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Updated: Jul 2, 2025
Precision of In Vivo Quantitative Tooth Wear Measurement Using Intra-Oral Scans
Published on: July 12, 2022
Different Methods of Scan Alignment in Erosive Tooth Wear Measurements: An In Vitro Study
Nikolaos Loumprinis1, Stavroula Michou2, Christos Rahiotis1
1School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Background:
Model alignment in cases of erosive tooth wear can be challenging, and no method has been reported to outweigh the others.
Methods:
Extracted human teeth were mounted on two models and scanned at different times, from 1 h to 2 weeks, with an intraoral scanner (3Shape TRIOS 4) before and after immersion in Monster® energy drink and tap water. The scans were superimposed (3Shape TRIOS Patient Monitoring, Version 2.2.3.3, 3Shape A/S, Copengagen, Denmark). Best fit, best-fit tooth comparison, reference best fit using fillings, and palatal rugae as reference points were used for alignment. Surface profile differences were calculated in a cross-section view. The nonparametric Bland-Altman and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used.
Results:
First, statistically significant differences were marked after 4 days of immersion. The measurements obtained after 2 weeks of immersion were statistically significantly different from the measurements obtained at the different time points until 1 week. No statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among the alignment methods at any time.
Conclusion:
In comparison to the best-fit model, both palatal rugae and fillings can be used. The best-fit tooth comparison method is a reliable option; however, it should be used with caution in cases of major surface loss.
