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Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Measuring the Complete-arch Distortion of an Optical Dental Impression
Published on: May 30, 2019
A Narrative Review on Non-Invasive Diagnostic Tools for the Analysis of Dental Arches in Orofacial Cleft Patients
Paula Karine Jorge1, Eloá Cristina Passucci Ambrosio1, Maria Aparecida de Andrade Moreira Machado1
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Public Health, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Alameda Dr. Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla 9-75, Bauru 17012-901, SP, Brazil.
Background:
It is necessary to analyze and monitor the facial growth of orofacial cleft patients. The documentation should therefore begin before and after primary surgeries. Technological evolution has transformed plaster models into 3D images through scanners that allow rational storage, manipulation, and rotation without the possibility of breakage or damage. Based on this fact, this narrative review aims to provide a feature on the three-dimensional tools available for the assessment of dental arches in children with orofacial cleft and mixed dentition.
Material And Methods:
Three databases were chosen (PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus) and keywords were used to select papers.
Results:
During the database screening, 292 potentially relevant papers were found. After removing duplicates, titles, and abstracts, 32 papers presented qualifications for analysis. Through evaluating each document by reading it one by one, 24 papers fulfilled the eligibility criteria.
Conclusions:
It was concluded that digital tools-i.e., benchtop scanners which evaluate the dental arches of children with cleft lip, palate, and mixed dentition-are reproducible and reliable, without the use of ionizing radiation, allow storage, manipulation with sustainability, and help preserve the environment.
