compared. Based on digital dental models (originally digitized using R700; 3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark), physical dental models were printed using three types of DLP printers:(1) EvoDent (UnionTec, Shanghai, China) with layer thicknesses of 50 μm and 100 μm; (2) EncaDent (Encashape, WuXi, China) with layer thicknesses of 20, 30, 50 and 100 μm; (3) Vida HD (Envisioned, Dearborn, MI, USA) with layer thicknesses of 50 and 100 μm. Models with the SLA printer Form2 (Formlabs, Somerville, MA, USA) were printed with layer thicknesses of 25, 50 and 100 μm. All 22 printed models were converted to digital dental models using aD2000 model scanner (3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark) and compared three-dimensionally to the source files using Geomagic Qualify 12.0 (3D Systems, Rock Hill, SC, USA). The printing accuracy of all printers was higher at 50 μm. When the layer thickness was set at 100 μm, the printing speed and printing accuracy of DLP printer were both superior to those of the SLA printer. In all groups, the EvoDent 50 μm group had the highest consistency with the source files (mean absolute deviation of 0.0233 mm in the maxilla and 0.0301 mm in the mandible). While the accuracy of Form 2 100 μm group was the lowest (mean absolute deviation of 0.0511 mm in the maxilla and 0.0570 mm in the mandible). For the 3D printers studied, 50 μm was the optimum layer thickness for DLP technology, and the printing accuracy using SLA technology increased with decreasing layer thickness. The DLP technology also had higher printing accuracy at alayer thickness of 100 μm. EvoDent 50 μm had the highest and Form 2 100 μm the lowest printing accuracy.

Photogrammetry as an alternative for acquiring digital dental models: A proof of concept

Photogrammetry is a mathematical technique that generates three-dimensional coordinates of specific points identified from multiple images of the same object obtained at different angles. This technique may be a low-cost alternative for traditional scanning. The objective of this proof of concept was to evaluate the accuracy and precision in obtaining digital models (DM) from a plaster model (PM) using photogrammetry. Five DM were generated from 50 photographs taken surrounding the PM. The photographs were taken by a single operator on five consecutive days using natural light. The images obtained were processed on 3DF Zephyr Free software. The height and width of all teeth were recorded on both PM and DM, as well as the distance between the canine cusps (C–C) and between the mesiobuccal cusps of the first molars (1 M–1 M). For the PM the measurements were taken with a digital caliper, whereas the DM was measured using the software Blender. The DM and PM measurements presented a limit of agreement between −0.433 and 0.611 mm. The accuracy of DM measurements showed a SD of ±0.171 mm and a repeatability coefficient of 0.474. In the superimposition of all DM, it was possible to notice a greater discrepancy in the posterior region of the arch and palate, but this difference decreased when the region was segmented. It can be concluded that photogrammetry appears to be a viable technique for the digitization of dental models. Further studies need to be performed to evaluate its clinical application.