Efficiency and Accuracy of Three-Dimensional Models Versus Dental Casts: A Clinical Study

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Dental Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Traditional orthodontic diagnostics rely on plaster models.
• Digital impression techniques offer potential advantages in efficiency and accuracy.
• Evaluating new technologies against established methods is crucial for clinical adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the diagnostic accuracy of digital versus plaster dental models.
• To assess the time efficiency of digital versus plaster model analysis.
• To evaluate the utility of three-dimensional (3D) models for orthodontic analyses.

Main Methods:

• 30 subjects requiring orthodontic appliances underwent both digital intra-oral scanning and conventional alginate impressions.
• Plaster models were fabricated from conventional impressions; digital models were created from scans.
• Measurements for Bolton and space analyses were performed manually on plaster models and digitally using 3Shape OrthoAnalyzer software.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in measurement values were observed between digital and plaster models.
• The total time required for performing orthodontic analyses was significantly shorter using digital models (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Three-dimensional digital models provide accurate data for Bolton and space analyses, comparable to traditional plaster models.
• Digital dental models significantly reduce the time needed for orthodontic analysis, enhancing clinical workflow efficiency.