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Assessing the Validity and Reliability of Tooth Widths and Bolton Ratios Obtained from Digital Models and Plaster
A Anand Kumar1, M G Ananthakrishnan2, Sathesh Kumar1
1Department of Orthodontics, JKK Nattraja Dental College and Hospitals, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India.
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences
|September 16, 2022
Summary
Plaster dental models offer superior accuracy for measuring tooth widths and Bolton ratios compared to digital models. However, digital models provide excellent reliability and reproducibility for these measurements.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Orthodontic diagnostics
- Digital dentistry
Background:
- Accurate tooth width and Bolton ratio measurements are crucial for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Traditional methods rely on plaster models, while digital dentistry offers intraoral scanning as an alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the validity and reliability of tooth width and Bolton ratio measurements from digital models versus traditional plaster models.
- To evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of measurements obtained using intraoral scanners and conventional impression materials.
Main Methods:
- Collected impressions (alginate, polyvinyl siloxane) from 40 subjects to create plaster models (Groups I & II).
- Obtained digital models (Group III) via intraoral scanning (Trios Pod 3shape).
- Measured tooth widths and Bolton ratios using Aerospace Vernier calipers (plaster) and OrthoAnalyzer software (digital).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in validity were found, with plaster models demonstrating higher accuracy for tooth widths and Bolton ratios.
- Reliability coefficients were excellent for digital models, indicating superior reproducibility of measurements.
- Vernier calipers and OrthoAnalyzer software showed significant accuracy differences.
Conclusions:
- Plaster models remain the more accurate method for measuring tooth widths and Bolton ratios.
- Digital models excel in measurement reproducibility, offering high reliability in orthodontic diagnostics.
