Evaluation of the Reliability of Facial Models Digitalized with Different Imaging Methods in Cleft Lip and Palate

ObjectiveTo compare the reliability of different digitizing methods not only among themselves but also with direct measurements from facial plaster models of unoperated cleft babies.DesignSingle-center retrospective study.SettingThe study consisted facial models of babies with unilateral (UCLP, n = 65) and bilateral (BCLP, n = 65) cleft lip and palate from the archives of the Department of Orthodontics, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey. Those models were digitized using Medit i600, iTero Element 2 (Align Technology), and E3 3Shape scanning devices. A digital caliper with a 0.03 precision (INSIZE Digital Caliper) was used for manual measurements on plaster models. 3Shape Ortho Analyzer software was used for digital measurements.ResultsAll scanning methods were reliable and compatible with a rate of 90% or more compared to manual measurements. The E3 3Shape device showed the lowest deviations (UCLP, between 0.04 and 0.11 mm; BCLP, between 0.04 and 0.25 mm) from manual measurements. In the UCLP group, Medit i600 presented the highest deviation (0.15-0.58 mm) whereas Itero Element 2 showed the highest deviation in the BCLP group (0.16-0.46 mm). Although there were statistically significant differences in the deviations of digital measurements, the values were still within clinically acceptable limits.ConclusionIntraoral scanners were less reliable in topographic measurements, especially in cases with increased depth. Although the highest compatible results were found with E3 3Shape model scanner, iTero Element 2 and Medit i600 were promising and advisable for digitizing and archiving the plaster models of babies with cleft lip and palate.