The validity, reliability, and time requirement of study model analysis using cone-beam computed tomography-generated...

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Radiology

Background:

• Orthodontic study model analysis (SMA) is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Conventional plaster models are the traditional standard for SMA.
• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers a digital alternative for creating dental models (Anatomodels).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the validity, reliability, and time efficiency of CBCT-generated Anatomodels for SMA.
• To compare Anatomodels with conventional plaster models and extracted premolars.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 30 patient records with plaster models and CBCT scans.
• Inclusion of 22 extracted premolars from 11 patients.
• Five evaluators assessed inter-rater reliability; one evaluator assessed intrarater reliability and validity.
• Agreement measured by ICC; differences analyzed using t-tests and ANOVA.

Main Results:

• Excellent intrarater reliability across all modalities.
• Moderate to excellent inter-rater reliability.
• Poor to moderate validity for Anatomodels compared to conventional methods.
• SMA on Anatomodels took twice as long as on plaster models.

Conclusions:

• CBCT-generated study models demonstrate good reliability for SMA.
• The validity of Anatomodels for SMA is questionable.
• Performing SMA on Anatomodels is less time-efficient than using plaster models.