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The development of an image processing model to estimate tooth width and space requirements
Rebecca Toner1, Moses Eribo1, Bahman Honari1
1School of Dental Science, Dublin Dental University Hospital, University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Journal of Dentistry
|January 6, 2026
Summary
An artificial intelligence (AI) tool was developed to accurately measure tooth width and dental crowding. The AI demonstrated high reliability, comparable to human orthodontists, in analyzing dental models for treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry
- Orthodontic Treatment Planning
- Digital Imaging and Analysis
Background:
- Machine and deep learning offer potential for enhanced accuracy in clinical image interpretation.
- Deep learning is increasingly integrated into orthodontics for treatment planning.
- Accurate measurement of dental parameters is crucial for effective orthodontic intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an AI-based tool for measuring tooth width and dental crowding.
- To assess the reliability and accuracy of the AI tool in comparison to human measurements.
Main Methods:
- Stereolithography (STL) files were generated from 245 patients' plaster study models.
- An AI tool was trained using these STL files to calculate mesiodistal tooth widths.
- The AI tool's measurements were compared against those of five human orthodontic clinicians using a test dataset of 12 models.
Main Results:
- High inter-rater reliability was observed among human clinicians (Intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] 0.911–0.946).
- The AI tool showed excellent agreement with manual measurements (ICC = 0.956).
- The mean absolute difference between AI and human measurements was minimal (0.4 mm).
Conclusions:
- The developed AI tool reliably calculates mesiodistal tooth widths in untreated dental arches.
- This AI tool shows significant potential for improving efficiency and accuracy in orthodontic diagnostics.
- Future development will incorporate additional parameters like arch leveling for comprehensive space requirement calculation.
