Predicted and final tooth position assessment following indirect bonding planned by a digital system

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Digital Dentistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Orthodontic digital systems aim to predict final tooth positions.
• Evaluating the accuracy of these predictions is crucial for treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the agreement between predicted and achieved tooth positions using a digital orthodontic system.
• To quantify discrepancies in linear and angular measurements between digital setups and treated outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Digital models of predicted and treated groups (n=23, Class I malocclusion) were analyzed.
• Superimposition and construction of referential planes for linear and angular measurements.
• Bland-Altman analysis and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to assess agreement and correlation.

Main Results:

• The treated group showed larger linear measurements (arch perimeter, depth, widths) compared to the predicted group.
• Statistical differences were observed in 7/14 maxillary and 6/14 mandibular angular measurements.
• Discrepancies in angular measurements ranged from -8.91º to 1.91º (maxilla) and -3.53° to 9.59° (mandible).

Conclusions:

• The digital system's predictions showed agreement within acceptable clinical limits for most parameters.
• While some inaccuracies exist, they generally do not compromise clinical outcomes or treatment quality.
• The study highlights the need for continued refinement of digital orthodontic planning tools.