Making clinical sense of 3-dimensional metrology software programs

Area of Science:

• Dental Technology
• Metrology
• Manufacturing Quality Control

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) metrology software is increasingly used in dentistry for data analysis.
• Ensuring clinical significance of data from 3D scanners is a growing concern.
• Common software programs require careful data interpretation for prosthodontic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a rationale for interpreting 3D metrology software data in dentistry.
• To review requirements for trueness, precision, and tolerance in metrology.
• To identify the most effective method for determining clinical significance in prosthodontic studies.

Main Methods:

• Review of data from a commonly used 3D metrology software program.
• Analysis of statistical approaches, including arithmetic average and root mean square (RMS).
• Contact with Oqton Tech Support regarding Geomagic software.

Main Results:

• Arithmetic average and RMS do not indicate the amount or direction of deviation.
• Statistical methods can confirm deviation but lack specific directional and magnitude information.
• The 3D color map is identified as the most efficacious method for clinical significance.

Conclusions:

• Standard statistical measures like RMS are insufficient for detailed deviation analysis in prosthodontics.
• The 3D color map provides a superior method for assessing clinical significance of 3D metrology data.
• Effective interpretation of 3D metrology data is crucial for quality decisions in dentistry.