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Published on: May 30, 2019
A Comparative Analysis of Plaster Model Preparation and Intraoral 3D Scanning Techniques in Orthodontic Dental Arch
1Department of Orthodontics, Cranial-Facial Growth and Development Center, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatolog & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory for Digital Stomatology & Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Computerized Dentistry Ministry of Health & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, 22 Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, PR China.
Background:
Orthodontic treatment relies on accurate dental arch models for diagnosis and treatment planning. Traditional plaster model preparation, though widely used, is associated with potential inaccuracies, patient discomfort, and inefficiency.
Aims:
This study aimed to compare the accuracy, time consumption, and patient comfort between conventional plaster model preparation and intraoral 3D scanning for orthodontic dental arch modeling.
Materials And Methods:
This comparative study included 60 participants. Each underwent both plaster model fabrication and intraoral 3D scanning. Model accuracy was evaluated using 3D root-mean-square error after registration. The time required for each method and patient comfort levels (rated as comfortable, generally comfortable, or uncomfortable) were recorded and statistically analyzed.
Results:
The accuracy of intraoral 3D scanning (0.050 ± 0.001 mm) was not significantly different from that of plaster models (0.050 ± 0.011 mm) (P = 0.406). However, intraoral scanning was significantly faster (8.297 ± 0.554 min vs. 20.240 ± 1.516 min, P < 0.001) and resulted in significantly higher patient comfort (P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Intraoral 3D scanning technology demonstrates comparable accuracy to traditional plaster modeling while offering substantial advantages in operational efficiency and patient comfort, positioning it as a superior standard for dental arch modeling in orthodontics.
